National Ombuds Angola

About the role

The Ombuds Office for SOS Children's Villages is an independent entity within SOS Children's Villages that supports children and young people concerned about the safety or well-being of children involved in SOS programmes, past or present. The Angola National Ombuds is a trusted, neutral professional who works independently of SOS Children's Villages Angola, guided by the principles of confidentiality, impartiality, independence and informality, and reports to the Regional Ombuds. The post is based in Lubango, Angola.

Key responsibilities

• Build awareness, promote prevention and nurture child participation so that children and young people feel safe in all SOS CV programmes and services.
• Guide a fair process through listening and supporting, using dispute resolution skills to help resolve concerns raised by children, young people and adults.
• Act as a check and balance to safeguarding, identifying trends and making recommendations to SOS Children's Villages of Angola.
• Work independently of SOS Children's Villages Angola and report to the Regional Ombuds.

Required profile

• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in ombudspersonship, mediation, child safeguarding, child protection or child rights.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field such as child rights, child protection, social work, law, child psychology or psychosocial wellbeing.
• At least 3 years of experience working with children and youths, and experience working in communities.
• Legal right to live and work in Angola; Portuguese and basic English are mandatory.
• Experience in an NGO or international organization is an asset.
• Not eligible if currently employed by SOS Children's Villages, employed there in the last 2 years, or if a relative works for SOS Children's Villages.

Required skills

• Good knowledge of children's rights, child protection and safeguarding, and of laws, policies and international standards on children's care.
• Strong listening, observation, communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to run training and support workshops.
• Ability to build rapport with children and young people and to identify marginalized ones.
• Understanding of the local context, including laws, policies, language and social norms.

What we offer

• Fixed-term employment contract of 1 year, renewable based on performance and available funds.
• Training and development, and support from the Regional Ombuds.
• Satisfying and stimulating work, with remote and in-person arrangements.
• The chance to work for an NGO that is part of a recognized international network.

Applicants must submit a motivation letter and CV by 16 November 2026 through the organization's careers page. The position is subject to background checks, including criminal record checks, under the organization's child protection policy.