Safety Manager (Deputy Head of Safety)

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent protection agency that has been 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 active in various sectors including Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding, utilizing direct interventions, support to duty bearers, and partnerships with civil society organizations (CSOs). DRC is committed to adapting its durable solutions portfolio to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves, ensuring that its mission remains relevant and impactful in the face of ongoing challenges.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Head of Safety plays a crucial role in supporting the Head of Safety by ensuring the effective implementation of the Safety Risk Management System (SRMS) at DRC. This includes adherence to the Global Safety Policy, identifying both known and emerging risks, and developing appropriate mitigation measures and procedures. The position requires continuous context analysis and day-to-day management of safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, working closely with Senior Management and Safety Focal Points. The Deputy Head of Safety is primarily focused on operational safety management, overseeing the DRC Operations Room, while the Head of Safety addresses strategic safety priorities. This role is vital for maintaining operational continuity and resilience within the DRC Ukraine country programme, ensuring that safety protocols are effectively communicated and adhered to across the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main duties and responsibilities of the Deputy Head of Safety include managing the Operations Room on a daily basis, 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 to inform operational decision-making, and ensuring that the Safety SharePoint folder is consistently updated with the latest documentation. Additionally, the Deputy Head of Safety is responsible for designing and delivering high-quality security training in both Ukrainian and English, facilitating workshops for key staff, and ensuring that all new employees receive comprehensive security briefings. In the absence of the Head of Safety, this position will act as the Head of Safety and support the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director and Senior Management Team in safety-related decision-making, coordinating with the HQ Crisis Management Team as necessary and participating in Incident Management Teams when required.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for this role, 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 crucial. Proficiency in common software packages and the ability to mentor and guide team members in safety and security issues are also required. Fluency in English is mandatory.

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 management and security analysis, ideally complemented by relevant certifications or training in security risk management.

Experience:
Candidates must demonstrate a minimum of 5 years of experience in a security-related field, with at least 3 years in a management role specifically as a Security Manager or Advisor within an NGO operating in high-risk environments. This experience should include a proven track record in context and security analysis, crisis management, and the development of safety protocols and training programs.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Proficiency in Ukrainian is also necessary, as the role involves delivering training and conducting briefings in both languages. 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 start date is as soon as possible. Salary and conditions will align with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees on national contracts. All applicants must submit a cover letter and an updated CV in English, with applications sent via email not being considered. The closing date for applications is 16th June 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.