Safety, Access & Liaison Manager

Who are we?

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunities 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.

DRC Syria

DRC has been operating in Syria since 2008, initially responding to the Iraqi refugee crisis before pivoting to a full-scale response to the Syria crisis from 2011 onwards. Our work encompasses the full cycle of displacement—responding to life-saving humanitarian needs and supporting community recovery until durable solutions can be achieved. DRC Syria takes an area-based approach to supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities across our key sectors: Economic Recovery and Resilience, Protection, WASH, Shelter and Infrastructure, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (including Humanitarian Mine Action).

With an established rapid response mechanism, DRC can rapidly respond to emerging crises and shocks to meet acute emergency needs. Recognizing the significant need for early recovery and resilience programming to ensure dignified, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions for fragile communities, DRC’s programmes foster resilience for individuals and communities in situations of protracted displacement and during the initial stages of post-conflict recovery, towards a durable solution of their choice. With active portfolios in the neighboring countries of Jordan, Lebanon, Türkiye and Iraq, DRC offers a cross-border, regional response to the Syria crisis, through cross-border protection monitoring, advocacy, and trends analysis.

About the job:

The Safety, Access and Liaison Manager oversees the implementation of DRC’s Safety Risk Management System (SRMS) , as well as access and Liaison with relevant stakeholders in Syria.  

This encompasses monitoring the safety situation at DRC’s operational hubs across the country, implementing effective safety risk management solutions, analysing safety-related developments and conducting regular Security Risk Assessments. In addition, the Safety, Access and Liaison Manager is responsible for delivering context-specific Safety and Access training, maintaining strong engagement with relevant stakeholders, and keeping the Country Director regularly updated on progress related to liaison activities, while providing relevant advice and recommended actions.

The successful candidate will manage and oversee the Safety specialist and Liaison/Access Specialist and ensure consistent and smooth engagement with relevant stakeholders related to visas, registration, and access.

The Safety, Access and Liaison Manager also plays an important role in strengthening capacity sharing with DRC’s local partners.

Responsibilities:

Safety Risk Management:

• Oversee the implementation of the Safety Risk Management System (SRMS) and corresponding tools, procedures, and mitigation measures in consultation with the Regional Safety Coordinator.
• Ensure Safety-related procedures are presented in a comprehensible manner to DRC Syria staff to enforce a Safety culture that is accepted and appreciated by employees.
• Facilitate Safety Risk Assessments (SRAs) on regular and ad hoc basis.
• Drive the design and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to the safe implementation of program activities in coordination with Area Managers and Head of Programme.
• Maintain relevant safety documentation, data, and records for the areas of concern.
• Be responsible for the implementation of context-specific Minimum Operating Safety Standards (MOSS) and regularly assess the physical safety of DRC facilities and accommodations.
• Apprise the Safety Level System (SLS) in coordination with Safety Specialist
• Consolidate the Critical Incident Management Plan (CIMP).
• Monitor the evolving situation in the area of DRC programming in coordination with other actors and other DRC Safety staffs.
• Management and tracking of DRC staff movements (domestically and internationally) in coordination with other DRC Safety staffs.
• Provide safety risk analysis during project development process, expansion of activities and reduction/restructuring phases.
• Provide safety briefings and orientations to all new and visiting DRC staff as well as other key stakeholders visiting DRC programmes.
• Advise on the procurement of Safety-related equipment, facilities and other resources.
• In close coordination with the Administration team, ensure the effective and compliant safety management of staff accommodation, office facilities, and guesthouse arrangements.

Coordination, Supervision, Training and Incident Response:

• Coordinate Safety, access and liaison operations in DRC’s areas of operation and synchronize the work of all country-based Safety professionals in close coordination with the Area Managers.
• Actively participate in DRC internal coordination forums to address Safety, Access, and Liaison components, including, but not limited to, Extended Senior Management Team (SMT) meetings, grant review sessions, kick-off meetings, and Go/No-Go decision processes etc…
• Represent DRC at external Safety and liaison coordination meetings with INGOs, UN agencies and other humanitarian and development actors.
• Monitor and track the movement and status of DRC staff in the field.
• Mentor and provide technical supervision to all dedicated DRC Syria Safety, access and liaison employees as well as part-time Safety and access focal Points.
• Provide demand- and policy-driven Safety advice and training.
• Participate in regional training initiatives in coordination with the Regional Safety Coordinator.
• Be an essential part of DRC Syria ’s critical incident management, provide timely and accurate incident high level reports/analysis, and support organizational lessons learned.
• Direct immediate responses to incidents and support staff in the process.
• Provide briefings to IMT members on their roles and responsibilities, and ensure that alternate members are identified, properly briefed, and fully prepared to assume their duties when required.
• Develop the capacity of Incident Management Teams by regularly conducting drills.
• Maintain a DRC Syria communication tree, including but not limited to WhatsApp Safety alert messages and ensure members are aware of their roles and responsibilities.
• Ensure smooth and effective internal coordination with relevant colleagues, including Area Managers and HR and Administration teams, and lead follow‑up on cross‑cutting issues.

