Hivos believes that human life in its many forms is valuable, and people in all their diversity have potential and talent. Living a life with freedom and dignity, with respect for each other and the planet leads to greater individual and collective well-being and fair and vibrant societies.
We cooperate with various partners across four continents on a variety of projects that can be large scale and long term, but also small and experimental: our strength lies in diversity, and with a diverse team and stakeholders also comes the great responsibility of ensuring everyone feels safe and included.
However, working across the world and across cultures faces us with the need to have clear standards that anyone interacting with Hivos can learn about and align with. Together with our partners we seek to promote social change in innovative ways, and because of this we are aware of the heightened risks many of the people we work with and face in certain contexts, due to their ethnic origin, age, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and expression and sex characteristics (SOGIESC), disability or HIV status, position, etc.
This Safeguarding Policy provides clear definitions, sets standards across the organization, and gives clear guidance on its implementation for Hivos and its partners.
Annexes Safeguarding Policy
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Hivos aims for the highest possible integrity in its contact with partners, suppliers, clients, among Hivos staff and in relation to business property. This policy document contains our former Code of Conduct and Whistleblower procedure, which will be revised soon.
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The Sexual Harassment Policy is intended for use by Hivos employees and extends to partners and stakeholders who hold contracts with Hivos. It is linked to the Hivos Integrity Policy (2016) and Corporate Social Responsibility Policy (2016). It is also a direct consequence of the new Hivos Gender Equality and Diversity Inclusion Strategy launched in 2018.
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To report suspected abuse or irregularities related to Hivos or Hivos funding and projects, within Hivos or involving implementing organizations and service providers (whistleblowing). Or to submit a complaint about Hivos, e.g. regarding inappropriate behavior, sexual harassment or other problems (complaints).
Please consult our complaints procedure.
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The Hivos Code of Conduct applies equally to everyone associated with Hivos, including but not limited to:
– All permanent and temporary members of staff
– Consultants
– Interns
– Volunteers
– Members of the Supervisory Board
– Partner organizations
– Accompanying family members of expat employees
– Third-party contractorsChild protection policy statements are included in our Code of Conduct. They cover special behavior issues when working for and with children, for example involving media and photography.
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We aim to foster a space where things that make us uncomfortable can be discussed openly, for the benefit of everyone directly or indirectly involved, and to create a safer and more conducive space for all.
The objective of the grievance policy is to create a conducive environment within Hivos and to deescalate and defuse behaviors that, if continued, could have a detrimental effect on the people involved and on teams.This policy applies to all employees and partners of the organization.
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These terms and conditions apply to all agreements and the entire legal relationship between Hivos and implementing organizations
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These conditions apply to the purchase by Hivos of goods and services. This includes: consultancy, research and ICT services; hiring staff on temporary or contract basis (“op uitzend- of detacheringsbasis”); and purchasing content from advertising agencies, creative agencies or photo stock agencies.
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Our commitment to social responsibility is a consequence of our values and our resolve to act consistently with our own programs. Sound social responsibility also contributes to strengthening these values. By “taking responsibility”, we mean being transparent and accountable for the choices we make and the things we do.
– Hivos Corporate Social Responsibility Policy
Hivos’ Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy
The Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Strategy emphasizes gender as both a cross-cutting theme in Hivos’ work and the focus of distinct programming, research and advocacy. It ensures that Hivos continues to support programs that consistently address gender inequalities, acknowledge diversity, and contribute to building a body of staff that represents the societies we serve.
