Who are we?
The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunities for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home. The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.
DRC Syria
DRC has been actively operating in Syria since 2008 mainly supporting refugees. In June 2012, DRC was authorized by the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to expand its humanitarian efforts and provide assistance to IDPs and the vulnerable resident population countrywide. Since then, DRC activities have been focused on NFI distributions, Shelter, WASH, Protection, Education, Livelihoods, and Mine Risk Education in six Governorates (Damascus, Rural Damascus, Dara'a, Aleppo, Hama, and Homs). While Protection/community service activities are provided to beneficiaries throughout our Community Centers.
About the job
Under the direct supervision of the Area Manager and the technical supervision of the Safety Coordinator, the Safety Officer provides administrative assistance and technical support to contribute to the safety of staff, DRC assets and implementation of programme activities.
Responsibilities:
INFORMATION & ANALYSIS
• Collect, verify, analyze and report Safety-related information that affects, or may affect, DRC operations. This includes leading the local safety context analysis groups and sharing context as required on a continual basis with the AM and country Safety Coordinator.
• Manage alert networks in assigned areas of responsibility.
• Prepare and submit Safety Incident Reports (SIR) .
• Contribute and support in developing and updating the SRA (Security Risk Analysis) Conduct of regular Safety Risk Assessments (SRAs) in Northen area bases as per DRC policy, in collaboration program team
• Establish a network of contacts and represent DRC at security and coordination meetings and when necessary, actively participate in UN Security Cell meetings within the area of operations.
• Track security related incidents and developments and provide trend/pattern analysis.
SAFETY RISK MANAGEMENT
• Conduct monthly assessment of the Minimum Operating Safety Standards (MOSS).
• Monitoring, tracking, and reporting DRC field missions using active communication channels.
• Draft localized Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Safety Coordinator/AM review
• Provide Safety briefings to all new and visiting staff in respective area of operation.
• Ensure that appropriate access controls are in place at DRC facilities.
• Advise, assist and control the procurement and issue of Safety equipment.
• Conduct site assessments and advise on mitigation measures.
• Support Incident Management Team (IMT) should any ongoing safety situation arise.
• Provide advice on safe program development and implementation.
• Any other duties related to the nature of the job as directed by the technical supervisor.
TRAINING
• Support the Safety Coordinator in designing, organizing and conducting Safety training.
• Assist in training staff in respective areas of operation on safety procedures
• Help facilitate DRC’s Personnel Safety Awareness Training and lead selected training modules.
Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience)
• Relevant university degree (e.g. political science, international development, economics) or equivalent professional qualification
• Minimum 2-3 years of relevant experience in Safety operations, with international or local NGOs
• Proven experience in working flexibly within a diverse team, with the ability to adapt to flexible working hours & able to travel to field sites often, and on short notice, and be available on-call
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
• Solid critical analytical skills with experience of information gathering and reporting
• Excellent communications, interpersonal and negotiation skills
• Strong information technology skills and excellent skills in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Proven commitment to accountability practices.
• Stable, moral and robust character who remains calm and works well under pressure.
Education: (include certificates, licenses etc.)
• Tertiary education (Bachelor minimum) in communication, politics, risk or other related field
• Informal education, e.g. Safety trainings provided by INGO/UN and documented self-learning, is viewed favorably.
Languages:
• English (fluent)
• Arabic (native)
In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:
• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.
We offer:
Contract length: 31 December 2025
Level: Non-Management – H2
Location: Aleppo - Syria
Expected Start date: ASAP
Application process:
Interested? Then apply for this position here: Safety Officer - Application Form
Or view the advert on DRC’s homepage here: https://candidate.hr-manager.net/ApplicationInit.aspx?cid=1036&ProjectId=173626&DepartmentId=19001&MediaId=5
All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV-only applications will not be considered.
Applications close: 04 May 2025
Need further information?
For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website www.drc.org
Working at DRC
Help applying
DRC as an employer
Founded in 1956, DRC Danish Refugee Council is Denmark’s largest, and a leading international NGO. We have continuously been ranked as one of the best NGOs in the world - and are one of the few with a specific expertise in forced displacement. In over 40 countries, we protect, advocate and build sustainable futures for refugees and other displacement-affected people and communities.
By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of around 8000 employees. We pride ourselves on our:
- Professionalism, impact & expertise
- Humanitarian approach & the work we do
- Purpose, meaningfulness & own contribution
- Culture, values & strong leadership
- Fair compensation & continuous development
DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process.
Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer and we consider all applicants based on individual merit and qualifications, regardless of personal characteristics or attributes. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce, aiming for a 50% balance of men and women in management roles and ensuring that at least 50% of management roles are filled by national staff. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is crucial for achieving our organizational goals and making a positive impact on the communities we serve.