Save the Children International
Save the Children International is a leading global humanitarian organization that has been protecting children’s rights worldwide for over 100 years. We operate in more than 100 countries, responding to emergencies, implementing innovative development programs, and advocating for children’s rights on a global scale.
Our work in Ukraine began in 2014. Since then, we have significantly expanded our presence, providing support to children and families affected by war. Our key areas of focus include education, child protection, food security, social support, and advocacy to drive lasting change in children’s lives.
ROLE PURPOSE:
The Risk & Compliance and Safeguarding Coordinator (hereafter referred to as “the Coordinator”) will play a critical role in building and strengthening risk management and safeguarding capacities primarily across SCI’s partner organizations, and additionally within the Ukraine Operational Hub (UOH), South Area Office (SAO), and East Area Office (EAO). The position focuses on supporting partners to develop robust risk management frameworks, improve internal controls, and embed safeguarding practices throughout their operations. This includes conducting comprehensive partner risk assessments, co-developing risk mitigation plans, and providing advisory and training to enhance compliance with SCI policies, donor requirements, and Ukrainian legal standards.
The Coordinator will also lead initiatives to strengthen safeguarding systems among partners and SCI’s staff, ensuring that safeguarding principles are integrated into program design and delivery and serve as safeguarding focal point for Area Offices. Approximately 30% of the role will be dedicated to safeguarding expertise—proactively reducing risks, responding effectively to concerns, and promoting a child-centred approach in all interventions.
Regular travel to partner offices and SCI Area Offices (at least 50% of work time) is expected to monitor risk management practices, conduct spot checks, and provide hands-on support. The role also requires active participation in Area Office Award Review Meetings, offering practical and timely advice on risk, compliance, and safeguarding. The Coordinator will work cross-functionally in a fast-paced humanitarian context, fostering a culture of accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement among SCI teams and partners
KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:
1. Strengthen Risk, Compliance, and Safeguarding Capacity
- Lead initiatives to build and enhance risk management and safeguarding capacity among partner organizations and SCI staff in Area Offices.
- Orient partners and new staff on SCI’s Risk Framework, Safeguarding Framework, policies, standards, and tools, ensuring understanding of key risks and mitigation measures.
- Design and deliver capacity-building plans for partner organizations based on identified risk and safeguarding gaps.
- Facilitate safeguarding and risk management sessions during project kick-off meetings and partner onboarding.
- Promote awareness among partners and SCI’s staff of relevant laws, SCI policies, donor requirements, and humanitarian standards through meetings, digital platforms, and other communication channels.
- Track and report on the impact of capacity-strengthening activities in reducing risks and compliance violations.
- Conduct scheduled and unannounced monitoring visits to partner organizations to assess compliance with SCI’s policies, procedures, and donor requirements. Document findings, identify gaps, and provide actionable recommendations to ensure adherence to standards and mitigate risks.
2. Partner Risk Assessments and Risk Management Planning
- Support partner assessments using SCI’s Partner Assessment Tool, identifying risk management and safeguarding gaps and developing mitigation plans.
- Provide technical support to partners in creating risk registers and monitoring risks throughout project implementation.
- Ensure safeguarding considerations are integrated into program design and delivery, including in child-focused spaces and digital learning initiatives.
- Work closely with Area Offices and partners to escalate high-risk issues and ensure timely resolution.
3. Internal Controls and Governance
- Support implementation of audit and investigation recommendations with partner organisations, ensuring timely follow-up and documentation.
- Support the implementation of area office action plans and any corrective actions identified during reviews or audits.
4. Advisory and Technical Support
- Stay abreast of relevant Ukrainian legal changes, updates to policies and procedures, changes in donor requirements and changes to the humanitarian context and standards – especially what affects our work with partner organisations.
- Provide high-quality advisory services to partners and assigned Area Offices on risk management, compliance, and safeguarding, ensuring alignment with SCI policies, donor requirements, and Ukrainian legal standards.
- Share best practices and develop practical solutions to address emerging risks and safeguarding challenges among SCI’s partners.
- Develop and deliver timely, data-driven reports and advisories to Area Office leadership regarding issues, risks, and compliance concerns related to partner organizations. Ensure reports include actionable recommendations to support informed decision-making and effective delivery of programmes.
5. Incident Reporting, Response, and Investigations
- Collaborate with other functions (e.g. Awards & Partnerships, MEAL, HR) to ensure partners, communities and SCI staff are aware of the standards of integrity we hold ourselves to and the reporting mechanisms they can use to report any incidents of violations.
