In March 2023, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced the creation of a $10 million fund per Olympiad to strengthen prevention and response to interpersonal violence at the local level. Subsequently, in October 2023, the IOC presented the Regional Safe Sport Centers Initiative, a key project to address this problem inside and outside the sporting arena.

This initiative is part of the IOC’s ‘Olympism365’ strategy, which seeks to position sport as a driver of social change and sustainable development. Through sport-based programs, the IOC aims to contribute to the prevention of interpersonal violence in communities, working in partnership with regional, national and local actors.

PILOT CENTERS IN AFRICA AND THE PACIFIC

As part of this project, the IOC will prioritize the creation of two pilot centers in Southern Africa and the Pacific Islands. These centers will be led by local and regional experts, and will serve as a proof of concept for preventing and responding to interpersonal violence in sport. If the results are positive, the IOC plans to expand this network of centers to all continents.

The centers will facilitate access to support services for victims of violence, building on existing resources and mobilizing new ones to fill gaps. In addition, localized prevention and response mechanisms will be strengthened, promoting more effective cooperation between sport and non-sport ecosystems.

HOLISTIC APPROACH TO A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM

The IOC recognizes that interpersonal violence is a public health problem that requires the collaboration of multiple actors. As such, it is seeking a Resource Development Specialist to design sustainable models to strengthen established and emerging victim support pathways. This specialist will be key to identifying co-financing and resource mobilization opportunities.

The specialist’s responsibilities include developing holistic strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of centers, creating compelling fundraising proposals, and coordinating interactions in the global resource-raising landscape.

REQUIREMENTS AND APPLICATION PROCESS

The IOC seeks individuals or organizations with proven experience in developing resource mobilization strategies, ideally in areas such as interpersonal violence, gender-based violence, humanitarian aid or human rights. Research, communication skills and knowledge of the funding landscape in these areas would also be an asset.

The consultancy contract will run from March to December 2025 on a part-time basis. Interested applicants should send a one-page summary of relevant experience to safesport@olympic.org by March 24, 2025.