Union Academy is looking for a Safeguarding Officer

Union Academy is the youth academy of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. In line with the Union Way, we believe that the future of football is built not only on talent and performance, but equally on the environment in which young players grow up — as athletes, and as people. Every academy carries a responsibility that reaches far beyond the game itself.

With the ambition to grow towards Elite 1 level, our responsibility grows too. This step requires safeguarding to be structurally embedded in the academy's daily operations. That is why we are recruiting a Safeguarding Officer under Article 17 status, who will both shape and follow up on our safeguarding policy, while also being the visible, approachable point of contact on the field.

Written by

Union Content Team

Job description

You are the clear and approachable point of contact for players, parents/guardians and staff, during training sessions, matches and beyond
You develop, implement and update Union Academy's safeguarding policy, in line with Elite 1-level requirements and the Pro League's Safe Football Allies programme
You translate this policy into daily practice on the pitch and in the changing rooms
You keep safeguarding present in day-to-day conversations with staff and parents, and help the club shift safeguarding from reactive to proactive
You ensure a clear reporting and follow-up process for doubts, questions or incidents

Availability

You are present for at least 3 of the 4 weekly training sessions (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday), generally between 4:30pm and 8:30pm (indicative, depending on the teams)
You are present on match days, for half a day each time
You attend the monthly Head of Meetings

Profile

You are an adult
You are bilingual (NL/FR); a good knowledge of English is a strong asset
You can provide an extract from the criminal record (model 2, for activities involving minors)
You have a relevant background (e.g. pedagogical, psychosocial, legal or sports-related) or equivalent experience
You have knowledge of or an affinity with safeguarding, children's rights and/or youth work in a sports context
You are a strong communicator, both with young people and adults (staff, parents, management)
You are trustworthy, approachable and a good listener
You can handle the emotional weight this role can carry, while also setting healthy boundaries
You understand the context of elite football, where pressure and performance expectations are part of the environment, without this coming at the expense of safety and wellbeing
You can work independently, while handling sensitive matters calmly and carefully

What we offer

A position with a clear, structural responsibility within an ambitious youth academy
A central role in the continued professionalisation of Union Academy towards Elite 1
Training and practical support through the Pro League's Safe Football Allies programme, with ready-made tools such as introduction materials to present yourself, ready-made training sessions for coaches, etc.
Close collaboration with the academy's management
Employment under the Belgian Article 17 scheme, with remuneration in accordance with the applicable legislation.

Interested? Send your application before August 12th to henk.mariman@rusgacademy.be. We will then get in touch with you!