- Work closely with MEAL and partner organisations to develop (or strengthen) effective and context-appropriate reporting mechanisms, especially for children and communities we serve.
- Advise on identifying reportable incidents, guide users through the submission process, and ensure proper escalation of concerns in line with organizational policies and compliance standards.
- Provide independent reporting of incidents on DATIX (especially when partners or staff are uncomfortable to report directly).
- Support safeguarding and fraud investigations in accordance with SCI investigation frameworks. Ensure investigation tasks are completed on time. Ensure that case information is kept confidential and documentation filed on secure & centralised platform.
BEHAVIOURS (Values in Practice)
Accountability
- Takes personal responsibility for decisions, effective use of resources, high-quality results, and acting in alignment with Save the Children values.
- Supports colleagues and partners to take ownership of their responsibilities by providing guidance, opportunities for development, and constructive feedback.
- Addresses underperformance proactively and fairly, ensuring accountability for outcomes.
Ambition
- Sets clear, ambitious goals for themselves and contributes to a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
- Actively promotes and communicates the vision of Save the Children to inspire, motivate and engage others.
- Thinks creatively and strategically to drive progress and long-term impact for children.
Collaboration
- Builds positive, trusting, and inclusive relationships with staff, partners, and stakeholders.
- Values diversity and different perspectives as strengths that enhance the organization’s collective impact.
- Demonstrates strong communication skills, showing empathy, openness, and willingness to support others.
Creativity
- Proactively seeks and encourages innovative, practical solutions to improve effectiveness and staff experience.
- Confident in proposing new ideas and taking responsible, well-considered risks to enhance results.
Integrity
- Acts with honesty, fairness and professionalism in all interactions.
- Promotes an environment of transparency, trust, and mutual respect, upholding the highest ethical standards.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
Education
- At minimum, Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies, Development and/or Humanitarian Studies, Criminal Justice, Accounting, Law, or other fields relevant to the role.
Essential
- 2-3 years of relevant experience.
- An unquestionably high level of integrity and ethics. Commitment to Save the Children values.
- Able to challenge decisions based on an independent assessment of control environment.
- Experience of working effectively, independently, and with minimal supervision. Strong personal organisational, self-management skills with the ability to take initiative and to meet tight deadlines.
- Strong relationship builder with a proven track record in forming strong partnerships and utilising collaborative approaches.
- Excellent communication skills. Fluent in written and spoken English and Ukrainian
- Ability to coordinate and work in teams and motivate others.
- Highly developed cultural awareness and ability to work well with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
- Available to travel frequently to SCI Ukraine offices, partner offices and project locations (at least 50% of work time).
- Computer fluency; highly competent using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and able to learn how to use new applications quickly.
Desirable
- Experience within an NGO or similar other organisation working with vulnerable communities and children.
- Humanitarian and/or development programming experience.
- Experience in fraud and safeguarding awareness management.
- Knowledge of the local control and legal framework affecting humanitarian operations in Ukraine.
Additional job responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience.
Equal Opportunities
The role holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with the SCI Equal Opportunities and Diversity policies and procedures.
Save the Children is committed to create a truly inclusive, effective and representative organisational culture, encouraging equity and diversity among its employees and eliminating discrimination. Having a diverse profile of employees, different age groups, backgrounds, cultures, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientation etc., including a range of different experiences and capabilities helps us understand, represent and serve children better. Therefore, all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, or age.
Child Safeguarding Policy:
We are committed to ensuring children’s safety. Our recruitment process includes strict background checks and reflects our commitment to protecting children from harm.
Safeguarding our Staff:
The post holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with the SCI Safeguarding, Code of Conduct and other policies.
Health and Safety:
The role holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with SCI Health and Safety policies and procedures.
Application Information:
If you are interested in this position, please submit your CV and cover letter in English and include details of your salary expectation and English proficiency**.**
We need to keep children and their families safe, so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the safeguarding of children from abuse.
Disclaimer:
Please be cautious of individuals who may misuse the Save the Children name to solicit fees from job seekers. We do not engage third parties or agencies to recruit candidates. If someone contacts you promising recruitment or placement at Save the Children for a fee, please do not proceed.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Save the Children does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
How to apply
Risk & Compliance and Safeguarding Coordinator (Ukraine Nationals Only) – SCI Career Site Careers