Title: North Safety Manager

Location: Shire Ethiopia with frequent travel within the region

Employment Category: F2

Reporting To: Area Manager (North)

Start of Contract & Duration: one Year

Posting date: May 25, 2021

INTRODUCTION

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC), an international non-governmental organization (NGO), has been providing relief and development services in the Horn of Africa since 1997. DRC promotes and supports solutions to the problems faced by refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), and migrants. The organization has offices across the region, and has been operational in Ethiopia since 2009. With funding from bilateral and multilateral donors, DRC is currently implementing a range of activities across Ethiopia and Djibouti, including WASH and shelter provision, child and youth protection, Gender based violence response, awareness-raising of migration risks, protection monitoring of migration routes, and livelihoods support for returning migrants or those at-risk of migration.

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE ROLE: 

The Safety Manager (North) is responsible for ensuring the correct application of DRC’s Safety Risk Management System (SRMS), including Global Safety Policy, Local Safety Rules, and minimum safety standards and protocols in all the offices in the North. The Safety Manager (North) will be responsible for building on the recent safety consultancy recommendations and findings, implementing these in the North area office and project site locations, ensuring staff training, safety upgrades, program safety planning, and all other matters related to operational safety are designed and implemented. The Safety Manager will also be responsible with the Area Manager to mitigate appropriately known risks and proactively preparing for potentially unforeseen risks. The Safety Manager will directly support the Area Manager and emergency response teams with ongoing contextual analysis, day-to-day safety and security management, and liaison with relevant stakeholders including UNDSS and OCHA. The security Manager will have to demonstrate excellent surveillance and emergency response skills. The Security Manager will need a strong commitment to security rules and knowledge of all hazards and threats to safety.

Reporting Arrangements:

The Safety Manager (North) will report to the Area Manager (North), with a technical working relationship with the Country Safety Coordinator based in Addis.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Tasks and Responsibilities

In accordance with DRC Safety policy, the Safety Manager will:

• Ensure internal compliance with DRC’s global security policy, risk management system and code of conduct in all offices in the region.
• Attend Access Cluster meetings along with Area Manager and determine operational needs.
• Identify actual, perceived and foreseeable risks. Defining the risk thresholds in order to maintain programme continuity, while enhancing resilience through robust security and risk management.
• Lead the development and production of contextualized safety risk management measures, policy, protocols and procedures in close collaboration with field teams and management for the North area of operations.
• Oversee and support the implementation of practical and appropriate risk mitigation measures.
• Liaise with other safety focal points and coordination mechanisms in the area to broaden knowledge base of contextual and safety-related updates to support decision making re staff, programmatic and the people we serve.
• Maintain and implement the safety improvement plan in agreement with the Area Manager
• Ensure staff safety updates and advisories are provided to all DRC staff, volunteers, and contractors before deployment in the North area of operations.
• Manage the Safety Level System (SLS) in the North area office and all its project sites, and ensure they strive to achieve a minimum of 80% compliance with the Minimum Operating Safety Standards (MOSS).
• Directly lead access planning and supports negotiations, as directed by the Area Manager and Country Director. Track all access submission requests and follows up as relevant. Ensures access plans are in line with access strategy and policies, guides field teams, and keep the Area Manager informed of all access constraints and challenges.
• Facilitate program access and continuity through the provision of timely, quality and informed advice.
• Maintain relevant safety documentation, data and records (training register, incident tracking, maps, etc.)
• Produce weekly and quarterly security analysis/reports (including ad hoc daily updates, weekly summaries and monthly trend analysis) for the Area Manager and review all incident reports
• Mentor and provide technical supervision to safety focal points at DRC project sites, guards, drivers, and other staff with safety management responsibilities.
• Work with Area Manager and the Grants team to ensure that safety is adequately budgeted for in grants, and support proposal development and donor reporting requirements where applicable.
• Act as the primary focal point for the procurement of safety-related equipment, facilities and other resources for DRC North Operation.
•  Any other duties as directed by the Area Manager.

Job Requirements

Experience and Technical Competencies: (include years of experience)

• Minimum 4 years as Security Manager/Advisor for an NGO 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. Able to provide measured recommendations based on triangulated sources of information in the interest of the organization.
• Experience in conducting safety training for international and national staff, and experience of capacity building.
• Fluent English, and strong interpersonal, communication, and networking skills.
• Ability to provide conflict analysis (written).
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Computer literate, able to use all common software packages.
• Be able to diffuse tension and remain calm at all times and particularly following an incident, providing follow up support as necessary via HR if required
• Be able to encourage, motivate and guide team members to approach safety and security issues with confidence especially during crises- great communication skills for both internal and external representation
• Be flexible to travel at short notice to difficult and risky areas
• Proven ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.

Education (include certificates, licenses etc.):

• Bachelor's Degree in Security, Developmental, Political, Conflict studies. or other security management related qualification.
• At least 4 years’ experience working with NGOs and/or international agencies on similar duties.
• NVQ in public services.
• QGIS and data management software proficient.

Languages: (indicate fluency level)

• English

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: Acting in line with DRC's vision and values

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience are invited to submit updated CV and cover letter explaining their motivation and why they are suited for the post.

We only accept applications sent via our online-application form on www.drc.ngo under Vacancies. 

Please forward the application and CV, in English through the stated website no later than June 3, 2021. 

For general information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult here

Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In light of this, women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply to bridge the gender gap.

Equal Opportunities: DRC is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, colour, race, marital status or other protected characteristics

We encourage only qualified Ethiopian Nationals to apply. DRC considers all applicants based on merit.