Application Guide

How to Apply for Consultant - 4th Independent Review of Safeguarding Practice and Culture

at Mines Advisory Group

🏢 About Mines Advisory Group

MAG (Mines Advisory Group) is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning humanitarian organization that removes landmines and reduces armed violence across 32 countries. Working at MAG means contributing to life-saving work in some of the world's most dangerous post-conflict environments, with a strong focus on community safety and partnership.

About This Role

This consultancy leads the 4th Independent Review of MAG's safeguarding practice and culture, assessing progress, identifying gaps, and recommending improvements. The role is critical to ensuring MAG's safeguarding framework aligns with its strategy, external obligations, and partner/community needs, directly influencing the safety of vulnerable populations.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing MAG's safeguarding documents and self-assessment tool, conducting remote interviews with staff, partners, and community representatives, and analyzing findings to draft sections of the final report. You would also liaise with MAG's safeguarding team to clarify processes and ensure access to necessary data.

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🎯 Who Mines Advisory Group Is Looking For

  • A senior safeguarding expert with deep knowledge of humanitarian/development sector standards, such as IASC, CHS, or UK Charity Commission requirements.
  • Demonstrably independent from MAG, with no prior or current contractual ties that could compromise objectivity.
  • Proven experience conducting organizational reviews, including designing assessment tools, interviewing stakeholders, and producing actionable reports.
  • Authoritative in safeguarding practice, able to challenge senior leadership and recommend strategic changes with credibility.

📝 Tips for Applying to Mines Advisory Group

1

Explicitly state your independence from MAG in your cover letter, including any past work for MAG or its affiliates.

2

Highlight previous experience with safeguarding self-assessment tools (e.g., CHS verification, InterAction framework) and how you have adapted them for partner contexts.

3

Provide specific examples of reports you have authored for organizational reviews, emphasizing measurable impact of your recommendations.

4

Tailor your CV to show breadth across multiple humanitarian emergencies and development settings, not just one region.

5

Mention familiarity with MAG's operational contexts (e.g., landmine clearance, armed violence reduction) and how safeguarding differs in these settings.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your independence and objectivity, with no conflicts of interest.', 'Your expertise in safeguarding within humanitarian and development partnerships, especially with local organizations.', 'Your experience conducting similar independent reviews and producing reports that drove change.', "Your understanding of MAG's mission and the specific safeguarding challenges in post-conflict environments."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review MAG's public safeguarding policies, annual reports, and previous independent review summaries (if available).
  • → Understand MAG's partner model and how local organizations are involved in program delivery.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the UK Charity Commission's safeguarding guidance and the IASC Six Core Principles Relating to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
  • → Look into recent sector-wide discussions on safeguarding in humanitarian settings, such as the #MeToo movement in aid.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you assess the adequacy of MAG's current safeguarding self-assessment tool for partner use?
2 Can you describe a time you identified a safeguarding gap in an organizational review and how you ensured recommendations were implemented?
3 How do you ensure your review remains independent when stakeholders have strong opinions?
4 What key safeguarding risks are unique to MAG's work in conflict-affected areas (e.g., landmine clearance, armed violence reduction)?
5 How would you engage with partners and community members to gather input on safeguarding culture without causing harm?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to explicitly address independence – vague statements may lead to disqualification.
  • Submitting a generic application without referencing MAG's specific work or safeguarding challenges.
  • Overemphasizing academic qualifications without demonstrating practical experience in conducting reviews and implementing changes.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: June 22, 2026

We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to Mines Advisory Group!

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