Michael Reuben Ntibikema has been working as a safeguarding consultant since 2006. He is a skilled practitioner, trainer and researcher with over 14 years’ experience in human rights and international development and humanitarian context with a focus on child protection, safeguarding and gender.
Michael is based in Tanzania, and is available for work throughout Africa. He works in English and Swahili. Fine out more about Michael here.
Safeguarding Consultants Directory
The Safeguarding Consultants Directory is an online database of organisations and individuals that you can contract to support your safeguarding. The consultants featured on our Directory have experience from all over the world, rooted in the contexts that we work in. Between them, they speak 40 languages, and can offer services from policy development to investigation. Note that the Safeguarding Resource and Support Hub cannot cover the costs of contracting these consultants.
In this RSH blog series, we introduce some of our consultants to you. Feel free to ask questions related to the posts in the Comment box below!
What interests you most about safeguarding?
I have a passion to advance and protect children and vulnerable adults from all forms of abuse and sexual exploitation.
What are some recurring safeguarding questions/topics in your region?
In consultancies I've undertaken, both inside and outside of Tanzania, safeguarding is a new concept. It is seen as a Western concept, coming from Europe. Often, I'm asked to help develop policy, just to meet donor requirements – but I advise that policy alone is not enough, they also need training.
How do you approach these topics?
My strength is vested in the use of a participatory approach. Starting with participants’ experiences on what abuse and sexual exploitation are. I also ask how safeguarding can address these challenges.
During the discussion, participants find that safeguarding is an integral part of whatever they do and should be embedded in their organisational systems.
What key skills and experience do you bring to safeguarding?
I have different skills ranging from training, organisation safeguarding audit, review of safeguarding policies and procedures, coaching and mentorship. I assess the organisations through the lens of international standards.
What languages do you work in?
English and Kiswahili.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself?
I am an experienced safeguarding consultant, and I have worked at the national and international levels with small, medium and large organisations.
