Safety and Access Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is one of the world’s leading non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on responding to displacement. Established in 1956, DRC has been registered in Sudan since 2004 and has been delivering life-saving programming in various sectors including protection, emergency response, shelter, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and livelihoods, disaster risk reduction, camp management, and humanitarian mine action. The organization operates in multiple regions within Sudan, including Central Darfur, South Kordofan, Gedaref, Port Sudan, and White Nile. DRC is committed to addressing the needs of one of the largest displaced populations in Africa, which includes over 3.7 million internally displaced people and over 1.1 million refugees from various countries. The organization is dedicated to providing support amidst the ongoing political crisis and economic turmoil in Sudan, which has been exacerbated by rising food and energy costs, disease outbreaks, and ongoing conflict.

Job Overview:
The Safety and Access Officer will play a crucial role in overseeing safety matters related to all DRC personnel, assets, and programs within the designated area. This position is responsible for implementing the Safety Risk Management System (SRMS) and ensuring that all safety measures are planned, executed, monitored, and reported effectively to support program continuity. The officer will coordinate daily movement and transportation in accordance with established standards, operational procedures, rules, and regulations. Additionally, the Safety and Access Officer will assist in liaising and coordinating efforts for the Area Manager and/or Officer in Charge (OIC). This role requires strong communication skills to engage with local authorities, community leaders, and security stakeholders, ensuring that DRC operates within local guidelines and protocols while collecting and analyzing information that may impact operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Safety and Access Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: ensuring effective communication between DRC and local authorities, community leaders, and security stakeholders; representing DRC at inter-agency safety forums; conducting safety risk assessments and drafting required assessments; developing and updating Safety Plans, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Safety Briefings; maintaining an updated Record of Emergency Data (RED) list; supporting compliance with Minimum Operating Safety Standards (MOSS); conducting safety inspections of field sites; tracking safety-related incidents and providing trend analysis; leading the implementation of the Critical Incident Management Plan; ensuring all vehicles are equipped according to required standards; conducting regular safety checks and assessments; planning and organizing safety training; and supporting the area office in securing necessary technical agreements and travel permits. The officer will also be tasked with any other duties as delegated by the AM/OIC, Country Safety and Access unit, and Senior Management Team (SMT).

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong influencing, negotiating, and stakeholder engagement skills, with proven representational abilities and a commitment to humanitarian principles. The ideal candidate should demonstrate creative and practical thinking to enhance programming quality and impact, possess strong capacity building and facilitation skills, and be able to work flexibly within a diverse team. Previous experience in negotiating with communities, local leaders, and safety stakeholders is essential, along with a commitment to integrating gender, protection, conflict sensitivity, and accountability into safety operations. Candidates should have a stable, moral, and robust character, with high personal and professional integrity and a proven commitment to accountability practices.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, such as political science, peace and conflict studies, disaster management, or civil-military engagement is required. Additional safety certificates or training will be considered an advantage, and knowledge of the local context is also beneficial for candidates.

Experience:
Candidates should have 3-5 years of experience working in a similar capacity for international humanitarian organizations, particularly in complex and unpredictable settings. The ability to work under pressure, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines is crucial. Flexibility in working hours and a proven ability to adapt to changing circumstances are also important attributes for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic is mandatory, and the ability to work in English is also required. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a national contract with a duration of 5 months, categorized under Band H-Non Management. The duty station is located in White Nile - Kosti Office, with a start date as soon as possible. The closing date for applications is set for 6 August 202

• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national employees. Benefits include two bonuses during Eid festivals, national social insurance, medical insurance allowance, an excellent working environment, and opportunities for growth and development. All applicants must submit their applications through the provided link, including a cover letter and an updated CV, and are encouraged to mention three referees. DRC emphasizes equal opportunity in employment and does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.