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.
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. Reporting & Coordination
Reports to: WPE Global Practice Lead / ESG & Safeguarding Lead
Works with: Supply chain teams, factories, WLOs
Coordinates with: Brands, governments, relevant stakeholders
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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.
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.
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