Description
Fern was founded in 1995 to protect forests and the rights of people who depend on them. We make decisions by consensus and build campaigns with social and environmental organisations and movements across the world. We have 7 campaign teams and 19 staff split over two offices, one in Moreton-in-Marsh (UK) and another in Brussels (Belgium). For detailed information about our campaigns and partner organisations, please visit our website, www.fern.org
Context
Fern is looking for safeguarding experts to build on Fern’s Safeguarding practices. The goal is to ensure internal alignment on safeguarding risks, refresh staff and partner awareness, and strengthen our safeguarding policy and practices in line with Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) requirements under the new Forest Governance, Markets and Climate Programme II (FGMC II) grant.
The objective of this call is to create a pool of pre-selected consultants who will qualify to provide services to Fern as safeguarding advisors.
The pre-selection will be based on proven expertise in safeguarding policy development and implementation, experience working with international NGOs or organisations, relevant qualifications, a record of staff training, and an understanding of Fern’s context for the past three years.
The support needed is structured into four lots, with one offer expected per lot. Lots 1 & 2 aim at offering support solely to Fern, and lots 3 & 4 are dedicated to supporting implementing partners included in our FCDO grant.
Objective and Deliveries
Lot 1 – Safeguarding for Fern (EN)
Deliverables:
In-person 3-hour refresher trainings for Fern staff in 2026, 2027 and 2028 on safeguarding awareness and organisational status (in Brussels).
Update and improve, where necessary, Fern’s safeguarding policy and processes.
Quote: Detailed offer
Lot 2 – Ongoing Safeguarding Support (EN)
Provide ongoing, ad-hoc advice and support to Fern staff and, concretely, to Fern safeguarding leads in response to safeguarding risks identified within Fern or among its partners.
Deliverables:
- Rapid response advice (availability within one working day).
- Continuous support over the consultancy period (36 months).
Quote: Hourly rate.
Special Note on Selection:
For Lot 2, Fern will establish a pool of the three highest-rated consultants.
The top-ranked consultant will be contacted first. If unavailable, Fern will contact the second-ranked consultant, then the third.
Lot 3 – Safeguarding Support for Fern’s Partners (FR)
Deliverables:
- Three safeguarding refresher sessions for Fern’s (4) French-speaking partners involved in our FCDO grant in 2026, 2027 and 2028 (2-hour, online).
Quote: Global price
Lot 4 – Safeguarding Support for Fern’s Partners (EN)
Same as above for English-speaking partners.
Deliverables:
- Three safeguarding refresher sessions for Fern’s (6) English-speaking partners involved in our FCDO grant in 2026, 2027 and 2028 (2-hour, online).
Quote: Global price
If you have any questions, please contact yael@fern.org
Timeline
- November 2025: Launch
- December 2025: Reception and review of offers. Selected candidates will be invited for interviews.
- January 2026: Signature of contract
Application
Send your application, including a relevant CV, a motivation letter, and quote(s), to recruitment@fern.org
- Consultants may apply for one, several, or all lots. Please specify clearly which lot(s) you are applying for.
- Please submit a separate quote per lot.
- Bilingual capacity (EN + FR) will be considered an advantage.
- Availability: Consultants should be able to commit for 36 months (3 years).
Deadline for applications: December 12th 2025, @ 11:59 CEST. Please note that we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply early.
Fern is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that celebrating and actively welcoming diverse voices and perspectives is essential to solving the planet’s most pressing environmental problems, and we encourage applications from candidates whose identities have been historically underrepresented in the environmental movement.
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age, or disability.
