SAFEGUARDING & CODE OF CONDUCT SPECIALIST AT DANISH REFUGEE COUNCIL (DRC) – FULL DETAILS & HOW TO APPLY
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has announced a major humanitarian career opportunity for experienced safeguarding and compliance professionals in Nigeria. The organization is currently recruiting for the position of Safeguarding & Code of Conduct Specialist, a critical role focused on strengthening accountability, protection systems, safeguarding standards, and internal investigations within humanitarian operations.
This opportunity is ideal for professionals with experience in safeguarding, Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), compliance, investigations, accountability systems, and humanitarian protection work. The role provides an opportunity to contribute directly to protecting vulnerable populations while supporting ethical and professional standards within one of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations.
This article provides complete information about the position, responsibilities, qualifications, required skills, benefits, and application process for interested candidates.
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ABOUT DANISH REFUGEE COUNCIL (DRC)
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The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is one of the world’s leading international humanitarian organizations focused on supporting refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and vulnerable communities affected by conflict and displacement. Founded in Denmark in 1956, DRC now operates in more than 40 countries globally, providing humanitarian aid, protection services, emergency response, livelihoods support, shelter assistance, and advocacy for displaced populations. 1
The organization works in conflict-affected regions, displacement corridors, and refugee-hosting communities while promoting dignity, safety, and sustainable solutions for vulnerable people.
DRC operates according to key humanitarian values including:
- Humanity
- Neutrality
- Independence
- Respect
- Transparency
- Accountability
The organization also maintains strong safeguarding systems and zero tolerance for misconduct, corruption, sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. 3
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JOB TITLE: SAFEGUARDING & CODE OF CONDUCT SPECIALIST
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The Safeguarding & Code of Conduct Specialist role is a mid-level humanitarian protection and compliance position responsible for strengthening DRC’s safeguarding systems and accountability mechanisms within Nigeria operations.
The selected candidate will work closely with:
- Country leadership
- Regional safeguarding coordinators
- Human resources teams
- Compliance units
- Program managers
- Investigation teams
- External safeguarding stakeholders
The position combines responsibilities in:
- Safeguarding compliance
- PSEA implementation
- Internal investigations
- Complaint handling
- Training and awareness
- Risk management
- Accountability systems
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JOB LOCATION
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📍 Duty Station: Abuja or Maiduguri, Nigeria
🕒 Contract Type: National Contract
📅 Duration: 1-year renewable contract
The role also requires frequent visits to other DRC operational locations across Nigeria.
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BACKGROUND OF THE ROLE
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Nigeria continues to face complex humanitarian challenges due to conflict, insecurity, displacement, banditry, climate-related crises, and food insecurity. Millions of people across northeastern and northwestern Nigeria remain displaced or vulnerable due to violence and humanitarian emergencies.
In humanitarian operations, safeguarding and accountability systems are essential for protecting vulnerable populations from:
- Exploitation
- Abuse
- Fraud
- Corruption
- Harassment
- Misconduct
The Safeguarding & Code of Conduct Specialist helps ensure that DRC staff, partners, and operations maintain the highest ethical and professional standards.
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MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
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The selected candidate will handle several important responsibilities related to safeguarding and accountability systems.
Key duties include:
1. Complaint Registration and Management
The specialist will manage complaint channels such as:
- Hotlines
- Complaint boxes
- Email reporting systems
- In-person reporting mechanisms
The officer will also register and document complaints within DRC’s Code of Conduct Tracking Tool.
2. Internal Investigations
The role involves conducting internal investigations into:
- Fraud
- Corruption
- Misconduct
- Sexual exploitation and abuse allegations
- Harassment cases
The specialist will prepare investigation reports and advisory recommendations for management.
3. Survivor-Centered Support
The selected candidate will support survivors of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment through appropriate referrals and safeguarding procedures while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
4. Safeguarding Training and Capacity Building
The role includes organizing training sessions for staff and partners on:
- PSEA policies
- Safeguarding standards
- Internal controls
- Fraud prevention
- Accountability mechanisms
5. Compliance Monitoring
The specialist will work closely with compliance teams to monitor safeguarding risks and improve accountability systems across DRC operations.
6. Stakeholder Coordination
The role requires collaboration with:
- Humanitarian partners
- Inter-agency PSEA networks
- Community stakeholders
- Regional safeguarding offices
7. Policy Implementation
The officer will support implementation of DRC safeguarding policies and Code of Conduct procedures across operational areas.
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
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Candidates interested in this position must possess relevant safeguarding and investigation experience.
Educational Requirements:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in:
- Human Rights
- Law
- Social Sciences
- Gender Studies
- Criminology
- International Relations
- Related fields
Professional Experience:
- Minimum of 3 years directly related safeguarding or code of conduct experience
- Experience conducting internal investigations
- Experience in humanitarian or NGO environments
- Experience facilitating safeguarding training sessions
- Experience handling sensitive cases confidentially
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ESSENTIAL SKILLS REQUIRED
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The ideal candidate should possess strong professional and interpersonal competencies.
Important skills include:
✔ Strong investigation and analytical skills
✔ Excellent report writing ability
✔ Knowledge of safeguarding and PSEA standards
✔ Ability to maintain confidentiality
✔ High integrity and professionalism
✔ Strong communication and facilitation skills
✔ Risk assessment and compliance knowledge
✔ Team collaboration and stakeholder engagement
✔ Emotional intelligence and survivor-centered communication
The role also requires fluency in:
- English
- Hausa (mandatory)
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WHY THIS ROLE IS IMPORTANT
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Safeguarding and accountability are critical components of humanitarian work. Vulnerable populations affected by conflict and displacement face heightened risks of abuse, exploitation, corruption, and misconduct.
The Safeguarding & Code of Conduct Specialist helps ensure that:
- Vulnerable people are protected
- Complaints are handled properly
- Investigations are conducted fairly
- Staff follow ethical standards
- Humanitarian operations remain accountable
This role directly contributes to maintaining trust, dignity, and protection within humanitarian programs.
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BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH DRC
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Working with DRC offers professionals exposure to international humanitarian systems and career growth opportunities.
Benefits may include:
- Competitive NGO salary package
- International humanitarian work experience
- Professional development opportunities
- Exposure to safeguarding and compliance systems
- Networking opportunities with humanitarian professionals
- Meaningful impact in vulnerable communities
DRC is also recognized globally for maintaining strong humanitarian standards and ethical operations.
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APPLICATION DEADLINE
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📅 Application Deadline: 27 May 2026
Applicants are encouraged to apply early because humanitarian recruitment processes can be highly competitive.
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HOW TO APPLY
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Interested candidates should apply through the official DRC recruitment portal.
Application steps:
1. Visit the official DRC careers website
2. Search for “Safeguarding & Code of Conduct Specialist”
3. Carefully review all requirements
4. Prepare updated CV and supporting documents
5. Submit your application online before deadline
Applicants should ensure that all submitted information is accurate and professional.
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FINAL THOUGHTS
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The Safeguarding & Code of Conduct Specialist role at Danish Refugee Council represents a major opportunity for professionals passionate about humanitarian accountability, protection systems, investigations, and safeguarding.
This role offers the chance to contribute directly to protecting vulnerable populations while strengthening ethical standards within humanitarian operations in Nigeria.
For professionals with experience in safeguarding, compliance, PSEA, investigations, or humanitarian protection, this opportunity can provide significant career growth and meaningful impact within the global humanitarian sector.
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