Baseline Assessment of UNICEF Human Resources Safeguarding Practices
To what extent is UNICEF implementing safeguarding practices in human resources? What is the state of readiness of UNICEF to roll out new Policy on Safeguarding effectively?
Safeguarding is central to UNICEF’s mission and reflects its unwavering commitment to protecting everyone who interacts with the organization. In recognition of the vital role safeguarding plays in ethical and responsible operations, UNICEF launched its Policy on Safeguarding in March 2024. The Policy reinforces UNICEF’s commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and accountable environments for all individuals that UNICEF works with. It introduces strengthened standards and expectations for safeguarding across all operational areas, including human resources.
As the new Policy is being rolled out, UNICEF carried out the baseline assessment to lay out the groundwork for embedding safeguarding across its global HR functions. Conducted across headquarters, regional, and country offices, the assessment establishes a reference point for measuring future progress in implementing the HR safeguarding requirements outlined in the 2024 Policy on Safeguarding. It focuses on how safeguarding is integrated into core HR processes, such as recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, reporting and response.
Insights from the baseline assessment will inform the development and update of procedures, guidance, tools, and support to accompany the policy rollout, ensuring that HR teams are equipped to uphold safeguarding principles in every aspect of their work.
