Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly motivated Safety and Access Officer for our operations in our Mekelle Field Office.
Overall purpose of the role
To provide administrative assistance and technical support and ensure that NAO programs and project activities are implemented in a secure, safe, and effective manner.
Your main duties and responsibilities will be:
Communication & information
- Support and facilitate the communication and coordination with relevant stakeholders on all matters relating to the safety of DRC staff within NAO.
- Collect, verify, analyze, and report information that affects, or may affect, DRC operations
- Prepare and submit Safety Incident Reports (SIR)
- Monitor staff movements, report on movement irregularities, and initiate emergency response if needed
- Ensure that DRC drivers follow the Movement SOP and comply with DRC standards
- Disseminate safety alerts to staff
- Brief visitors and new staff members on safety procedures
Safety Risk Management
- Contribute to Safety Risk Assessments (SRAs)
- Ensure MOSS compliance, report shortcomings to Area Manager and Safety Coordinator
- Ensure that appropriate access controls are in place for all DRC facilities
- Contribute to the procurement and issue of safety and protective equipment
- Conduct regular site assessments and advise on mitigation measures
- Support the Safety Coordinator in updating the Safety Level System (SLS)
- Support the Safety Coordinator in designing and implementing training on safety procedures for staff
- Maintain a network of contacts and represent DRC at safety meetings
- Any other duties related to the nature of the job as directed by the supervisor
Within the Technical Supervision mandate in the assigned thematic area and geographic scope, the position holder is responsible for:
- Providing technical direction, guidance, and, where mandated, instructions to security guards to ensure compliance with DRC policies, standards, and strategies.
- Support HR team leaders in assessing technical skills and performance of security guards in all locations.
- Escalating non-compliance or poor performance in line with the technical supervision mandate to HR team leader (security guard line manager).
- Participating in the recruitment of security guards in all field offices
Experience and technical competencies:
- Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in security operations and management.
- Proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
- Stable, moral and robust character and a good team player
- Excellent communication skills.
- Proven commitment to accountability practices
- High personal and professional integrity
- Excellent skill in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Training in safety, fire and evacuation procedures
- Training in safety and disaster management
- Experience in negotiating access for humanitarian or other agencies
EDUCATION: (include certificates, licenses, etc.)
- Relevant university degree (e.g. political science, international development, economics) or equivalent professional qualification
LANGUAGE: (indicate Fluency level)
- English proficiency and Fluency in local language (Tigrigna/Amharic/Afar))
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 uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.
We offer
Contract length: 11 Months
Contract Type: National Contract
Band: H2 – Non-Management
Designation of Duty Station: Mekelle, North Ethiopia Field Office.
Start date: February 2026
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National employees
Offers will be extended only once funding has been confirmed
Application process
All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered
Closing date for applications: January 30, 2026
For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.
Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In light of this, women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply to bridge the gender gap.
Equal Opportunities: DRC is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, colour, race, marital status, or other protected characteristics
We strongly encourage female candidates to apply for the position!
We encourage only qualified Ethiopian Nations to apply. DRC considers all applicants based on merit.
Working at DRC
Help applying
DRC as an employer
Founded in 1956, DRC Danish Refugee Council is Denmark’s largest, and a leading international NGO. We have continuously been ranked as one of the best NGOs in the world - and are one of the few with a specific expertise in forced displacement. In over 30 countries, we protect, advocate and build sustainable futures for refugees and other displacement-affected people and communities.
By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of over 6,000 employees. We pride ourselves on our:
- Professionalism, impact & expertise
- Humanitarian approach & the work we do
- Purpose, meaningfulness & own contribution
- Culture, values & strong leadership
- Fair compensation & continuous development
DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process.
Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer and we consider all applicants based on individual merit and qualifications, regardless of personal characteristics or attributes. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce, aiming for a 50% balance of men and women in management roles and ensuring that at least 50% of management roles are filled by national staff. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is crucial for achieving our organizational goals and making a positive impact on the communities we serve.