Safety Coordinator

Contract

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

DRC is recruiting for a highly qualified Safety Coordinator to lead DRC’s overall safety management and access support across the large and diverse humanitarian operation in South Sudan. The Country Safety Coordinator is responsible for enabling DRC to safely reach some of the most vulnerable populations in need of humanitarian assistance.

Background

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is operational in South Sudan since 2005, working with the overall aim of achieving durable solutions for displaced populations. The Humanitarian and Disarmament activities started in 2006.

Danish Refugee Council main programme objectives (2019-2021) in South Sudan are:

1. To save lives and alleviate suffering among displaced people and their hosts
2. To reduce displacement related risks and support and facilitate solutions
3. To promote peaceful, inclusive and resilient societies and address root causes to displacement

DRC primarily operates across Upper Nile and Unity states and other parts of the country, both of which are heavily affected by conflict and experience high numbers of internally displaced populations as well as refugees in need of humanitarian assistance. DRC has operational bases in Maban, Malakal, Kodok and Aburoc in Upper Nile, in Bentiu, Mayom, Kodok, Central Equatoria (Magwi and Ngulere), Ajuong Thok in Unity state, and the Mobile Response Team and all are supported by a country-office in Juba.

DRC recently developed important multi-sectorial mobile response teams based in Juba able to rapidly respond to new and urgent humanitarian situations countrywide at short notice to conduct assessments and responses

Purpose of the post

The Country Safety Coordinator (CSC) is responsible for ensuring the proper application of DRC’s Safety Risk Management System (SRMS) and Global Safety Policy. The Country Safety Coordinator, in close cooperation with Senior Management and Field Safety Focal Points, is responsible for managing known and unknown safety risks, leading on day to day safety management, advising on risk thresholds, managing critical incidents, supporting with access issues and ensuring the operational resilience of DRC South Sudan programme. The Country Safety Coordinator provides technical support and coordination to DRC Safety Focal Points in the field and to field based INGO Safety Advisers hosted by DRC on behalf of the humanitarian community.

Responsibilities

In accordance with DRC Safety policy, the Country Safety Coordinator will:

Safety Management and Policy:

• Ensure internal compliance with DRC’s global security policy, risk management system and code of conduct. This will involve the support of others through the safety risk assessment (SRA) process and support the implementation of qualitative and quantitative mitigation measures.

• Manage the Safety Level System (SLS) for field sites, and ensure that the Safety Improvement Plans (SIP) are in place and actioned to achieve 90% compliance with Minimum Operating Safety Standards (MOSS).

• Review Safety Risk Assessments (SRA) and SIP for all field sites on at least a quarterly basis.
• Work with programme staff and the Grants Manager to ensure that safety is adequately budgeted for in grants, and support proposal development and donor reporting requirements where applicable.
• Act as the focal point for the procurement of safety-related equipment, facilities and other resources.

Risk Management:

• Identify actual, perceived and foreseeable risks and define risk thresholds in order to maintain programme continuity while enhancing operational resilience through robust security and risk management.
• Lead the development and production of contextualized risk management measures policy, protocols and procedures in close collaboration with field teams and management.

Support enhanced safe humanitarian access:

• Facilitate programme access and continuity through the provision of timely, quality and informed advice.
• Maintain relevant safety documentation, data and records (safety incident tracking, maps, etc.)
• Produce, weekly and quarterly security analysis/reports (including ad hoc safety advisories, daily updates, weekly summaries and monthly trend analysis).

Safety training and support:

• Create and deliver high quality security trainings (e.g. Personal Safety Awareness Training) that reach a maximum number of national and international staff.
• Ensure that safety training records are maintain for all DRC staff in the field and Country Office. Facilitate where required specialist training (e.g. basic and trauma first aid, incident management training, family liaison officer training).
• Develop and facilitate workshops for security managers, heads of departments and other key staff.
• Mentor and provide technical supervision to safety focal points and other staff with safety management responsibilities, including the national Security Manager and guards.

Critical incidents:

• Coordinate with the RO/HQ Crisis Management Team (CMT) when needed, and take part in the programme Incident Management Team (IMT).

Other:

• Act as a member of the country Senior Management Team (SMT).
• Any other duties as directed by the Country Director who has the lead on safety for DRC in South Sudan

About You

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate each of DRC’ five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results through the Regional team both to position DRC and ensure excellence in all deliverable.
• Collaborating: You lead regional initiatives and processes by involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen to other stakeholders and staff; and you communicate concisely and persuasively.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with DRC’s vision and values.

Moreover, we also expect the following:

Experience and technical competencies:

• A degree in a relevant field, or equivalent experience.
• At least 3 years’ experience working with NGOs and/or international agencies on similar duties.
• QGIS and data management software proficient (desirable)
• Other security management related qualifications (desirable)
• Minimum 3 years as Security Manager/Advisor for an NGO or equivalent in a high risk/conflict zone (or equivalent role).
• Proven experience in context/security analysis and advising humanitarian personnel.
• Experience in developing and updating SOPs, contingency plans and other risk assessment and management documents and tools.
• Proven in-country experience liaising with UN missions or agencies.
• Proven experience in incident/crisis management.
• Experience in conducting safety training for international and national staff, and experience of capacity building.
• Fluent English, and strong interpersonal, communication, and networking skills.
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Computer literate, able to use common software packages.
• Be able to diffuse tension and remain calm at all times and particularly following an incident.
• Be able to encourage, motivate and guide team members to approach safety and security issues with confidence especially during crises.
• Be flexible to travel at short notice to difficult and risky areas

Conditions

Extendable 1-year contract. Salary and conditions in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates. This position will be placed at Employment Band – E (Non Management).

Application process

​Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on the apply button

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English. CV only applications will not be considered.

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please contact www. drc.ngo/jobsupport

Applications close 11 January, 2022.

Female candidates and those from minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.