Safety Assistant

Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs working in 40 countries worldwide and has been operating in Ukraine since 2014. With the outbreak of the current phase of the conflict in February 2022, DRC has shifted its programming to emergency response to meet the urgent needs of conflict-affected population and is currently undergoing a significant scale up in operations to meet the need. Current DRC programming is focusing on protection activities, Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA), NFI and Food distributions, Shelter & WASH interventions, Economic Recovery, Humanitarian Demining and Explosive Ordnance Risk Education in 5 offices across the country. Currently undergoing a period of growth as an organization, DRC is currently looking for a Safety Assistant to be based in Merefa position to be transferred to Kharkiv) to support with its response.

DRC is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and candidates from backgrounds not traditionally represented in Safety and Security are strongly encouraged to apply as there will be on the job training.

Overall purpose of the role

In close collaboration with the Kharkiv Safety Specialist and Base Manager, the Safety Assistant will support in the in the safe and effective operation of DRCs programming in Eastern Ukraine through a range of administrative functions focused on safety and security. As a learning position, the successful candidate will be expected to take on additional responsibilities on a progressive basis, under the support and supervision of the rest of the safety team once they have been sufficiently trained to do so.

Geographic scope

This role will be based in the Merefa (to be later transferred to Kharkiv) office with some travel in Kharkiv, Donetsk, and potentially Dnipro oblasts

Primary responsibilities

• Support the program teams to ensure that project activities are implemented in a secure, safe and effective manner, primarily through the procurement of safety items under the direction of technical specialists.
• Implement improvements to the Minimum Operating Safety Standards (MOSS) under the direction of technical specialists.
• Attend regular briefings and context updates.
• Monitor staff movements and report irregularities to the appropriate focal point.
• Ensure that appropriate access controls are in place for all DRC facilities.
• Proofread translated Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Contingency Plans (CP), threat assessments, and other documents to ensure translations have been completed to the required standard.
• Update security phone trees and maintain staff contact information.
• Assist in implementing DRC safety policies, protocols, and procedures under technical supervision.
• Oversea the procurement / issuing of safety and protective equipment under technical instruction.
• Track the location of DRC safety assets including, but not limited to, PPE, communications equipment, first aid kits, and so on.
• Monitor risks including, but not limited to, the DRC traffic light system and alert relevant parties in case of an emergency with relevant, compassionate and clear advice.
• Maintain relevant safety documentation, data and records for the areas of concern under technical guidance.
• Any other duties related to the nature of the job as directed by the supervisor.

Responsibilities following training period

• Assists in the implementation of DRC safety risk management systems (SRMS) under technical supervision.
• Monitor news and social media and inform Kharkiv Safety Specialist of changes in the conflict.
• Monitor information networks and update the ‘Traffic Light System’ accordingly.
• Proactively monitor the MOSS and recommend improvements/implement basic changes.
• Deliver briefings and context updates to the Safety Team.
• Communicate Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Contingency Plans (CP), threat assessments, and other safety policies to staff whose first language is not English with the support of technical specialists.
• Assess potential impacts of the evolving context on DRCs programmatic activities.
• Establish a network of local contacts to develop a nuanced understanding of the context.
• Support in 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), and so on.
• Support in the completion of Safety Risk Assessments (SRAs).
• Deliver Pre/Post Arrival Briefs to incoming staff (national and international).
• Support incident response – particularly IMT and CMT.
• Support in the management of the DRC safety information portal (SharePoint) ensuring that it is up to date, relevant and accessible to a range of users.
• Any other duties related to the nature of the job as directed by the supervisor.

Reports to

• Technical management by the Kharkiv Safety Specialist and line management the Base Manager but may subject to change.

Experience and competencies

Essential:

• Willing to learn
• Good sense of humour
• Team player
• Emotional intelligence
• Collaborative but with the ability to work independently
• An interest in politics and a keen understanding of the current situation in Ukraine
• An ability to communicate information to a range of audiences
• An understanding of personal limitations and areas for personal development
• Driven, dedicated and proactive
• 2 – 4 years professional experience
• Excellent skills in MS Office
• An interest in NGO operations and a desire to progress in the field of NGO safety

Desirable:

• Experience in security operations
• Experience working in multicultural settings
• Experience with information gathering
• Experience working in hostile or hazardous environments
• Bachelors degree in a Social Science

Languages

• English- Good – Willingness to improve

The interview will be conducted in English. Allowances will be made for the right candidate and perfection is not expected. However, it is expected that the candidate will be able to pass ethe interview without the need of an interpreter.

The successful candidate may be expected to complete a reading test to confirm their reading ability upon selection

• Ukrainian- High standard
• Russian- An advantage but not essential

We offer

• A supportive working environment with a commitment to staff development
• Contract length: 6 months renewable depending on performance and funding
• Employment band: I
• Duty Station: Merefa (to be transferred to Kharkiv)
• Start date: As soon as possible
• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national staff
• Medical and Health Insurance

Application process

All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 21 May 2023

We reserve the right to conduct further interviews before the deadline for submission of applications.

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

DRC as an employer
By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of around 8000 employees in 40 countries. 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.

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/about-us/job-and-career/support-for-job-seekers.

Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At DRC we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply!