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- Tasks: Lead safeguarding strategies and ensure protection across WaterAid's global operations.
- Company: WaterAid is a global charity focused on providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene for all.
- Benefits: Enjoy 36 days holiday, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave among other perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in safeguarding vulnerable communities while working with passionate individuals.
- Qualifications: Inspiring leader with significant safeguarding experience in international settings and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Remote work options available; must be eligible to work in Kenya or the UK.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Global Safeguarding Director
Contract: Permanent, Full Time, 35 hours per week
Location: The role can be based in the Kenya (home based) or the UK (London office) subject to right-to-work eligibility in the respective countries.
In the UK a minimum of 40% of working time is spent in-person in the London office, at external meetings or travelling for WaterAid.
Salary:
- UK : £75,000-£80,000 per annum with excellent benefits
- Kenya : 12,036,917-13,750,883 KES per annum with excellent benefits
Change starts with water. Change starts with you.
Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that – for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people’s potential and create a fairer future.
About WaterAid
We’re a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen.
About the team
WaterAid’s Global Safeguarding Team works collaboratively across the organisation to develop understanding and awareness, embed good practice and ensure safeguarding is a priority in all aspects of our work.
About the role
As our Global Safeguarding Director, you will oversee all areas of safeguarding for the WaterAid federation, including the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment, safeguarding children and safeguarding adults at risk.
In this role, you will:
- Lead the development of strategies and plans to embed safeguarding protection into the work of WaterAid and our partners.
- Work closely with Chief Executives, senior leaders and board members across the WaterAid federation to strengthen safeguarding governance.
- Oversee the continued development of WaterAid’s global network of safeguarding champions at member, country and team level.
- Champion WaterAid’s commitment to equity, inclusion and safeguarding across the federation, and equip others to do the same.
Requirements
To be successful, you will need:
- To be an inspiring leader. Able to communicate the importance of safeguarding to multiple stakeholders, with a track record of having contributed to the development of safe and trusted organisational cultures.
- Significant experience of working in or leading a safeguarding function within an international setting with extensive experience of working with, and leading on, protection, safeguarding and accountability standards, and of implementing policy and practice.
- Experience of working with a range of stakeholders in a development context and implementing safeguarding initiatives with partners and at a community level.
- Strong knowledge of UK and international legal frameworks and experience of working with regulatory bodies.
Although not essential, we’d prefer you to have:
- The ability to speak languages spoken in countries where WaterAid works, particularly French, Portuguese and Spanish.
- Experience of working in the international development sector and of living and working in one of the countries where WaterAid has programmes.
Closing date: Applications close 12:00 PM UK time on Monday 28 July 2025 . First round interviews will take place on Tuesday 5 and Thursday 7 August 2025. Second round interviews will take place on Wednesday 27 August 2025.
We recognise that interviews are planned during the UK summer holiday season. Please let us know in your application of any constraints to your availability as some flexibility may be possible with these dates.
How to apply: Click Apply to complete the pre-screening questions and upload your CV and cover letter. In your covering letter please outline your motivation for the role and explain how your leadership and safeguarding skills and experiences will help WaterAid on the next steps of its safeguarding journey.
Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application?
At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.
Pre‑employment screening
To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and WaterAid’s Safer Recruitment policy. All UK based roles require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Benefits
UK benefits
- 36 days’ holiday (including 8 Bank Holidays)
- Option to buy an extra 5 days’ annual leave
- Employer pension contribution up to 10%
- Flexible and hybrid‑working arrangements
- Season ticket loan
- Free annual eye tests
- ‘Give as you earn’ charitable giving scheme
- Enhanced parental leave (maternity, adoption/surrogacy, shared parental and paternity)
- Sabbaticals
- One paid volunteer day each year
Kenya benefits
As a global organisation, WaterAid is committed to creating an environment where you can thrive and be yourself at your very best. Alongside our inspiring mission and meaningful work, we offer a range of benefits tailored to each country’s context and policies. These will be shared during the process.
Our Global Commitment:
Our people promise
We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.
Equal Opportunities
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.
Safeguarding
We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).
Together, we’ll change the world through water.
Join us and be part of the change.
Global Safeguarding Director employer: WaterAid
Contact Detail:
WaterAid Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Safeguarding Director
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with WaterAid's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to safeguarding and how it integrates into their work will help you articulate your alignment with their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of WaterAid, especially those in safeguarding roles. They can provide insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can be invaluable for your preparation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your leadership in safeguarding initiatives. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully implemented policies and engaged stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and legal frameworks related to safeguarding both in the UK and internationally. This knowledge will not only enhance your credibility but also show your commitment to continuous learning in this critical area.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Safeguarding Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Global Safeguarding Director position. Understand the key responsibilities and requirements, and think about how your experience aligns with them.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly outline your motivation for applying and how your leadership and safeguarding skills will contribute to WaterAid's mission. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your qualifications.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV is tailored to highlight relevant experience in safeguarding and leadership roles. Focus on achievements that showcase your ability to implement safeguarding initiatives and work with diverse stakeholders.
Follow Application Instructions: Pay close attention to the application instructions provided by WaterAid. Make sure to complete the pre-screening questions and upload all required documents before the deadline to ensure your application is considered.
How to prepare for a job interview at WaterAid
✨Understand WaterAid's Mission
Before the interview, make sure you fully grasp WaterAid's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, as well as their safeguarding policies. This will help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Global Safeguarding Director, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led safeguarding initiatives in previous roles, particularly in international settings. Highlight your ability to inspire and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in safeguarding contexts. Think about past experiences where you had to navigate complex situations involving safeguarding issues, and be ready to discuss your thought process and outcomes.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Inclusion
WaterAid values collaboration and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how you've worked with various teams and stakeholders to implement safeguarding practices. Share specific examples that illustrate your commitment to equity and inclusion in your previous roles.