Partnership:

• Coordinate with partners to ensure structured and inclusive capacity strengthening, in line with equal‑partnership and localisation principles. This includes:
  • reviewing partners’ safety, access, and liaison policies and procedures;
  • proposing relevant revisions and adaptations;
  • documenting findings and developing action plan
  • delivering tailored training and Training‑of‑Trainers (ToT) support;
  • and promoting two‑way capacity sharing to learn from partners’ expertise and contextual knowledge.
• Provide support to partners in incident management processes.
• Assist partners in implementing joint activities, ensuring alignment with safety and access requirements.

Quality assurance of safety-related policies, protocols, procedures, and regulations, including:

• Regular SRA, MOSS & SLS audits of all Programme areas;
• Assess the implementation of physical and asset protection protocols and regulations;
• Ensure that appropriate access controls are in place for all DRC facilities as per the SOPs;
• Conduct regular site assessments and advise on mitigation measures and action plan;

Key Responsibilities (Liaison)

• Oversee and ensure coordination to keep the organization informed of new regulations, procedures, and policy changes affecting operations.
• Oversee and ensure the obtaining visas, residence visas, work permit, and other documentation required by DRC staff and visitors through coordination with the liaison and access specialist
• Oversee the monitoring of the visas record and follow up with the team to request or renew visas.
• Support the Country Director to ensure that MoUs and other sub-agreements are processed in a timely manner and that all documentation and process requirements relating to DRC’s registration are effectively met.
• Establish a network of contacts with relevant government offices, Immigration and other units, represent DRC and actively participate to related meetings.
• Coordinate with Area Managers for governorates level authorities for high level meetings. 
• Managing the road travel for Expats travelling inside the country and act as the main focal point during emergency such as evacuation. 
• Build strong required relations with government entities to ensure safe and smooth implementing interventions.
• Receive documents and communications from authorities, in collaboration with liaison and safety staff, and share them with the Country Director for review and follow-up.
• Raise up to CD’s attention any requests from local authorities for a discussion and feedback. 
• Draft and assisting in finalizing projects reports, annual reports and submission to the relevant donor when needed and stakeholders in timely manner. 
• Support the update of the Risk Register in collaboration with the SMT
• Carry out other activities as requested by the Country Director.

Experience:

• To be considered for this position, candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in a security-related field, with at least 3 years in a management position as a Security, safety or Access Manager or Advisor for an NGO in a high-risk context.
• Proven experience in context and security analysis, advising humanitarian personnel, and developing and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and contingency plans is essential.
• Candidates should also have experience in incident and crisis management, conducting safety training for both international and national staff, and capacity building and strengthening of staff and partners.
• The ability to provide clear and concise written conflict analysis, prioritize tasks under pressure, and work effectively with minimal supervision is required.
• Proficiency in common software packages, map design and the ability to mentor and guide team members and partners in safety, security and liaison issues are also necessary.

Education

• Master's degree or equivalent, alternatively: bachelor's degree with vast work experience.
• Participation in Safety training (HEAT, Safety management, first aid, TOT, etc) and corresponding certificates will be viewed favourably.
• Excellent skills in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Previous experience in safety & security within a humanitarian field is required.

Languages

• Arabic (native speaker)
• English (fluent)

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ 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: You act in line with our vision and values.

We offer:

Contract length: Six months, with extension based on performance and funds

Level: Management F1

Location: Damascus, Syria

Expected Start date: 01 July 2026

 

Application process

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking here: Talentech - Safety, Access & Liaison Manager - Application Form

All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV only applications will not be considered.

Applications close 23 May 2026

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to conduct tests and interviews before the closing date and can close the advertisement earlier in case of finding a suitable candidate.

Need further information?

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website www.drc.org

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