CFAs: Safeguarding Foundations Training Programme

Deadline: 20-Jul-2026

The Safeguarding Resource and Support Hub (RSH) MENA Regional Hub is accepting applications for its Safeguarding Foundations Training Programme 2026, designed for civil society organizations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region that are beginning to develop safeguarding systems. The programme focuses on Protection Against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment (PSEAH) and provides online training, capacity building, and ongoing technical support to help organizations establish their first safeguarding policies and practices.

About the Safeguarding Foundations Training Programme

The Safeguarding Foundations Training Programme supports civil society organizations that are at an early stage of safeguarding development and need guidance in creating effective safeguarding systems.

The programme aims to strengthen organizational capacity by helping participants understand safeguarding principles, develop safeguarding policies, improve risk management practices, and build safer environments for staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, and communities.

A key focus of the programme is Protection Against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment (PSEAH), which is increasingly recognized as an essential component of responsible humanitarian, development, and civil society work.

What is PSEAH?

Protection Against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment (PSEAH) refers to policies, procedures, and practices that prevent and respond to:

• Sexual exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
• Sexual abuse by staff, volunteers, or representatives.
• Sexual harassment in workplaces and programme settings.
• Misconduct that places beneficiaries or staff at risk.
• Abuse of power within organizations.

Strong PSEAH systems help organizations protect communities, maintain accountability, and meet international safeguarding standards.

Programme Objectives

The training programme aims to:

• Support organizations developing their first safeguarding policy.
• Improve safeguarding awareness and understanding.
• Strengthen PSEAH knowledge and implementation.
• Build organizational safeguarding capacity.
• Promote safe and accountable organizational practices.
• Provide practical guidance for safeguarding system development.
• Offer technical support for policy implementation.

Priority Areas

The programme prioritizes:

• Safeguarding policy development.
• PSEAH implementation.
• Organizational capacity strengthening.
• Risk prevention and mitigation.
• Staff awareness and training.
• Accountability and protection mechanisms.
• Safe programming practices.

Training Structure

The programme consists of:

Online Training Sessions

• Four online sessions.
• Each session lasts approximately 2–3 hours.
• Delivered over one week.
• Conducted online from 3 August to 6 August 2026.

Technical Support Phase

Following the training, participating organizations will receive:

• Tailored technical assistance.
• Follow-up guidance.
• Practical support for safeguarding policy development.
• Capacity strengthening assistance.

The support period will continue for approximately 4 to 6 months after training completion.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Registered civil society organizations.
• Organizations at an early stage of safeguarding development.
• Organizations developing their first safeguarding policy.

Eligible countries include:

• Jordan
• Syria
• Lebanon
• Palestine
• Iraq
• Egypt
• Sudan
• Yemen

Priority Organizations

Preference will be given to:

• Women’s rights organizations.
• Women-led organizations.
• Youth-focused organizations.
• Child-focused organizations.
• Organizations supporting people with disabilities (PwD).
• Refugee-serving organizations.
• Organizations working with internally displaced persons (IDPs).
• Returnee support organizations.
• Organizations serving marginalized communities.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The programme is not intended for organizations that already have:

• Established safeguarding systems.
• Comprehensive safeguarding policies.
• Trained safeguarding personnel.
• Functional reporting and complaint mechanisms.
• Advanced safeguarding practices already in place.

Participant Requirements

Each participating organization must:

• Nominate one staff member or safeguarding focal point.
• Ensure the participant attends the entire training cycle.
• Provide access to a stable internet connection.
• Ensure access to a suitable computer or digital device.
• Commit to engaging throughout the technical support period.

Benefits of Participation

Selected organizations will gain:

• Foundational safeguarding knowledge.
• PSEAH policy development support.
• Improved organizational accountability.
• Enhanced risk management practices.
• Access to safeguarding experts.
• Practical technical assistance.
• Strengthened protection systems.
• Better preparedness for donor safeguarding requirements.

Why This Programme Matters

Safeguarding has become a critical requirement across humanitarian, development, and civil society sectors.

Organizations working with vulnerable populations must ensure that:

• Beneficiaries are protected from harm.
• Staff understand safeguarding responsibilities.
• Risks are identified and addressed.
• Reporting mechanisms are available.
• Organizational culture promotes safety and accountability.

This programme helps smaller and emerging organizations establish these essential systems from the ground up.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organization:

• Is legally registered.
• Operates in one of the eligible MENA countries.
• Is at an early stage of safeguarding development.

Step 2: Nominate a Representative

Select a staff member or focal person who can:

• Attend all online sessions.
• Participate in follow-up support activities.
• Lead safeguarding development within the organization.

Step 3: Assess Technical Readiness

Confirm access to:

• Reliable internet.
• A suitable device.
• A quiet environment for online participation.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Complete the application process according to programme requirements and provide all requested organizational information.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of selection:

• Clearly explain your organization’s safeguarding needs.
• Demonstrate commitment to developing safeguarding systems.
• Highlight work with vulnerable populations.
• Show readiness to implement safeguarding policies.
• Explain how the training will strengthen your organization.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid:

• Applying if your organization already has advanced safeguarding systems.
• Nominating participants who cannot attend all sessions.
• Providing incomplete organizational information.
• Failing to demonstrate safeguarding needs.
• Underestimating the commitment required during the technical support phase.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the main purpose of the Safeguarding Foundations Training Programme?

The programme helps civil society organizations develop their first safeguarding policies and strengthen Protection Against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment (PSEAH) practices.

2. Which countries are eligible?

Organizations based in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Iraq, Egypt, Sudan, and Yemen may apply.

3. Is the training conducted online?

Yes. The programme is delivered entirely online.

4. When will the training take place?

The online training sessions will be held from 3 August to 6 August 2026.

5. How long is the support period?

Organizations receive technical support for approximately 4–6 months after completing the training.

6. Can organizations with established safeguarding systems apply?

No. The programme is intended for organizations at an early stage of safeguarding development.

7. Which organizations receive priority consideration?

Priority is given to women’s rights organizations, women-led organizations, and organizations working with youth, children, people with disabilities, refugees, IDPs, returnees, and other marginalized groups.

Conclusion

The Safeguarding Foundations Training Programme 2026 provides a valuable opportunity for civil society organizations across the MENA region to establish strong safeguarding systems and strengthen PSEAH practices. Through expert-led online training and extended technical support, participating organizations can build safer, more accountable, and more effective programmes that better protect the communities they serve.

For more information, visit RSH.