(01) DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, AND SAFEGUARDING SPECIALIST

Diversity, Inclusion, and Safeguarding Specialist

Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria

Description

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture seeks suitable Nigerian nationals for the position below at the Institute’s Headquarters in Ibadan.

Position:        Diversity, Inclusion, and Safeguarding Specialist

Contract:       2-years renewable contract                                            

Location: Ibadan

Closing Date: 10 September 2026

DUTIES

·       Lead the development and implementation of the project’s Diversity, Inclusion and Safeguarding Strategy, ensuring alignment with project objectives, donor requirements, and institutional policies.

·       Mainstream diversity, equity, inclusion, gender equality, disability inclusion, and safeguarding considerations across all project interventions, work plans, and implementation processes.

·       Develop and implement strategies to promote equitable participation of women, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons, and other marginalized or vulnerable groups.

·       Provide technical guidance to project teams and partners on inclusive Program design, safeguarding standards, gender-responsive programming, and disability inclusive approaches.

·       Conduct diversity, inclusion, gender, disability, and safeguarding assessments to identify barriers to participation and recommend appropriate mitigation measures.

·       Develop and deliver training and awareness Programs for project staff, partners, consultants, service providers, and beneficiaries on safeguarding, prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH), diversity, inclusion, and gender equality.

·       Establish and strengthen confidential reporting, referral, and response mechanisms for safeguarding concerns in line with institutional policies and national legislation.

·       Monitor compliance with safeguarding standards and support the implementation of safeguarding risk mitigation measures across all project activities.

·       Collaborate with project teams to ensure training Programs, enterprise support services, Agribusiness Parks, and other project interventions are accessible and inclusive.

·       Work closely with the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) team to develop inclusion and safeguarding indicators, monitor project performance, and generate evidence on inclusive Program outcomes.

·       Coordinate stakeholder engagement with organizations representing women, persons with disabilities, youth groups, and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen inclusive Program delivery.

·       Prepare technical reports, safeguarding updates, inclusion analyses, and progress reports for project management and donors.

·       Document lessons learned best practices, and success stories on diversity, inclusion, gender equality, disability inclusion, and safeguarding to support continuous learning and Program improvement.

·       Perform any other duties assigned by the Supervisor.

Requirements

QUALIFICATION

Master’s degree in Gender Studies, Social Work, Sociology, Development Studies, Psychology, or a related discipline. A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in diversity and inclusion, gender equality, safeguarding, disability inclusion, social protection, or related fields is required.

COMPETENCIES

The ideal candidate must have:

•        Knowledge of Nigerian legal and policy frameworks relating to gender equality, disability inclusion, child protection, and safeguarding.

•        Demonstrated experience integrating gender, disability inclusion, and safeguarding into donor-funded development Programs.

•        Experience developing and implementing safeguarding policies, reporting mechanisms, and risk mitigation strategies.

•        Experience designing and delivering training Programs on safeguarding, gender equality, and inclusive programming.

•        Experience working with organizations representing women, persons with disabilities, youth, and vulnerable populations.

•        Strong understanding of international safeguarding standards, gender equality frameworks, disability inclusion principles, and protection approaches.

•        Strong technical expertise in diversity, equity, inclusion, gender equality, disability inclusion, and safeguarding.

•        Sound knowledge of safeguarding principles and survivor-centered approaches.

•        Excellent facilitation, coaching, and capacity-building skills.

•        Strong analytical, problem-solving, and policy development abilities.

•        Excellent stakeholder engagement and partnership management skills.

•        Strong communication, report writing, and presentation skills.

•        High level of integrity, professionalism, empathy, and confidentiality.

•        Ability to influence organizational culture and promote inclusive practices.

•        Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and data management tools.

Benefits

REMUNERATION

We offer highly competitive salary with equally attractive benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment.

METHOD OF APPLICATION

Interested applicants should complete the online application attaching detailed cover letter and curriculum vitae saved with their names in Microsoft word format to IITA website:  no later than Two Weeks from the date of this publication.

IITA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse workforce, particularly welcoming applications from women. While all applications will be acknowledged, please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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