The INCLUSION AND SAFEGUARDING SPECIALIST will play a central role in ensuring the effective integration of safeguarding and inclusion principles across the USAID TLC project. This role combines safeguarding expertise with a commitment to fostering inclusive environments that promote accessibility, equity, and the safety of all participants in the project, especially for marginalized and vulnerable populations. S/He shall report to the Early Childhood Education Technical Lead

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure that all training, teaching and learning materials adhere to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and address the needs of diverse learners, including those with disabilities.
• Support the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) to integrate inclusive education principles, including UDL, play-based learning, continuous assessment, and targeted instruction/differentiated instruction, into the design and review of instructional and learning materials for early childhood care and education (ECCE) and primary education and in improving teacher continuous professional development.
• Collaborate with Ugandan universities and research institutions, and consortium partners to conduct action research on effective teaching and learning strategies that support children with different learning needs and abilities. Especially strategies that incorporate UDL principles, play-based learning, and targeted instruction/differentiated instruction.
• Develop staff and partner capacity on inclusive education principles, including UDL.
• Ensure that JSI/WE safeguarding and inclusion policies, procedures, and principles are integrated into project design and implementation, and communicated to staff, partners, and stakeholders.
• Support consortium partners in review and implementation of their safeguarding and inclusion policies and conduct regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential risks.
• Encourage partners to build on the MoES Journeys program to prevent school related gender-based violence (SRGBV) both in schools and communities and help learners undertake protective practices, increase SRGBV reporting, and respond effectively to early warning signs.
• Develop and lead regular safeguarding training sessions for TLC staff, including partners, consultants, vendors and other relevant stakeholders.
• Align and enhance safeguarding reporting mechanisms with JSI/WE policy and existing national protocols.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for safeguarding incident reporting and support JSI/WE US Office case management where required.
• Participate in national safeguarding and inclusion forums to represent JSI/WE and contribute to policy dialogue
• Support documentation and dissemination of lessons learned and best practices in safeguarding and inclusion for internal and external audiences.
• Stay informed on local laws and international standards related to safeguarding and inclusion.
• Perform any other tasks required for the needs of the project as assigned by the supervisor or designee.

• Master’s degree in education, social work, development studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years in safeguarding, inclusion, or similar roles with a proven track record of implementing inclusion strategies.
• Strong knowledge of local safeguarding and inclusion policies and practices.
• Strong knowledge of MoES Journeys program for preventing SRGBV and early warning systems.
• Understanding of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles.
• Expertise in safeguarding policies, reporting mechanisms, and risk mitigation.
• Experience developing and facilitating training programs on safeguarding and inclusion.
• Experience conducting research on teaching and learning strategies and CPD strongly desired.
• Familiarity with gender-responsive pedagogy strongly desired.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work with diverse communities.
• Good interpersonal skills at work, good ability to integrate into a multidisciplinary team and having a strong sense of team spirit and work.
• Relevant experience with USAID-funded programs and knowledge of USAID safeguarding and inclusion guidelines and regulations strongly desired.
• Excellent verbal and written English.
• Proficiency in one or more local Ugandan languages.