Safety Manager (Deputy Head of Safety)

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent protection agency established to advocate for and promote durable solutions for populations affected by displacement. Since its inception, DRC has been dedicated to providing assistance and protection to those in need, particularly in crisis situations. The organization has been operational in Ukraine since 2014, employing over 800 staff members who work across various sectors including Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding. DRC's approach involves direct interventions, support to duty bearers, and partnerships with civil society organizations (CSOs) to ensure effective emergency response and long-term solutions for affected communities. As the context in Ukraine evolves, DRC is committed to adapting its strategies to continue meeting the needs of displaced populations.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Head of Safety plays a crucial role in supporting the Head of Safety in the implementation of DRC’s Safety Risk Management System (SRMS). This includes ensuring compliance with the Global Safety Policy, identifying both known and emerging risks, and developing appropriate mitigation measures and procedures. The position is integral to the continuous analysis of the context and the management of safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security on a day-to-day basis, working closely with Senior Management and Safety Focal Points. The Deputy Head of Safety is primarily focused on operational safety management, which includes overseeing the DRC Operations Room and ensuring that safety protocols are adhered to, thereby enhancing the operational continuity and resilience of the DRC Ukraine country programme. This role is vital for maintaining a safe working environment for all staff and ensuring that safety measures are effectively communicated and implemented throughout the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main duties and responsibilities of the Deputy Head of Safety include managing the Operations Room (OPS Room) daily, ensuring timely dissemination of alerts, tracking staff movements, and calibrating systems in response to evolving threats. The role also involves providing technical support and guidance to Area Safety Focal Points, contributing to contextual and security analysis for informed operational decision-making, and maintaining the Safety SharePoint folder with up-to-date documentation. The Deputy Head of Safety is responsible for designing and delivering high-quality security training in both Ukrainian and English, facilitating workshops for Security Focal Points, Heads of Department, Area Managers, and other key staff. Additionally, the Deputy Head of Safety ensures that all new staff receive comprehensive security briefings and acts as the Head of Safety in their absence, supporting the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director and Senior Management Team in safety-related decisions. Coordination with the HQ Crisis Management Team and participation in Incident Management Teams as necessary are also key responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
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 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. The ability to provide written conflict analysis, prioritize tasks under pressure, and work effectively with minimal supervision is required. Proficiency in common software packages and the ability to mentor and guide team members in safety and security issues are also necessary.

Educational Background:
While a Master’s degree in a relevant subject is preferred, it is not a strict requirement for this position. Candidates should possess a strong educational background that supports their expertise in safety and security management, particularly in humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
Candidates must demonstrate a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in security management, with a focus on high-risk environments. At least 3 years of this experience should be in a managerial role within an NGO, showcasing a strong understanding of the complexities involved in safety and security operations in humanitarian settings.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Ukrainian is also required, as the role involves training and communication with local staff. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is for 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability after a successful 3-month probationary period. The position is classified as Band F1, which is managerial. The designated duty station is Kyiv, and the expected start date is 1st May 202

• Salary and conditions will align with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees on national contracts. Applicants are required to submit a cover letter and an updated CV in English, with applications sent via email not being considered. The closing date for applications is 11th April 2026, and candidates are encouraged to apply promptly as interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to select a candidate before the vacancy closes if a suitable candidate is identified.