Safety Officer

Support the development and implementation of DRC's safety risk management systems.

This opening expired 6 months ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

DRC - Danish Refugee Council

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Application deadline 6 months ago: Sunday 7 Dec 2025 at 22:59 UTC

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Overview

Support the development and implementation of DRC's safety risk management systems.

You have:

  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • At least 2 years of experience in security operations and management required.
  • Experience working with an NGO preferred.
  • Proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
  • Excellent communication skills required.
  • High personal and professional integrity required.
  • Excellent skill in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required.
  • Advanced English proficiency required.
  • Fluency in Ukrainian language required.
  • Training in safety, fire, and evacuation procedures desirable.
  • Training in safety and disaster management desirable.

Contract

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

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading protection agency with a mandate to protect, advocate and promote durable solutions for displacement affected populations.

DRC has been operating in Ukraine since 2014, currently DRC employs over 800 staff in Ukraine and implements emergency response in the Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (humanitarian mine action) sectors, using direct interventions, support to duty bearers and civil society organizations (CSOs), and partnerships with CSOs. DRC will continue and adapt its durable solutions portfolio to the evolving context.

DRC is currently looking for a Safety Officer in Sumy, Ukraine.

About the job

The role involves supporting the development and implementation of DRC's safety risk management systems, including relevant policies, plans, and procedures in operational areas. Additionally, it includes providing administrative and technical support to ensure the secure, safe, and effective execution of programs and project activities.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

  • Monitor the evolving situation in the assigned areas of operation and relay this data to relevant staff
  • Collect, verify, analyze and report information that affects, or may affect, DRC operations
  • Establish a network of local contacts that facilitates safer access for DRC operations
  • Monitor staff movements, report on movement irregularities, and initiate emergency response if needed
  • Develop and facilitate safety risk training for DRC staff and drivers
  • Prepare and submit Safety Incident Reports (SIR)
  • Conduct site safety assessments and identify new office spaces, guesthouses, warehouses, and other sites as required. This can include regular safety audits, such as checking fire extinguishers, safe room supplies, first aid kits, emergency communication equipment, and physical security elements (MOSS), among other items
  • Conduct Safety Risk Assessments (SRAs)
  • Ensure that appropriate access controls are in place for all DRC facilities
  • Draft standard operating procedures, contingency plans, threat assessments, and other documents
  • Update pre-arrival briefs, local safety rules, security phone trees, and safety briefs
  • Assist in implementing realistic DRC safety policies, protocols, and procedures
  • Contribute to the procurement and issue of safety and protective equipment
  • Assist in developing DRC Safety Improvement Plans (SIP) for any safety gaps identified
  • Alert relevant parties in case of an emergency event and support incident response
  • Support the Safety Team Leader in updating the Safety Level System (SLS)
  • Assist DRC in ensuring adherence to current legislation, rules, standards, provisions, and instructions on labor protection, industrial sanitation, fire protection, and environmental protection
  • Carry out constant control over observance by workers of requirements concerning labor protection
  • Any other duties related to the nature of the job as directed by the supervisor

About you

To be successful in this role as a Safety Officer we expect you to have Bachelor's degree, at least 2 years of experience in security operations and management, and experience working with an NGO preferred. Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required:

  • Proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
  • Stable, moral and robust character and a good team player
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Proven commitment to accountability practices
  • High personal and professional integrity
  • Excellent skill in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Experience in negotiating access for humanitarian or other agencies
  • Advanced English proficiency
  • Fluency in Ukrainian language

    Desirable:

  • Training in safety, fire, and evacuation procedures

  • Training in safety and disaster management

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 uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer:

  • Contract length: 3 month probation period and 12 months renewable depending on performance and funding.
  • Band: H
  • Designation of Duty Station: Sumy
  • Start date: January, 5th, 2026

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national staff.

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English.

A****pplications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: December, 07th, 2025

Potential interview questions

Can you describe a situation where you had to prioritize safety in a project? This assesses your practical experience with prioritizing safety in real-life scenarios. Provide a specific example of a project where safety was critical and how you managed it.
How do you handle communication during a safety incident? This question evaluates your communication skills under pressure. Pro members can see the explanation.
What steps do you take to conduct a safety risk assessment? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you train staff on safety protocols? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of negotiating access for humanitarian work? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a time you faced a safety challenge and how you resolved it. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What kind of emergency response plans have you developed or used in your previous roles? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 6 months ago - Updated 6 months ago - Source: drc.ngo