Do you believe every child deserves to be heard, protected, and respected? Are you passionate about resolving conflicts, upholding children’s rights, and fostering safe environments for young people? If so, the Ombuds Office for SOS Children’s Villages is looking for someone like you.
We are currently hiring a National Ombuds for Tanzania and Zanzibar—a trusted, independent professional who supports children and young people when their concerns have not been addressed through existing safeguarding processes. This is more than just a job—it’s a chance to be part of a global movement dedicated to child protection and empowerment.
What is the Ombuds Office?
The Ombuds Office is an independent, impartial, and confidential service for children and young people associated with SOS Children’s Villages. It offers a safe space for those who feel their voices haven’t been heard through traditional safeguarding channels.
An Ombuds is a neutral figure—someone children can trust, who listens without judgment, supports without bias, and guides them through fair processes. Operating at national, regional, and global levels, Ombuds uphold four key principles:
- Confidentiality
- Impartiality
- Independence
- Informality
The Ombuds is not part of SOS Children’s Villages’ direct operations, which ensures transparency, trust, and neutrality in resolving concerns.
About SOS Children’s Villages Tanzania
SOS Children’s Villages Tanzania is a well-established non-governmental organization affiliated with the global SOS Children’s Villages International. Since 1991, we have operated across the country—including in Zanzibar, Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and Iringa—offering care and protection for children who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care.
Our mission is rooted in courage, commitment, trust, and accountability, and we strive to deliver the best possible care through innovative solutions and strong partnerships.
The Role: National Ombuds for Tanzania and Zanzibar
- Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Type: Full-time
- Contract: 2 years (renewable depending on funding)
As the National Ombuds, your mission will be to:
- Build awareness about child safety and rights
- Promote prevention and empower children to speak up
- Listen and guide children and young people through their concerns
- Act as a bridge to solutions when safeguarding processes fall short
- Monitor trends and report insights to improve the system
- Work independently and report directly to the Regional Ombuds
Key Responsibilities
- Uphold the principles of confidentiality, independence, impartiality, and informality
- Facilitate dispute resolution and fair processes
- Identify recurring issues and provide recommendations to SOS Children’s Villages Tanzania and Zanzibar
- Develop and deliver child-friendly training and awareness sessions
- Build trust-based relationships with children and youth
- Ensure marginalized voices are included and heard
What We’re Looking For
Essential Qualifications & Experience:
- Minimum 5 years of experience in roles such as ombudsperson, mediator, child protection, safeguarding, or youth development
- A Bachelor’s degree or higher in child rights, social work, law, psychology, mediation, or related fields
- Strong understanding of child protection, safeguarding laws, and international standards
- At least 3 years working directly with children and youth
- Experience working with communities and vulnerable populations
- Proven listening, mediation, and communication skills
- Ability to build rapport with children, especially those who are marginalized
- Skilled in facilitating workshops and delivering training
- Deep understanding of the local legal, cultural, and social context
- Fluent in Swahili with working knowledge of English
- Must have the legal right to work in Tanzania and Zanzibar
Preferred:
- Previous work with NGOs or international organizations
- Gender-sensitive and diversity-aware perspective
What We Offer
- Comprehensive training and support
- Collaboration with experienced Regional Ombuds
- Meaningful and impactful work in the child protection space
- Structured in-person work setting
- A role within a respected global NGO network
Important Notes
- Deadline for applications: 31st July 2025
- This role is independent: applicants must not be current or recent (within 2 years) employees of SOS Children’s Villages, or have close relatives working within the organization
- Background and criminal record checks will be conducted in line with our child protection policy
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
How to Apply
Please submit your motivation letter, CV, and answers to the screening questions by 31st July 2025. For inquiries, email us at: hr@ombuds-sos-cv.org, Learn more about our work: Ombuds Office – SOS Children’s Villages
