Safeguarding Policies Development Mentor

We’re looking for a Safeguarding & Policy Development Mentor who can live and volunteer for 12 months in Buka, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea.  

• This assignment seeks to Develop and support the implementation of a comprehensive Safeguarding Policy that protects women, girls, staff, and community stakeholders, ensuring it aligns with BWF’s values, local context, and international best practices.
• To be considered for this role, you’ll need Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work, Gender Studies, Human Rights, Community Development, or a related field.
• As a volunteer, you will support BWF staff in drafting and refining the Safeguarding Policy, ensuring the policy is grounded in BWF’s values, local cultural norms, and international safeguarding standards. The volunteer will provide feedback, technical guidance, and relevant resources throughout the process.

About the Partner Organisation 

Bougainville Women’s Federation (BWF) is the peak women’s organisation in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB), Papua New Guinea. Enacted by the Autonomous Bougainville Government, BWF operates across all districts in Bougainville, including remote and rural communities, with its head office based in Buka. It serves as a central platform for uniting women’s voices and driving collective action on issues affecting women and girls in the region.

BWF’s core aim is to promote gender equality, empower women and girls, and advocate for their rights and participation in decision-making at all levels. The Federation works closely with local women’s groups, youth representatives, community leaders, government stakeholders, and development partners to deliver programs in leadership, peacebuilding, economic empowerment, and social inclusion.

An in-country volunteer will provide critical support by working closely with BWF staff, Executive Council members, and district representatives to co-develop safeguarding policies that are both culturally appropriate and aligned with international standards. This support is timely and necessary, as there are currently limited local resources with the specific technical expertise needed to guide this process in a comprehensive and participatory way.

About the Australian Volunteers Program  

The Australian Volunteers Program is an Australian government-funded initiative. We support partner organisations across the Pacific, Asia, and Africa to achieve locally led change.  

Volunteers are supported throughout their volunteer journey. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds and abilities to volunteer and aim to make the program as accessible and inclusive as possible. If you have accessibility requirements, please contact us to discuss how we can support you to volunteer with us - inclusion@australianvolunteers.com. Learn more about our commitment to inclusion.