Workplace Safeguarding & SEAH Risk Specialist (Garment Supply Chains)

International Rescue Committee

6d•Remote

About The Position

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking a Workplace Safeguarding & SEAH Risk Specialist to provide technical leadership in strengthening safeguarding systems within garment supply chains. This consultancy focuses on improving policies, reporting mechanisms, and referral pathways for survivors of gender-based violence and sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH). The role involves bridging humanitarian GBV approaches with private sector contexts, addressing systemic risks, and driving change across supply chains. The specialist will work with factories, Women-Led Organizations (WLOs), brands, and suppliers to ensure survivor-centered approaches and alignment with global standards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Gender, Human Rights, Labor, etc.).
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 capabilities.
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, OECD, ILO, etc.).
High ethical standards and professional judgment.
Adherence to IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct (Integrity, Service, Equality, Accountability).

Nice To Haves

Postgraduate qualification desirable.
Backgrounds may include humanitarian, labor rights, ethical trade, ESG, or safeguarding.

Responsibilities

Conduct GBVH/PSEAH risk assessments, considering power dynamics, labor structures, and retaliation risks.
Develop and operationalize safeguarding policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and reporting mechanisms within factories.
Embed safeguarding principles into HR, grievance, and compliance systems.
Strengthen accessible, confidential, and worker-trusted reporting channels.
Support the transition from policy to practice and accountability.
Map and partner with WLOs and GBV service providers.
Establish confidential, survivor-centered referral pathways.
Formalize partnerships with WLOs through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).
Strengthen WLO capacity in areas such as case management, ethical data handling, consent, and safety planning.
Ensure survivors have access to psychosocial, medical, and legal support.
Drive organizational and behavioral change within factories.
Address structural barriers such as production pressure, retaliation, and underreporting.
Design and deliver training for management, workers, and partners.
Provide ongoing coaching to institutionalize safeguarding practices.
Engage with brands, suppliers, and relevant stakeholders.
Align safeguarding systems with key global frameworks (UNGPs, OECD, ILO C190, ETI, SA8000).
Ensure the integration of survivor-centered safeguarding standards.
Develop and track safeguarding indicators related to prevention, reporting, and response.
Ensure ethical data management and confidentiality.
Document learning and produce progress reports and scale-up recommendations.