Introduction

In the critical and often chaotic environments of humanitarian response, Safeguarding and Protection in Humanitarian Settings is not merely a policy consideration but a fundamental imperative. It encompasses all measures taken by organizations to prevent harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation to affected populations and staff, particularly the most vulnerable. This includes robust mechanisms to address sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA), child safeguarding, and protection against all forms of violence and discrimination. Operating in contexts where power imbalances are acute and communities are highly vulnerable to exploitation, a proactive and unwavering commitment to safeguarding and protection ensures that aid is delivered ethically, safely, and in a manner that upholds the dignity and rights of those it seeks to serve. Without these critical frameworks and practices, humanitarian efforts risk causing unintended harm, eroding trust, and compromising the very essence of their mission. This essential training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Safeguarding and Protection in Humanitarian Settings.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to empower humanitarian aid workers, program managers, field staff, M&E specialists, and all personnel operating in crisis contexts with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to embed safeguarding and protection throughout their operations. Participants will gain a deep understanding of safeguarding principles, explore various forms of harm and exploitation, learn about developing robust reporting and response mechanisms, and acquire skills in designing and implementing safe programs. The course will delve into topics such as Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), child safeguarding, survivor-centered approaches, ethical conduct, risk assessment, community-based complaint mechanisms, and fostering a culture of accountability and safety. By mastering the principles and practical application of Safeguarding and Protection in Humanitarian Settings, participants will be prepared to ensure their interventions are not only effective but also inherently safe, respectful, and responsive to the needs of the most vulnerable populations.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Humanitarian Aid Workers and Field Staff
• Program Managers and Coordinators in emergency settings
• Protection Officers and Specialists
• Child Protection Specialists
• Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Responders
• Human Resources Personnel in humanitarian organizations
• Safeguarding Focal Points
• Senior Management and Leadership
• Community Engagement Specialists
• Anyone involved in planning, implementing, or monitoring humanitarian programs.

Objectives

• Understand the core concepts of safeguarding and protection in humanitarian contexts.
• Learn about various forms of harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including PSEA.
• Acquire skills in identifying and assessing safeguarding risks in programs and operations.
• Comprehend techniques for developing and implementing robust safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Explore strategies for establishing safe, accessible, and confidential reporting mechanisms.
• Understand the importance of a survivor-centered approach in responding to incidents.
• Gain insights into fostering a culture of accountability and preventing misconduct.
• Develop a practical understanding of integrating safeguarding into all stages of the project cycle.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Safeguarding and Protection in Humanitarian Action

• Defining safeguarding, protection, and their interlinkages in humanitarian work.
• The imperative of "Do No Harm" in humanitarian interventions.
• Understanding power imbalances and vulnerabilities in crisis settings.
• Overview of international safeguarding standards and commitments (e.g., IASC PSEA).
• The moral, legal, and reputational imperative for robust safeguarding.

Module 2: Key Forms of Harm and Exploitation

• Deep dive into Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA): definitions, forms, and consequences.
• Child Safeguarding: understanding child abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
• Gender-Based Violence (GBV): various forms, impact, and prevention principles.
• Other forms of harm: physical, emotional, financial abuse, discrimination.
• Recognizing signs of harm and indicators of vulnerability.

Module 3: Safeguarding Policies, Codes of Conduct, and Best Practices

• Developing and implementing comprehensive safeguarding policies and procedures.
• The role and content of an organizational Code of Conduct for all personnel.
• Safer recruitment practices: vetting, background checks, reference verification.
• Integrating safeguarding into partnership agreements and third-party contracts.
• Continuous training and awareness-raising for staff and partners.

Module 4: Risk Assessment and Mitigation for Safeguarding

• Conducting a systematic safeguarding risk assessment for programs and operations.
• Identifying high-risk activities, locations, and populations.
• Developing practical mitigation measures to reduce safeguarding risks.
• Integrating safeguarding considerations throughout the project cycle (design, implementation, M&E).
• Adapting risk mitigation strategies to evolving contexts.

Module 5: Safe and Accessible Reporting Mechanisms

• Principles of safe, confidential, and accessible reporting channels.
• Designing and implementing internal and external reporting mechanisms (e.g., hotlines, focal points).
• Ensuring anonymity and protection for whistleblowers and complainants.
• Building trust within communities to encourage reporting.
• Managing feedback and complaints systems with a safeguarding lens.

Module 6: Responding to Safeguarding Concerns: Survivor-Centered Approach

• Principles of a survivor-centered approach: dignity, safety, non-discrimination, confidentiality.
• Initial response to a safeguarding disclosure or concern.
• Establishing clear referral pathways for support services (medical, psychosocial, legal).
• Investigative procedures: impartiality, fairness, timeliness.
• Disciplinary actions and accountability for perpetrators.

Module 7: Fostering a Culture of Safeguarding and Accountability

• Leadership commitment and role-modeling in promoting safeguarding.
• Creating an open and transparent organizational culture.
• Encouraging speaking up and reporting without fear of retaliation.
• Regular communication and awareness campaigns on safeguarding.
• Learning from incidents and continuous improvement of safeguarding practices.

Module 8: Community Engagement and Collaborative Safeguarding

• The importance of engaging affected populations in safeguarding efforts.
• Community-based protection mechanisms and early warning systems.
• Communicating safeguarding policies and reporting channels to communities in accessible formats.
• Partnering with local organizations and community leaders on safeguarding.
• Addressing cultural sensitivities while upholding universal safeguarding standards.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.