Background

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

About the Role

The Safety Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the proper application of DRC’s Safety Risk Management System (SRMS) in all areas of operations in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). This includes the application of the Global Safety Policy, identifying known and foreseen risks and to determine and implement appropriate mitigation measures, mechanisms and procedures. In addition, ongoing context assessment and day-to-day safety and security management shall be done in close cooperation with Senior Management and Safety Focal Points, thereby enhancing the operational continuity and resilience of DRC OPT country program. Uniquely, the oPt Safety Coordinator manages safety in the Gaza Strip, SLS 6 Location-Extreme Risk invoking distinct and highly specialized safety procedures, frequent quality assurance at the field level, and bespoke assistance to DRC’s partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:

In accordance with DRC Safety policy, the Safety Coordinator will:

• Develop the existing DRC Safety Risk Management System (SRMS) to cover all DRC program locations
• Maintain and inform the GHOST (Gaza Humanitarian and Operational Support Team) system on a daily basis
• Lead recruitment of Safety Focal Points and provide capacity building, mentoring and training.
• Provide oversight and quality assurance of the DRC Safety Risk Management System (SRMS).
• Manage the Safety Level System (SLS) for field sites, based on individual Safety Risk Assessments (SRA), and ensure they strive to improve compliance with Minimum Operating Safety Standards (MOSS).
• Identify actual, perceived and foreseeable risks to maintain program continuity and enhance resilience through robust security and risk management.
• Lead the development and production of contextualized risk management policy, protocols and procedures in close collaboration with area offices and management.
• Facilitate program access and continuity through timely, quality and informed advice.
• Maintain relevant safety documentation, data, and records (staff presence lists, training register, incident tracking, maps, etc.)
• Produce Monthly and quarterly security analysis/reports (including ad hoc daily updates, weekly summaries, and monthly trend analysis) where requested.
• Create and deliver high quality safety training that reaches a maximum number of national and implementing partners
• Develop and facilitate workshops for Safety focal points, Heads of Departments, DRC field team and other key staff.
• Mentor, coach and provide technical supervision to Safety focal points and other staff with safety management responsibilities.
• Ensure new staff receives a pre-arrival briefing prior to arriving in country and a country briefing on arrival.
• Provide safety inputs in meetings and support the Emergency & Operations Manager and Senior Management Team in the decision-making process.
• Coordinate with the RO/HQ Crisis Management Team (CMT), when needed, and take part in the Incident Management Teams (IMT), when activated.
• Support the development of the capacity of Incident Management Teams (IMTs).
• Work with the Head of Support Services to ensure that safety is adequately budgeted for in grants, support proposal development and donor reporting requirements, where applicable, and provide inputs on internal and external reporting.
• Act as the focal point for the procurement of safety-related equipment, facilities and other resources.
• Develop, maintain, and participate in networks for (safety) information sharing.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 5-7 years as Safety Manager/Advisor for an NGO in a high risk/conflict zone, preferably within the Middle East region
• Proven experience in context/security analysis and advising humanitarian personnel; proven experience in humanitarian access and CMCoord in humanitarian crises and fragile contexts.
• 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 staff, and experience of partner capacity building.
• Strong trauma first aid knowledge
• Ability to provide conflict analysis (written).
• Experience in working with and supporting strategic partners in high-risk zones is essential, with a special focus on building the internal capacity of local actors (LNGOs, Civil Society, Etc.,) in terms of safety procedures.
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Computer literate, able to use all common software packages and familiarity with using monitoring devices, open-source mapping tools and satellite communication devices
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ready to encourage, motivate and guide team members to approach safety and security issues with confidence, especially during crises.
• Sufficient self-resilience to work in highly insecure environments and to travel at short notice and able to support team members in remaining resilient. Proven ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.
• Able to work directly with vendors for services in austere and complex areas, basic familiarity with tools, vehicles, electricity, etc, is a plus.

Languages:

• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Arabic language (desirable)

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

Education:

• Master degree in relevant subject preferred but not required

We offer

Contract length: 6 months with possibility of extension depending on funding.

Position Band: This position will be placed at Non-Management (F) band

Preferable Start date: December 15, 2024

Duty station: Amman, Jordan (with frequent travel to Gaza, occupied Palestinian territory)

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for nationals or expatriates.

For questions regarding the vacancy please contact Younes.elazm@drc.ngo