Country Safeguards Manager

Program Background

Pacific Australia Skills is a significant Australian investment which stands to make a major contribution to supporting social and economic growth in the region through strengthening the skills and training sector across the Pacific and Timor-Leste. Pacific Australia Skills builds on the achievements of 17 years of Australian Government support for skills and training in the Pacific.

About DT Global Asia Pacific

At DT Global Asia Pacific, we aim to positively impact people’s lives through delivery excellence. As a leading implementing partner across Asia and the Pacific, we co-create locally led solutions in partnership with governments, communities, and stakeholders. We bring together talented teams and deep regional expertise to deliver initiatives that promote inclusive economic growth, essential services, and resilient, secure communities. With over 1,500 staff, experts in 22+ countries and more than 60 years of development experience, we tackle complex community, national and transnational challenges — from governance and justice systems to climate resilience, infrastructure and social equity — with innovative thinking and a commitment to long-term impact.

For more information, please see www.dt-global.com
The Role

The Country Safeguards Manager is responsible for leading the implementation, coordination and continuous improvement of safeguarding systems across the Pacific Australia Skills Samoa program. The role provides strategic and technical leadership to ensure safeguarding is effectively integrated into program planning, procurement, partnership management, activity implementation and organizational operations.

The position is accountable for ensuring compliance with DFAT safeguarding requirements, DT Global safeguarding policies, procedures and Pacific Australia Skills safeguarding strategy through the delivery of safeguarding risk management, due diligence, incident management, monitoring, compliance and capacity strengthening activities. The Country Safeguards Manager also supports the development of a strong safeguarding culture by promoting accountability, prevention, respectful behaviors and continuous organizational learning.

Reporting Relationships

The Country Director provides overall leadership, operational oversight and performance management of the position, ensuring safeguarding is integrated into country operations and strategic priorities. The Regional Safeguards Manager provides specialist technical advice, professional supervision and quality assurance to ensure consistent implementation of safeguarding policies, procedures and standards across Pacific Australia Skills.

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Strategic Safeguarding Leadership

• Lead the implementation of the Pacific Australia Skills Safeguarding Strategy and annual country safeguarding workplan, ensuring safeguarding is embedded across all aspects of program delivery in Samoa.
• Provide strategic and technical advice to the Country Director and Country Leadership Team on safeguarding risks, compliance obligations, emerging issues and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Champion a culture of safeguarding, accountability and respectful behaviors by promoting awareness, prevention and shared responsibility across the program.

2. Safeguarding Risk Management and Due Diligence

• Lead the implementation of safeguarding due diligence processes for implementing partners, contractors, service providers and other stakeholders in accordance with DFAT and DT Global safeguarding requirements and procedures.
• Conduct Safeguards Risk and Capacity Assessments and develop practical safeguarding plans to strengthen organizational capability and compliance.
• Review and provide technical quality assurance of Activity Safeguards Risk Assessments, ensuring risks are appropriately identified, mitigated, monitored and documented.

3. Incident Management and Case Coordination

· Ensure safeguarding incidents are reported, managed and escalated within required timeframes while maintaining confidentiality and appropriate information management.

· Coordinate survivor-centered and child-centered responses, including referrals to appropriate support services and monitoring implementation of agreed actions.

· Provide technical advice and support to managers and staff in responding to safeguarding concerns and implementing appropriate risk mitigation measures.

4. Capacity Development and Technical Support

· Coordinate and deliver safeguarding induction, briefings, awareness and capacity strengthening initiatives for Pacific Australia Skills staff, implementing partners, government stakeholders, contractors and service providers.

· Build safeguarding capability through coaching, mentoring and ongoing technical support to Safeguards Focal Points and key stakeholders.

· Support partners to strengthen safeguarding governance, policies, procedures, reporting mechanisms and organizational practices aligned with DFAT safeguarding requirements.

5. Monitoring, Compliance and Quality Assurance

· Monitor safeguarding implementation through regular field visits, compliance reviews, partner engagement and activity monitoring to assess the effectiveness of safeguarding measures.

· Track implementation of safeguarding action plans, recommendations and corrective actions, ensuring timely follow-up and continuous improvement.

· Prepare high-quality safeguarding reports, dashboards, risk analyses, briefing papers and technical updates for the Country Director, Regional Safeguards Manager and other stakeholders as required.

6. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

· Develop and maintain effective working relationships with government agencies, TVET institutions, employers, civil society organisations, implementing partners, contractors and development partners to strengthen safeguarding outcomes.

· Provide trusted technical advice to internal and external stakeholders on safeguarding policy, risk management and good practice.

· Represent Pacific Australia Skills in safeguarding-related meetings, working groups, technical forums and partner consultations as delegated by the Country Director.

Other Responsibilities

• Contribute to regional safeguarding initiatives, Communities of Practice, cross-country learning and the continuous improvement of safeguarding systems across Pacific Australia Skills.
• Support the development, review and continuous improvement of safeguarding policies, guidance materials, tools, templates and training resources.