Global Head of Safety

Lead the global safety function and enhance Duty of Care across DRC.

This opening expired 7 months ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

DRC - Danish Refugee Council

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Application deadline 7 months ago: Sunday 7 Dec 2025 at 22:59 UTC

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Overview

Lead the global safety function and enhance Duty of Care across DRC.

You have:

  • Master’s degree in security risk management or a related field.
  • Extensive experience in high-risk environments and crisis leadership.
  • Proven success in developing institutional safety frameworks.
  • Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Experience in training and capacity building.
  • Fluency in English; proficiency in Danish, French, or Arabic is a plus.

Contract

This is a DRC - National contract. More about DRC - National contracts.

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for safety and humanitarian impact? Join the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) as our Global Head of Safety and help shape the future of safety and Duty of Care across one of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations.

About the job As Global Head of Safety, you will lead DRC’s global safety function, ensuring our people can operate securely in complex and high-risk environments. You’ll drive institutional safety strategy, oversee crisis preparedness, and collaborate with senior leadership to embed safety into every aspect of our operations.

This role sits within the People & Organization Department and works closely with the Secretary General and Executive Directors. You’ll manage a dedicated team of safety professionals and provide technical guidance across regional hubs and country offices.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the development and implementation of DRC’s Global Safety Policy and Safety Risk Management System (SRMS).
  • Advise senior leadership on emerging safety risks and mitigation strategies.
  • Chair the HQ Crisis Management Team and ensure global crisis readiness.
  • Oversee safety compliance, reporting, and continuous improvement.
  • Drive global safety training and capacity building.
  • Represent DRC in external safety networks and forums.

    About You You are a seasoned humanitarian professional with deep expertise in safety, risk, and crisis management. You bring strategic vision, operational insight, and the ability to lead diverse teams across geographies.

We also expect the following:

  • Extensive experience in high-risk environments and crisis leadership.
  • Proven success in developing institutional safety frameworks.
  • Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Experience in training and capacity building.
  • A master’s degree in security risk management or a related field.
  • Fluency in English; proficiency in Danish, French, or Arabic is a plus.

We Offer

  • A senior leadership role in a globally respected humanitarian organization.
  • The opportunity to shape DRC’s safety culture and Duty of Care standards.
  • A collaborative, high-performing environment with global impact.
  • A chance to make a lasting contribution to the safety and well-being of humanitarian staff worldwide.

Contract length: permanent Workplace: Lyngbyvej 100, 2100 København Ø, just by Ryparken station Start date: As soon as possible Salary & Conditions: According to “Lederaftalen” for managers in Denmark (national terms apply) Travel: International travel as required

Application process Submit your application via the link or on www.drc.ngo under Vacancies. Include your CV and a cover letter outlining your motivation and suitability for the role.

Closing date for applications: 7 December 2025

Further information For questions regarding the vacancy please contact Mads Egeskov Sørensen, Executive Director People & Organization at mads.soerensen@drc.ngo

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.

Potential interview questions

Describe a time when you had to lead a team in a high-risk environment. What challenges did you face? This question assesses your crisis leadership experience and ability to navigate challenges in dangerous settings. Share a specific instance highlighting the risks involved and how you managed them effectively.
How do you develop safety strategies in complex situations? The interviewer wants to understand your strategic thinking process in safety management. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you explain a successful training program you developed for safety compliance? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you engage stakeholders in implementing safety protocols? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What measures do you take to ensure crisis readiness within an organization? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a time you had to advise leadership on safety risks. What was the outcome? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What is your approach to continuous improvement in safety compliance? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you represent your organization in external safety networks? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 8 months ago - Updated 7 months ago - Source: drc.ngo