Workplace Safeguarding & SEAH Risk Specialist (Garment Supply Chains)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Consultancy: Workplace Safeguarding & SEAH Risk Specialist (Garment Supply Chains)

Type: Technical Consultant

Location: Global

Duration: Until April 2027

Reporting to: WPE Global Practice Lead

1. Background

IRC is advancing safeguarding beyond compliance toward functional, survivor-centered systems within garment supply chains. This initiative focuses on strengthening PSEAH systems, improving reporting and response, and linking factories with trusted Women-Led Organizations (WLOs) for quality survivor care.

The consultancy operates at the intersection of private sector safeguarding, ethical trade, and GBV response, addressing systemic risks driven by labor dynamics, gender inequality, subcontracting, and weak worker voice.

1. Objective

Provide technical leadership to

• Strengthen functional PSEAH systems in factories
• Ensure survivor-centered reporting and response mechanisms
• Establish ethical referral pathways with WLOs
• Influence behaviors, incentives, and accountability structures across supply chains
• Adapt humanitarian GBV approaches to private sector contexts

1. Scope of Work

A. Factory Safeguarding Systems
Conduct GBVH/PSEAH risk assessments (power dynamics, labor structures, retaliation risks)
Develop and operationalize policies, SOPs, and reporting mechanisms
Embed safeguarding into HR, grievance, and compliance systems
Strengthen accessible, confidential, and worker-trusted reporting channels
Support transition from policy → practice → accountability
B. Survivor Response & WLO Partnerships
Map and partner with WLOs and GBV service providers
Establish confidential, survivor-centered referral pathways
Formalize partnerships (MOUs)
Strengthen WLO capacity (case management, ethical data, consent, safety planning)
Ensure access to psychosocial, medical, and legal support
C. Systems Change & Capacity Strengthening
Drive organizational and behavioral change within factories
Address structural barriers (production pressure, retaliation, underreporting)
Design and deliver training for management, workers, and partners
Provide ongoing coaching to institutionalize safeguarding practices
D. Coordination & Standards Alignment
Engage brands, suppliers, and relevant stakeholders
Align systems with key frameworks (UNGPs, OECD, ILO C190, ETI, SA8000)
Ensure integration of survivor-centered safeguarding standards
E. Monitoring, Learning & Reporting
Develop and track safeguarding indicators (prevention, reporting, response)
Ensure ethical data management and confidentiality
Document learning and produce progress reports and scale-up recommendations

1. Deliverables

• GBVH/PSEAH risk assessments
• Safeguarding policies, SOPs, and tools
• Functional reporting and grievance mechanisms
• Operational WLO referral systems
• Training materials and delivery
• Learning and progress reports
• Supply-chain safeguarding roadmap

1. Reporting & Coordination

• Reports to: WPE Global Practice Lead / ESG & Safeguarding Lead
• Works with: Supply chain teams, factories, WLOs
• Coordinates with: Brands, governments, relevant stakeholders

1. Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (Gender, Human Rights, Labor, etc.)
• Postgraduate qualification desirable
• Backgrounds may include humanitarian, labor rights, ethical trade, ESG, or safeguarding

1. Experience

• 8–12+ years in safeguarding, GBV, labor rights, or related fields
• Experience in private sector supply chains or ethical trade systems
• Proven ability to design reporting and response mechanisms
• Experience partnering with WLOs/GBV service providers
• Demonstrated systems change and institutional strengthening

1. Technical Competencies

• Expertise in PSEAH and survivor-centered approaches
• Strong understanding of GBVH risks in supply chains
• Ability to bridge factory systems and community-based services
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement, systems design, and facilitation
• Familiarity with global frameworks (UNGPs, ILO, OECD, etc.)
• High ethical standards and professional judgment

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.