Safety Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent protection agency dedicated to safeguarding, advocating for, and promoting sustainable solutions for populations affected by displacement. Established in 1956, DRC has grown to employ over 800 staff in Ukraine alone since its operations began in the country in 201

• The organization is involved in various sectors, including emergency response in Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (humanitarian mine action). DRC employs direct interventions, supports duty bearers and civil society organizations (CSOs), and collaborates with CSOs to adapt its durable solutions portfolio to the evolving context of displacement.

Job Overview:
The Safety Officer role is crucial for supporting the development and implementation of DRC's safety risk management systems. This includes creating relevant policies, plans, and procedures tailored to operational areas. The Safety Officer will provide both administrative and technical support to ensure that programs and project activities are executed securely, safely, and effectively. The position requires monitoring the evolving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security situation in assigned operational areas and relaying critical information to relevant staff, thereby ensuring that DRC operations can proceed without undue risk. The Safety Officer will also be responsible for establishing a network of local contacts to facilitate safer access for DRC operations, which is essential for the organization's mission in Ukraine.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Safety Officer will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including: monitoring the evolving situation in the assigned areas of operation and relaying this data to relevant staff; collecting, verifying, analyzing, and reporting information that may affect DRC operations; establishing a network of local contacts to facilitate safer access for DRC operations; monitoring staff movements and reporting on irregularities; developing and facilitating safety risk training for DRC staff and drivers; preparing and submitting Safety Incident Reports (SIR); conducting site safety assessments and identifying new office spaces, guesthouses, warehouses, and other sites as required; conducting regular safety audits; ensuring appropriate access controls are in place for all DRC facilities; drafting standard operating procedures, contingency plans, and threat assessments; updating pre-arrival briefs and local safety rules; assisting in implementing DRC safety policies and protocols; contributing to the procurement and issuance of safety equipment; supporting incident response; and ensuring adherence to labor protection and safety regulations.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the Safety Officer position, candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of experience in security operations and management, with a preference for experience working with NGOs. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate a proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines, possess a stable and robust character, and be a good team player. Excellent communication skills, a commitment to accountability practices, high personal and professional integrity, and proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are also required. Experience in negotiating access for humanitarian agencies and advanced English proficiency, along with fluency in the Ukrainian language, are essential qualifications.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree as a minimum educational requirement for the Safety Officer position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of safety management and risk assessment in humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of experience in security operations and management. Experience working with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is preferred, as it provides valuable insights into the unique challenges faced in humanitarian settings. Candidates should have a proven track record of effectively managing security risks and implementing safety protocols.

Languages:
Fluency in the Ukrainian language is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for effective communication within the local context. Advanced proficiency in English is also required, enabling the Safety Officer to communicate effectively with international staff and stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position includes a 3-month probation period, followed by a renewable 12-month contract based on performance and funding availability. The position is classified under Band H, and the designated duty station is Sumy, Ukraine. The expected start date for this role is January 5th, 202

• Salary and conditions will align with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national staff. Applicants must submit a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English, as applications sent via email will not be considered. The closing date for applications is December 7th, 2025.