Role Title: GAPS Safeguarding Officer (Local Specialist)

Location: Cape Town, South Africa
(Hotel accommodation provided for the duration of the event)

Fee: To be agreed depending on experience

Scope of Role: To provide direct safeguarding casework support to individuals (adults and children) at the Commonwealth GAPS Camps. 

Duration: 12 Days (13th- 23rd March) 

  • 2 Half-day Prep sessions in early March 
  • Additional ad hoc days me be required post-camp to ensure concerns are dealt with appropriately and thoroughly.

Background:
GAPS is for emerging athletes and coaches from the Commonwealth and offers them access to additional skills, knowledge, and resources. It aims to support the development of inclusive sport pathways, removing barriers to participation for people with a disability and for women & girls to become actively involved in sport. The development of coaches is fundamental, but so is tackling many of barriers and constraints that prevents participation. The programme involves multi-stakeholder partnerships and the building of long-term collaborations with universities, sport organisations and government agencies. Through these partnerships we can begin to shift mindsets and start to have a positive influence on communities to believe that it is a fundamental human right for women, girls, and people with a disability to be included in their sport pathways.

To find out more about GAPS please visit: GAPS - Together as Equals

The CGF wants to ensure safeguarding is embedded in all its activities by providing appropriate, professional and dedicated support when needed. For this reason, the CGF is looking to appoint a safeguarding officer that will work alongside the CGF Head of Safeguarding and the GAPS management team to provide contextually relevant, highly skilled and high-quality support to individuals as and when required.

The Safeguarding Officer must have full knowledge of child protection in South Africa and direct experience of supporting children and young people. 

Overall Role Purpose:
The purpose of this role is to provide direct support to people who raise a concern through the CGF safeguarding mechanisms at the South African GAPS Camp and assist the CGF Head of Safeguarding and CGF GAPS Management Team managing safeguarding concerns appropriately and thoroughly. 

Main Tasks:

  • Assess immediate needs for care and protection of individuals
  • Work collaboratively with children, young people and adults adopting a child/person-centred approach
  • Ensure immediate safety, protection and care need of individuals are met
  • Identify and signpost individuals through to the correct jurisdiction and/or services to access support
  • Assist in the implementation of policies and procedures that aim to safeguard individuals at GAPS Camps
  • Create and maintain accurate case files and record of events
  • Support the delivery of education workshops for participants
  • Maintain excellent communication with CGF Head of Safeguarding
  • Collaborate with other professionals as required (e.g. police, security, social care, health professionals, etc.)
  • Signpost or refer individuals for additional relevant support when required
  • To undertake any other tasks as instructed by the CGF Head of Safeguarding or CGF GAPS team 

Competence / Knowledge / Skills Required: 

Education:

  • Educated to at least degree level in a filed related to social work, youth work or human rights 

Experience:

  • Experience of complex safeguarding and child protection casework
  • Experience of managing and escalating safeguarding concerns
  • Experience of providing direct support to children and young people
  • Experience of applying child protection procedures
  • Experience of recording case notes and producing reports for investigations
  • Experience of safeguarding in sport will be an advantage

Skills/Ability:

  • Ability to implement safeguarding mechanisms
  • Ability to listen to and communicate effectively with children and young people 
  • Strong critical thinking to objectively evaluate each case 
  • Effective analysis, assessment and planning skills
  • High level of emotional awareness and empathy
  • Culturally competent
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to work in a stressful and fast-pacing environment

Knowledge:

  • Awareness of issues impacting elite sport and young athletes including para-athletes
  • Knowledge of local safeguarding legislation and framework
  • Knowledge of local support services
  • Knowledge and understanding of international safeguarding standards
  • Understanding of links between trauma and child development
  • Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding in sport will be an advantage
  • Understanding of confidentiality and how this is applied to safeguarding 

Behaviours:

  • Person/Athlete Centred Approach
  • Cultural competent
  • Act with Honesty and Integrity
  • Committed, enthusiastic and motivated
  • An affection for the Commonwealth, its people and values. 

Requirements:

  • Access to own IT equipment 
  • Able to provide proof of vetting 

 
If interested please send a CV and covering letter outlining how you meet the competence, knowledge and skills required for the role, as well as expected consultancy fees. Please submit your application to safeguarding@thecgf.com by 19th February 2023 23.00GMT. Interviews will be held on 1st March.