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 support to those in need, particularly in conflict and post-conflict areas. 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). As the situation in Ukraine evolves, DRC is committed to adapting its durable solutions portfolio to meet the changing needs of the affected populations.

Job Overview:
The Safety Manager (Deputy Head of Safety) plays a crucial role in supporting the Head of Safety in the effective 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 Deputy Head of Safety is responsible for continuous context analysis and the daily management of safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, working closely with Senior Management and Safety Focal Points. This position is vital for maintaining operational continuity and resilience within the DRC Ukraine country programme. The Deputy Head of Safety will primarily focus on operational safety management, overseeing the DRC Operations Room while the Head of Safety addresses strategic safety priorities. The role requires a proactive approach to safety management, ensuring that all safety protocols are adhered to and that staff are well-informed and prepared for any potential risks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main duties and responsibilities of the Safety Manager (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 Deputy Head of Safety will provide technical support and guidance to Area Safety Focal Points, contribute to contextual and security analysis for operational decision-making, and ensure that the Safety SharePoint folder is updated with the latest documentation. Additionally, the role involves designing and delivering high-quality security training in both Ukrainian and English, facilitating workshops for Security Focal Points and other key staff, and ensuring that all new staff receive comprehensive security briefings. The Deputy Head of Safety will act as the Head of Safety in their absence and support 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 part of the 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 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 management and security analysis.

Experience:
Candidates must demonstrate a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in a security-related field, with at least 3 years in a management role within an NGO operating in high-risk environments. This experience should include a strong focus on safety management and crisis response.

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 a managerial role (Band: F1) and is designated as a non-family duty station in Kyiv. The start date for this role is as soon as possible. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for both national and international 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 August 31st, 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 closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.