Policy on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)
Download our signed policy document here.
Document Version: 1.0
Effective Date: 2025-11-12
Next Review Date: 2026-11-12
Policy Owner: Board of Directors
PSEA Focal Point: Kimberly Jahnel (kimberly.jahnel@sdialliance.org)
Purpose and Commitment
IDED is committed to preventing and addressing sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) in all aspects of our operations. This policy establishes clear standards of conduct for all personnel and partners, ensuring the protection of all individuals who interact with our organization, particularly vulnerable populations.
We hereby formally acknowledge and accept the standards of conduct listed in Section 3 of the United Nations Secretary-General's Bulletin ST/SGB/2003/13 on "Special measures for protection from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse" and commit to their full implementation.
Scope
This policy applies to:
All members of the Board of Directors
All employees (full-time, part-time, and temporary)
All consultants, contractors, and field researchers
Volunteers and interns
Any individual representing or working on behalf of IDED
All subcontractors and implementing partners
Definitions
Sexual Exploitation: Any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another.
Sexual Abuse: The actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.
Beneficiary: Any individual who directly or indirectly benefits from or is affected by IDED's research, advocacy, or policy work.
Personnel: All individuals covered under the scope of this policy.
Standards of Conduct
In accordance with ST/SGB/2003/13, IDED establishes the following mandatory standards:
4.1 Prohibited Conduct
a) Sexual exploitation and sexual abuse are strictly prohibited and constitute acts of serious misconduct, serving as grounds for disciplinary measures, including immediate termination of contract or association with IDED.
b) Sexual activity with children (persons under the age of 18) is prohibited regardless of the age of majority or age of consent locally. Mistaken belief regarding the age of a child is not a defense.
c) Exchange of money, employment, goods, or services for sex, including sexual favors or other forms of humiliating, degrading or exploitative behavior, is prohibited. This includes any exchange of assistance that is due to beneficiaries.
d) Sexual relationships between IDED personnel and beneficiaries are strongly discouraged as they are based on inherently unequal power dynamics and undermine the credibility and integrity of our work.
4.2 Reporting Obligations
e) All personnel have a duty to report concerns or suspicions regarding sexual exploitation or sexual abuse by a colleague, whether within IDED or not, and whether or not within the environmental technology sector. Reports must be made through established reporting mechanisms (Section 6).
f) All personnel are obligated to create and maintain an environment that prevents sexual exploitation and sexual abuse. Board members and those in supervisory positions have particular responsibility to support and develop systems that maintain this environment.
4.3 Additional Standards
Personnel must not engage in any form of sexual harassment, including unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
Personnel must treat all individuals with respect and dignity, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other status.
Any other sexually exploitative or abusive behavior not explicitly listed may be grounds for disciplinary action.
Responsibilities
5.1 Board of Directors
Ensure implementation and compliance with this policy
Designate and support the PSEA Focal Point
Review and update this policy annually
Ensure adequate resources for PSEA implementation
5.2 PSEA Focal Point (Designated Board Member)
Receive and document all PSEA-related reports
Ensure confidential handling of complaints
Coordinate investigations as appropriate
Maintain records of all PSEA matters
Provide annual reports to the Board on PSEA compliance
Serve as primary contact for PSEA matters
5.3 HR/Compliance Board Member
Implement screening procedures for all new personnel
Ensure PSEA policy is included in all contracts
Maintain personnel records related to PSEA compliance
Coordinate PSEA training and awareness activities
5.4 All Personnel
Read, understand, and comply with this policy
Report any concerns or violations promptly
Cooperate fully with any investigations
Maintain confidentiality regarding PSEA matters
6. Reporting Mechanisms
6.1 Reporting Channels
All PSEA concerns, complaints, or reports should be directed to:
Primary Channel:
PSEA Focal Point Email: whistleblower@sdialliance.org
Alternative Channel:
Direct contact with the PSEA Focal Point Board Member
kimberly.jahnel@sdialliance.org
External Reporting:
Individuals may also report directly to relevant UN agencies or donor organizations with which IDED has partnerships.
6.2 Confidentiality and Protection
All reports will be handled with strict confidentiality to protect all parties involved
No retaliation will be tolerated against anyone making a good faith report
Anonymous reporting is permitted through the PSEA email address
Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis for investigation purposes
Response Procedures
7.1 Initial Response
Upon receiving a report, the PSEA Focal Point will:
Document the complaint within 24 hours
Acknowledge receipt to the complainant (if identity is known) within 48 hours
Conduct preliminary assessment of the allegation
Initiate appropriate response measures
7.2 Investigation
All allegations will be investigated promptly and impartially
External investigators may be engaged for serious allegations
Investigations will be completed within 30 days when possible
Due process rights of all parties will be respected
7.3 Disciplinary Measures
Substantiated violations may result in:
Written warning
Suspension without pay
Termination of employment or contract
Referral to law enforcement authorities
Prohibition from future engagement with IDED
Subcontractors and Partners
8.1 Contractual Requirements
All contracts with subcontractors, consultants, and partners must include:
Reference to this PSEA policy
Written acceptance of the standards in Section 4
Obligation to report any SEA concerns
Agreement that violation constitutes grounds for contract termination
8.2 Due Diligence
Before engaging subcontractors or partners, IDED will:
Verify no prior SEA violations through reference checks
Ensure understanding of PSEA requirements
Include PSEA compliance in performance evaluations
8.3 Monitoring
Regular monitoring of subcontractor compliance with PSEA standards
Immediate action upon any indication of policy violations
Documentation of all monitoring activities
Prevention Measures
9.1 Recruitment and Screening
All recruitment processes will include PSEA screening questions
Reference checks will specifically inquire about any SEA concerns
Self-declaration of criminal convictions related to SEA required
Participation in inter-agency disclosure schemes where available
9.2 Training and Awareness
PSEA orientation for all new personnel within 30 days of engagement
Annual refresher training for all personnel
Special briefings for personnel working with vulnerable populations
Display of PSEA policy and reporting information in office premises
9.3 Risk Assessment
Regular assessment of SEA risks in all programs and activities
Implementation of appropriate safeguards based on risk levels
Documentation of risk mitigation measures
Implementation and Compliance
10.1 Policy Dissemination
This policy will be provided to all personnel upon engagement
Posted on IDED's website and internal systems
Included in all partnership agreements and contracts
Available in relevant languages as needed
10.2 Record Keeping
All PSEA-related documentation will be maintained for minimum 7 years
Records will be kept secure and confidential
Regular audits of PSEA compliance will be conducted
10.3 Cooperation with Investigations
IDED will cooperate fully with:
UN investigations related to SEA
Donor organization inquiries
Law enforcement investigations where appropriate
Inter-agency coordination mechanisms
Review and Updates
This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to ensure:
Continued alignment with UN standards and best practices
Effectiveness in preventing and addressing SEA
Incorporation of lessons learned from incidents or near-misses
Compliance with evolving legal and regulatory requirements
Related Policies and References
12.1 Reference Documents
UN Secretary-General's Bulletin ST/SGB/2003/13
UN Protocol on Allegations of SEA involving Implementing Partners
IASC Six Core Principles Relating to SEA
Relevant national legislation on child protection and sexual offenses
12.2 Related Internal Policies
Code of Conduct
Whistleblower Protection Policy
Data Protection and Confidentiality Policy
Appendix A: PSEA Reporting Form Template
You can download the form here.
Appendix B: PSEA Risk Assessment Tool
You can download the form here.
Appendix C: Reference Check Template for PSEA Screening
You can download the form here.
Policy Approval:
Approved by the Board of Directors of IDED on 12-11-2025
