ABOUT OXFAM IN THE PACIFIC

Oxfam is a global aid and development organisation that mobilises the power of people against poverty. Across the Pacific, we work alongside local partners and communities to address gender, economic and climate injustice, including in situations of crisis.

Our work is guided by Oxfam's global values and Pacific values of openness, flexibility, respect, equity, justice, solidarity, collaboration, sharing and humility. We are committed to supporting local ownership and leadership of change.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Papua New Guinea is home to some of the world's largest remaining tropical rainforests and significant biodiversity. Many rural communities depend on forests and natural resources for their livelihoods. However, deforestation, climate change, limited infrastructure and governance challenges continue to affect sustainable natural resource management. Oxfam France, in partnership with Oxfam in the Pacific, will deliver the Forest Connect project. The project supports the European Union's FCCB programme by strengthening the capacity of communities, civil society organisations and private-sector actors to participate in conservation-compatible economic activities and climate-resilient land management.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Safeguarding Officer will ensure that robust safeguarding, PSEA—Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse—and accountability systems are implemented across the Forest Connect project. The role will protect communities, partners and staff; support compliance with Oxfam and European Union requirements; manage safeguarding risks and incidents; and strengthen accessible accountability and reporting mechanisms.

The position is based in Papua New Guinea, reports to the EU FCCB Project Manager and works in a matrix arrangement with the Oxfam in the Pacific Safeguarding Coordinator. The role has no direct reports. Also, the role requires experience in PSEAH and/or child safeguarding, ideally gained in organizations or settings that work directly with people and communities"

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Safeguarding Systems and Implementation

• Lead implementation of safeguarding and PSEA frameworks within the project.

• Integrate safeguarding requirements across all project activities and functions.

• Support the development and rollout of safeguarding plans, procedures and tools.

• Provide regular updates on implementation progress, challenges and emerging risks.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Identify, assess and monitor safeguarding risks across project activities, partners and operational areas.

• Work with the Safeguarding Coordinator to develop and implement risk-mitigation measures and action plans.

• Ensure compliance with Oxfam safeguarding standards and donor requirements.

• Support safeguarding audits, reviews, assessments and reporting processes.

Incident Management and Reporting

• Manage safeguarding concerns and incidents in line with Oxfam procedures.

• Support confidential, timely and survivor-centred reporting and case management.

• Maintain appropriate documentation and coordinate required follow-up actions.

• Protect confidentiality and apply appropriate data-protection and information-management controls.

Community Feedback Mechanisms

• Establish and maintain accessible, safe and confidential feedback and reporting channels.

• Ensure communities understand how to raise concerns and access support.

• Monitor safeguarding-related feedback and complaints and coordinate timely responses.

• Regularly review the effectiveness, safety and accessibility of feedback mechanisms.

Training and Capacity Building

• Deliver safeguarding and PSEA training to project staff, partners and grantees.

• Strengthen partner capacity on safeguarding standards, risk management and compliance.

• Promote a culture of safeguarding accountability and ensure staff and partners understand their responsibilities.

Partner Due Diligence and Support

• Conduct safeguarding due diligence for project partners and grantees.

• Support partners to meet minimum safeguarding standards.

• Monitor partner compliance and provide ongoing guidance and support.

• Escalate significant safeguarding risks, concerns or compliance issues for advice and action.

Coordination and Matrix Working

• Work closely with the Senior Project Manager, MEAL and programme teams, and the Oxfam Safeguarding Lead.

• Coordinate with Human Resources, Finance and other project functions as required.

• Maintain effective relationships with partners, communities and donor representatives.

• Ensure safeguarding is embedded across project planning, delivery, monitoring and reporting.

ABOUT YOU

Essential qualifications and experience:

• A bachelor's degree in Social Work, Development Studies, Human Rights, Gender Studies or a related discipline.

• Three to five years' experience in safeguarding, protection or a related role.

• Experience working in NGOs or development programmes and with partners or community-based programmes.

• Demonstrated experience implementing safeguarding or PSEA frameworks.

• Experience in safeguarding risk assessment, mitigation, incident reporting and case management.

• Strong understanding of ethical standards, accountability mechanisms, confidentiality and data protection.

Core competencies

Strong ethical judgement and integrity, the ability to handle sensitive information confidentially, and sound risk management in complex environments. The role also requires strong communication, training and facilitation, stakeholder engagement and coordination, careful documentation, and a survivor-centred approach.

Desirable qualifications and experience:

Experience with European Union or similar donor-funded programmes, safeguarding, PSEA or protection training, and work in Papua New Guinea or the Pacific is desirable. Knowledge of child protection, gender-based violence, duty of care, relevant Papua New Guinea legislation and policies, and experience working with community leaders, churches, women, youth and local authorities will be highly regarded.

For the full position description, click HERE.

Applications Close 16 September 2026. Upload your CV with references and a cover letter.

Click Apply Now.