Safeguarding Lead at Mastercard Foundation

Mastercard Foundation is a global foundation based across four hubs in Kigali, Rwanda, Nairobi, Kenya, Accra, Ghana and Toronto, Canada. Our programs promote financial inclusion and advance education and learning in Africa, primarily for young people, and in Canada for Indigenous youth. The Foundation was established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company. From inception, the Foundation was designed to be a separate entity and independent from Mastercard. Our policies, operations, and funding decisions are made by our President and Board of Directors.

The Foundation believes that youth employment is key to unlocking prosperity, both for youth and their societies. Enabling young women and men from disadvantaged communities to secure dignified and fulfilling work will ensure inclusive development and economic growth in Africa.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Safeguarding Lead

Job ID: JR-0000000312
Location: Lagos
Job Type: Full-time

Job Summary

• The Safeguarding Lead plays a critical role in embedding safeguarding practices into the Foundation’s programming in Nigeria.
• You’ll ensure that young people are protected from harm and supported in safe, inclusive environments.
• You will work closely with Foundation colleagues, implementing partners, and local stakeholders to provide technical guidance, build capacity, and promote a culture of safeguarding and accountability.

Ways You Can Contribute

• Provide expert safeguarding advice across program design, delivery, and review.
• Develop and oversee context-specific safeguarding frameworks, tools, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Support partners in strengthening their safeguarding policies, procedures, and incident response mechanisms.
• Lead training and awareness-raising activities for Foundation staff, partners, and key stakeholders.
• Serve as a trusted focal point for safeguarding concerns, supporting ethical and survivor-centred investigations.
• Collaborate with legal, risk, and MEL teams to ensure safeguarding is integrated across all functions.
• Monitor national legal and policy developments related to safeguarding to ensure compliance.
• Represent the Foundation in safeguarding networks and contribute to thought leadership in the sector.

Who You Are

• Hold a Master’s Degree in social work, psychology, human rights, child/youth development, or a related field—or possess equivalent professional experience.
• Have at least 10 years of experience in safeguarding or child protection roles within INGOs, donor agencies, or development institutions.
• Skilled in designing safeguarding strategies and managing safeguarding risks in complex environments.
• Experienced in conducting or overseeing safeguarding investigations with professionalism and empathy.
• Confident in facilitating training, building capacity, and influencing organizational change.
• Deep understanding of safeguarding standards, frameworks, and relevant national laws.
• Demonstrated ability to work with vulnerable populations, including displaced youth and survivors of abuse.
• Strong communicator with cultural sensitivity and a commitment to confidentiality and ethical practice.
• Aligned with the Foundation’s values of respect, listening, humility, co-creation, and impact.

Application Closing Date
8th August, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online