Safeguarding and Social Work Lead

Job Overview

Don Swift Company is recruiting an accomplished Safeguarding and Social Work Lead to oversee safeguarding standards and the performance of its social work department across Uganda. This senior leadership role reports directly to the Director and Chief Executive Officer and carries organisation-wide responsibility for people management, professional practice, and child protection systems.

The successful candidate will act as the named Safeguarding Lead for the organisation and will supervise five Department Managers while supporting the Director and CEO to shape an inclusive, reflective, and high performing team culture. The role is suited to a registered social work professional with significant management experience in Uganda or comparable contexts.

Candidates should be ready to balance strategic leadership with hands on case work oversight, statutory liaison, and continuous learning. The position is based in Uganda, is full time, and falls within the NGO and Development category given the child and family centred mission of the work.

Key Responsibilities

• Line manage five Department Managers through structured supervision, annual appraisals, and tailored professional development plans that strengthen their leadership capability.
• Design and oversee an induction programme for all new team members in partnership with the Director and the relevant line manager to ensure consistent onboarding.
• Track and confirm completion of mandatory safeguarding and social work training for every staff member, escalating any gaps to the Director and CEO promptly.
• Model proactive, collaborative leadership by encouraging colleagues to share challenges, propose ideas, and pursue better outcomes for children and families.
• Promote, apply, and maintain high standards of professional practice across the organisation, translating policy into clear operational expectations for managers and frontline teams.
• Support the Director to lead team dynamics by setting clear expectations, delivering regular supervision, and following up on constructive feedback to drive performance.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of social work, counselling, community education, and management legislation and best practice, advising the Director and CEO on compliance.
• Serve as the organisation’s Safeguarding Lead, receiving concerns, investigating thoroughly, reporting to the Director, CEO, and relevant authorities, and maintaining clear records.
• Maintain, review, and enhance safeguarding policies and systems so the organisation meets statutory duties and demonstrates a commitment to ongoing learning.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• A recognised social work qualification with current registration or eligibility to practise in Uganda.
• At least seven years of post-qualification experience in child protection, family support, or related social work settings.
• Proven management of multidisciplinary teams including supervision, appraisal, and performance management responsibilities.
• Demonstrated expertise as a safeguarding lead with the ability to investigate concerns and liaise with statutory authorities.
• Strong knowledge of Ugandan child protection legislation, relevant government policies, and inter-agency safeguarding procedures.
• Excellent written and spoken English, with strong report writing, case recording, and policy drafting capabilities.

Desirable

• A master’s degree in social work, child protection, public administration, or a closely related discipline.
• Prior experience working within an NGO, charity, or community based organisation serving children and families.
• Training in reflective supervision, trauma informed practice, or restorative leadership approaches.
• Familiarity with donor reporting, audit processes, and compliance frameworks commonly used in Uganda.
• Experience supporting organisational change, policy reform, or quality improvement initiatives across multiple sites.

What the Role Offers

• A senior leadership seat within a mission driven organisation committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and families in Uganda.
• Competitive salary package benchmarked against the NGO and development sector in Uganda, with pay scales reviewed annually.
• Medical insurance cover for the employee and dependants, alongside access to a confidential staff counselling and wellbeing programme.
• Generous annual leave entitlement in line with Ugandan labour law plus public holidays observed by the organisation.
• Budget for continuous professional development including conferences, certifications, and relevant academic study.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit an updated CV, a cover letter outlining suitability for the Safeguarding and Social Work Lead role, and copies of relevant academic and professional certificates through the application channel. Please apply now by clicking the link below.

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