Consultant to Develop Safeguarding Guidelines for Emergencies At Oxfam

Consultant to Develop Guidelines on Implementing Safeguarding During Humanitarian Actions in MENA Region

1. Background and Context

The humanitarian sector in the MENA region faces unique challenges due to ongoing conflicts, displacement, and humanitarian crises. Safeguarding is a critical issue that ensures the protection of vulnerable populations, from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH) as well as all types of child abuse.
Oxfam In MENA seeks a consultant to develop a comprehensive set of guidelines for implementing safeguarding

practices across humanitarian actions in the MENA region. These guidelines will ensure that all interventions comply with international standards including CAPSEAH, PSEA 6 core principles and KCS standards, One Oxfam Core Standards, local regulations, and best practices for safeguarding.

2. Objectives

The primary objectives of this consultancy are to:
A. Run a base-line assessment on the existing safeguarding practices, guidelines, and capacities in MENA region.
B. Develop clear and actionable safeguarding guidelines tailored for humanitarian operations in the MENA region.
C. Provide context-specific recommendations for safeguarding at all stages of the humanitarian program cycle (e.g., needs assessment, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation) that are aligned with the Oxfam global standards.
D. Ensure alignment with international safeguarding frameworks (e.g., UN Standards, Sphere Standards, Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) guidelines, CRC and other regional frameworks).
E. suggest monitor and evaluation indicators to ensure these safeguarding guidelines effectively.
F. Provide recommendation on budgeting for SG activities.
G. Suggest simplified Safeguarding responsibilities for the response teams including CMT and CD.

3. Scope of Work

The consultant will undertake the following tasks:
A. Assessment and Scoping:
▪ Conduct a desk review of existing safeguarding frameworks, guidelines, and policies in the MENA region.
▪ Review humanitarian operations in MENA to identify gaps and challenges in safeguarding practices.
▪ Consult with key stakeholders Oxfam technical team (Gender, GHT, Protection, Safeguarding leads in MENA as well as Key Oxfam partners.
▪ Remotely/ virtually consult with youth and adults within the community.

B. Development of Guidelines:
▪ Develop a set of guidelines that outline practical measures for safeguarding across humanitarian interventions. That can be used as reference for leadership and safeguarding teams.
▪ Address key safeguarding issues such as protection of sexual Harassment, exploitation and abuse (PSEAH), child abuse, accountability, and inclusion of marginalized groups.
▪ Provide actionable recommendations for integrating safeguarding principles into program design, implementation, and monitoring processes.
▪ Ensure the guidelines are culturally sensitive and regionally relevant, considering the unique challenges of the MENA region.
▪ Plan a meeting to present the first draft to key Oxfam stakeholder for verification before finalization.

C. Final Report:

▪ Based on Oxfam’s feedback on the first draft of the guidelines, prepare a final report documenting the development of the guidelines, the consultation process, and any recommendations for further improvement or research.
▪ Include a framework for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of safeguarding practices in future humanitarian actions.

4. Deliverables

The consultant will deliver the following:
A. Inception Report: A report outlining the methodology, work plan, and timeline for the consultancy.
B. Draft Safeguarding Guidelines: A comprehensive draft of the safeguarding guidelines tailored for the MENA region. Consider aspects of accessibility of the document, visual designs.
C. Final Safeguarding Guidelines Document: The final version of the safeguarding guidelines incorporating feedback from stakeholders.

5. Timeline and financial payment

The consultancy will be completed within a period of 30 working days, considering the deadline to submit the guideline is second week of March 2025. Please Click Here to review the main milestones with payment information.

6. Qualifications required.

– At least 5-7 years of experience in safeguarding, child protection, or related fields, preferably within the humanitarian sector.
– Regional Expertise: Strong understanding of the MENA region, including cultural, political, and socio-economic contexts.
– Technical Skills: Demonstrated expertise in developing guidelines, policies, and training materials on safeguarding and protection issues.
– Experienced in identifying and mitigating safeguarding specific to humanitarian contexts.
– Languages: Fluency in Arabic and English is required.
The consultant is expected to adhere to the highest ethical standards throughout the consultancy. This includes ensuring confidentiality of sensitive information, respect for cultural diversity, and promoting a safe and respectful working environment for all stakeholders. Consultant will be asked to sign Safeguarding Polices and Oxfam Code of Conduct.
Candidates should expect to be checked through the Misconduct Scheme, by applying to this consultancy you consent on this.

7. Evaluation Criteria

– Technical proposal 70%.
– Financial proposal 30%.