Relief International (RI) is an international non-profit organization that partners with communities impacted by conflict, climate change and disaster to save lives, build greater resilience and promote long-term health and wellbeing.

Our team of more than 7,000 staff and local volunteers work in 15 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, providing Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education and Livelihoods programming that creates the foundation for community resilience.

We do this by working with local actors to develop safe and inclusive local programming that is evidence based, conflict sensitive, climate smart, and reaches those in need.

Relief International is an alliance of four organizations with one shared mission, comprised of Relief International, Inc., Relief International-France, Relief International-UK and Relief International-Europe, which operate under a one-team concept under a single senior leadership team.

Job Profile

The External Engagement & Safeguarding Manager is responsible for safeguarding institutional legitimacy, ethical conduct, and survivor protection across RI Afghanistan. The role balances high-level external engagement with internal safeguarding leadership, ensuring strong regulatory relationships, compliant operations, and trusted safeguarding systems. The EES Manager advises SMT and the Country Director on political, regulatory, and safeguarding risks and responses.

Key Responsibilities

1. External Engagement

• Lead RI Afghanistan’s high-level engagement with central and provincial government authorities.
• Oversee MoU negotiation, renewal, and compliance with Afghan regulations.
• Represent RI in official meetings, coordination forums, and regulatory processes.
• Manage official correspondence, permissions, and approvals with authorities.
• Monitor regulatory and political developments affecting RI’s operations and advise SMT accordingly.
• Coordinate official visits, inspections, and delegations.

2. Safeguarding & Ethics Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership for RI’s safeguarding and Ethics systems in Afghanistan.
• Ensure implementation of RI Global Safeguarding Policy, Code of Conduct, and reporting mechanisms.
• Oversee safeguarding case management, ensuring survivor-centered, confidential, and timely responses.
• Coordinate investigations with Global Safeguarding and HR as appropriate.
• Ensure staff, partners, and communities are informed of reporting pathways.
• Lead safeguarding risk analysis for programs, partners, and contexts.

3. Incident Management & Accountability

• Serve as safeguarding lead within the Incident Management Team (IMT).
• Lead escalation, coordination, and response for safeguarding-related incidents.
• Ensure accurate documentation, reporting, and follow-up of incidents.
• Advise SMT and HQ on safeguarding risks, trends, and mitigation measures.
• Support crisis management related to ethical or safeguarding issues.

4. Department Leadership

• Lead, supervise, and mentor EESD staff.
• Develop annual EESD workplans, priorities, and performance objectives.
• Ensure staff capacity development on safeguarding, conduct, and external engagement.
• Promote a culture of integrity, accountability, and ethical leadership.

5. Coordination & Internal Advisory Role

• Advise Programs on safeguarding integration into project design and implementation.
• Coordinate with Operations to ensure safe access and logistics for EESD activities.
• Work with HR on misconduct cases and disciplinary processes (HR leads discipline).
• Coordinate with MEAL on complaints and feedback mechanisms.
• Support donor compliance related to safeguarding and regulatory requirements.

Behavior & Conduct

• Uphold RI humanitarian principles and Code of Conduct.
• Ensure survivor dignity, confidentiality, and protection at all times.
• Demonstrate neutrality, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity in external engagement.
• Act as a role model for ethical behavior and accountability.

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical, Health, Social Sienese related fields.
• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in external relations, safeguarding, protection, governance, or senior compliance roles in INGOs
• Demonstrated experience leading safeguarding/PSEAH systems and investigations
• Strong experience engaging with government authorities and regulators
• Proven leadership and people management skills
• Strong understanding of humanitarian principles, CHS, and safeguarding standards
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and judgment skills
• Fluency in English and Dari and/or Pashto

Desirable

• Formal training in safeguarding, protection, or investigations
• Familiarity with donor safeguarding requirements (BHA, ECHO, UN, AHF)
• Experience as IMT member or crisis response lead
• Advanced degree in international relations, social sciences, or related field

The interested candidates should submit their RI Application letter with a CV and with three references.
Please Mention the announced position and vacancy number in the email subject please like External Engagement & Safeguarding Manager - RI-AFG-KBL-2025-74)
Via email: vacancies.afghanistan@ri.org
Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
Please download the RI application form through below link. fill and send it along with your CV: :
https://www.acbar.org/Document/5489070751.DOCX
Uphold and promote RI’s commitment to ensuring the safeguarding and safety of the vulnerable communities we serve.
Consistent with RI’s safeguarding and protection policies, ensure all people who come into contact with Relief International are as safe as possible.

Safeguarding
Uphold and promote RI’s commitment to ensuring the safeguarding and safety of the vulnerable communities we serve.
Consistent with RI’s safeguarding and protection policies, ensure all people who come into contact with Relief International are as safe as possible.
Relief International values:
We uphold the Humanitarian Principles: humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and operational independence. We affirmatively engage the most vulnerable communities.

We value:
Inclusiveness
Transparency and Accountability
Agility and Innovation
Collaboration
Sustainability