Safety Officer

 

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 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.

 

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

 

Overall purpose of the role:

Under the direct supervision of the Safety, Access & Liaison Manager, the Safety Officer provides operational and technical support to contribute to the safety and security of DRC staff, assets and programme activities in the Northern Area. The role supports the implementation of DRC's Safety Risk Management System, safety procedures and mitigation measures, it also plays an important role in maintaining local stakeholder relationships and supporting liaison and access-related activities. The Safety Officer works closely with the Area Manager and programme teams to ensure that safety and access considerations are integrated into operational planning and programme implementation

Responsibilities:

 

INFORMATION & ANALYSIS 

• Collect, verify, analyze and report Safety-related information that affects, or may affect, DRC operations. This includes leading the local safety context group and provide timely updates to the Safety, Access & Liaison Manager, Area Manager and relevant operational colleagues.
• Prepare and submit Safety Incident Reports (SIR) in accordance with DRC procedures, ensuring accurate documentation, timely reporting and appropriate follow-up.
• Conduct of regular Safety Risk Assessments (SRAs) in Northen area bases as per DRC policy, in collaboration program team 
• Establish and maintain a network of relevant security contacts and represent DRC, when delegated, at safety coordination meetings and relevant information-sharing forums within the area of operations.
• Monitor and track safety and access related incidents and developments, provide trend/pattern analysis and recommend appropriate mitigation measures to support safe and sustained programme implementation.

SAFETY RISK MANAGEMENT 

• Conduct regular assessment of the Minimum Operating Safety Standards (MOSS) in the Northern Area, identify gaps and follow up on the implementation of corrective measures.
• Monitoring, tracking, and reporting DRC field missions in accordance with established movement management procedures.
• Draft localized Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Safety Manager/Area Manager review. 
• Deliver safety briefings and inductions to new staff, visitors and other personnel operating in the respective area, ensuring they are familiar with the local context, identified risks and applicable safety procedures.
• Ensure that appropriate access controls are in place at DRC facilities. 
• Support the identification of safety equipment requirements, and coordinate with relevant departments on the procurement, distribution, maintenance and tracking of safety equipment.
• Conduct site assessments of DRC offices, accommodation, programme locations and other operational sites, as required, and recommend appropriate risk mitigation measures.
• Support Incident Management Team (IMT) should any ongoing safety situation arise. 
• Provide advice on safe program development and implementation. 
• Support programme teams in strengthening national partners’ awareness of safety procedures and context risks relevant to their operational areas.
• Any other duties related to the nature of the job as directed by the supervisor.

 

TRAINING 

• Support the Safety, Access & Liaison Manager in identifying training needs and designing, organising and delivering relevant safety training for DRC staff.
• Contribute to the delivery of basic safety orientations and risk awareness sessions for national partners' focal points, in coordination with programme teams, to strengthen their understanding of relevant safety procedures and contextual risks.
• Support the development and dissemination of safety awareness materials and guidance to promote staff understanding and compliance with DRC safety procedures. 

 

 Liaison:

• Support regular and structured engagement with key stakeholders, including representatives of ICD, governors' offices, relevant line directorates, local authorities and other influential actors, to facilitate safe and principled programme implementation.
• Support the communication of DRC's programme plans and operational activities to relevant sub-national authorities and stakeholders, in coordination with Area Manager and relevant programme teams.
• Support the joint identification of the key actors at sub-national level to be engaged going forward.
• Contribute to the preparation of programme-related and operational talking points for engagement with line directorates, governors' offices, ICD representatives and other relevant stakeholders.
• Support the preparation and implementation of regular stakeholder engagement plans, including coordinating meetings and following up on agreed actions.
• Maintain records of stakeholder contacts, meetings, engagement outcomes and agreed follow-up actions, and regularly share updates with the Liaison & Access Specialist and Safety, Access & Liaison Manager.

Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience)

• Relevant university degree (e.g. political science, international development, economics) or equivalent professional qualification 
• Minimum 2-3 years of relevant experience in Safety operations, with international or local NGOs
• Experience engaging with national and sub-national authorities, local stakeholders and community representatives. Understanding of local governance dynamics and humanitarian coordination mechanism.
• Proven experience in working flexibly within a diverse team, with the ability to adapt to flexible working hours & able to travel to field sites often, and on short notice, and be available on-call
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
• Strong analytical and reporting skills, including the ability to gather, verify and analyse information and communicate relevant findings clearly and accurately.
• Excellent communications, interpersonal and negotiation skills
• Strong information technology skills and excellent skills in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Proven commitment to accountability practices.
• Stable, moral and robust character who remains calm and works well under pressure.

 

Education: (include certificates, licenses etc.)

• Tertiary education (Bachelor minimum) in communication, politics, risk or other related field

Informal education, e.g. Safety trainings provided by INGO/UN and documented self-learning, is viewed favorably.

 

Languages: Fluent in Writing and Speaking

• English
• Arabic

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:  till 31-03-2027

Level: H2

Location: Aleppo

Expected Start date:  As soon as possible

 

Application process

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on the below link:

• Application Link : Talentech - Safety Officer - 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 13-10-2026

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 If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/jobsupport.For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website www.drc.org

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