Overview

The Head of Safety will be responsible for ensuring the proper application of DRC’s Safety Risk Management System (SRMS) and identifying risks to implement appropriate mitigation measures, thereby enhancing operational continuity and resilience.

Tasks Summary

• Maintain the existing DRC Safety Risk Management System (SRMS) for all program locations.
• Support recruitment, capacity building, mentoring, and training of Safety Focal Points.
• Provide oversight and quality assurance of the SRMS.
• Manage the Safety Level System (SLS) for field sites based on Safety Risk Assessments (SRA).
• Identify risks to maintain program continuity and enhance resilience.
• Lead the development of contextualized risk management policy, protocols, and procedures.
• Facilitate program access and continuity through timely advice.
• Maintain relevant safety documentation, data, and records.
• Produce weekly and quarterly security analysis/reports.
• Create and deliver high-quality security trainings and workshops.
• Mentor, coach, and provide technical supervision to safety focal points and other staff.
• Ensure new staff receive pre-arrival and country briefings.
• Provide safety input to meetings and support the Country Director and Senior Management Team.
• Coordinate with the RO/HQ Crisis Management Team (CMT) and participate in Incident Management Teams (IMT).
• Support the development of Area Incident Management Teams (IMTs).
• Ensure safety is budgeted for in grants and support proposal development and donor reporting.
• Act as the focal point for procurement of safety-related equipment and resources.
• Develop, maintain, and participate in networks for safety information sharing.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 5 years as Security Manager/Advisor for an NGO in a high risk/conflict zone (or equivalent role).
• Proven experience in context/security analysis and advising humanitarian personnel.
• Experience in developing and updating SOP’s, contingency plans and other risk assessment and management documents and tools.
• Proven experience in incident/crisis management.
• Experience in conducting safety training for international and national staff, and experience of capacity building.
• Ability to provide conflict analysis (written).
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Be able to encourage, motivate and guide team members to approach safety and security issues with confidence especially during crises.
• Be flexible to travel at short notice to difficult and risky areas.
• Proven ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.

Qualification Requirements

Master degree in relevant subject preferred but not required.

Other Details

Languages Required: Fluent English is required.

Languages Preferred: Knowledge of Ukrainian is an advantage.

Contract Duration: Until January 2028, renewable based on performance and funding following a successful 3-month probation period

Work Modality:

Remuneration: Band: E1 - management Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national and expat employees.