IDSR Safeguarding & Modern Slavery Adviser

Working with teams across the organisation, Mott MacDonald’s International Development Services Region (IDSR) Safeguarding and Modern Slavery Adviser will bring the necessary expertise to develop robust measures across IDRS’s working practices to support prevention and reporting of incidents of sexual exploitation abuse and harassment (SEAH) and modern slavery across the IDSR delivery chain.

This will include: (i) building a strong understanding of safeguarding and modern slavery amongst IDSR staff and partners, (ii) ensuring MML and other relevant policies and practices in these areas are fit for purpose and compliant with client and national expectations and laws, and (iii) strengthening the use and awareness of reporting mechanisms.

The post holder will work closely with IDSR core business partners and project teams, including external partners and clients if needed, to strengthen identification, management, and mitigation of risks of SEAH and modern slavery in IDSR.

The IDSR Safeguarding & Modern Slavery Adviser provides specialist advice to the IDSR SLT and initiates the development, implementation, and monitoring of strategies, policies, and procedures to support the organisation's safeguarding framework in all Divisions and Programmes. This is within the context of a broad definition of the prevention of SEAH and modern slavery, which includes not only children and at-risk adults, but also the duty of care of the organisation towards all staff and any group with whom they come into contact, including partner staff, contractors, volunteers, and community members.

Responsibilities: 

• Lead on the review, development and implementation of IDSR policies for the prevention of SEAH and modern slavery, strategies and implementation plans
• Develop protocols, procedures, and risk assessments in line with policy, ensuring they are compliant in all the locations in which we will be applying them
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across IDSR to ensure compliance with best practice and contribute to the development of a protective and safe working cultures and practices across IDSR.
• Play a key role in creating an organisational culture where prevention of SEAH and modern slavery are prioritised, discussed in teams and with partners, allegations are taken seriously, and beneficiaries, staff and partners feel safe to report.
• In partnership with key core business functions and sector leads, develop a training programme and plan
• Develop and maintain a programme of assurance to ensure that standards are maintained across all programmes.
• Monitor and make improvements to the reporting process and tools as necessary.
• Work with teams using digital tools to ensure SEAH prevention informs this work and is built into ways of working. Provide ongoing advice, support and information to senior managers, and key staff on best practice and developments in safeguarding and modern slavery prevention.
• Engage with client and industry SEAH peers to develop and implement industry best practice

Key skills and experience: 

• Demonstrable experience of leading on the development of policies, practices and responses to prevent and report SEAH and modern slavery in large multi-national organisations working in international development
• Significant experience working in international development, with specific experience in the main countries and regions of IDSR’s work is preferred.
• Experience strengthening organisational responses to reported cases
• Strong understanding of gender, inclusion and the elimination of all forms of violence
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience of training
• Ability to influence key decision-makers and teams to ensure wide buy-in
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability and credibility to interact effectively with colleagues at all levels and build relationships with relevant external organisations
• Proven project management skills involving multiple stakeholders on cross-organisational projects

Equality, diversity and inclusion 

We put equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they have the opportunity to contribute. 

If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format or would like us to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us at reasonable.adjustments@mottmac.com and we will talk to you about how we can assist.

Agile working 

At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team and personal commitments. We embrace agility, flexibility and trust.