Who are we?

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a Leading protection agency pursuing our mandate to protect and promote durable solutions to displacement-affected populations based on humanitarian principles. Our response in the occupied Palestinian territory is centered on empowering conflict affected communities to meet their basic needs and promoting safety and dignity by addressing protection risks. Operating from two offices in Deir al Balah and Gaza City, and with a coordination office in Ramallah and a representative office in East Jerusalem, the DRC maintains an active presence with over 30 national and international staff and four civil society partners. DRC now aims to grow our operation as part of the Middle East Hub, which also comprises Türkiye, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan.

About the job

The Safety Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the proper application of DRC’s Safety Risk Management System (SRMS) in all areas of operations in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). This includes the application of the Global Safety Policy, identifying known and foreseen risks and to determine and implement appropriate mitigation measures, mechanisms and procedures. In addition, ongoing context assessment and day-to-day safety and security management shall be done in close cooperation with Senior Management and Safety Focal Points, thereby enhancing the operational continuity and resilience of DRC OPT country program. Uniquely, the oPt Safety Coordinator manages safety in the Gaza Strip, SLS 6 Location-Extreme Risk invoking distinct and highly specialized safety procedures, frequent quality assurance at the field level, and bespoke assistance to DRC’s partners.

Responsibilities:

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

• Develop the existing DRC Safety Risk Management System (SRMS) to cover all DRC program locations
• Monitor the situation daily and communicate on the appropriate platforms: report, analyze, and take action. Lead recruitment of Safety Focal Points and provide capacity building, mentoring and training.
• Provide oversight and quality assurance of the DRC Safety Risk Management System (SRMS).
• Manage the Safety Level System (SLS) for field sites, based on individual Safety Risk Assessments (SRA), and ensure they strive to improve compliance with Minimum Operating Safety Standards (MOSS).

• Identify actual, perceived and foreseeable risks to maintain program continuity and enhance resilience through robust security and risk management.
• Lead the development and production of contextualized risk management policy, protocols and procedures in close collaboration with area offices and management.
• Facilitate program access and continuity through timely, quality and informed advice.
• Maintain relevant safety documentation, data, and records (staff presence lists, training register, incident tracking, maps, etc.)
• Produce Monthly and quarterly security analysis/reports (including ad hoc daily updates, weekly summaries, and monthly trend analysis) where requested.
• Create and deliver high quality safety training that reaches a maximum number of national and implementing partners
• Develop and facilitate workshops for Safety focal points, Heads of Departments, DRC field team and other key staff.
• Mentor, coach and provide technical supervision to Safety focal points and other staff with safety management responsibilities.
• Ensure new staff receives a pre-arrival briefing prior to arriving in country and a country briefing on arrival.
• Provide safety inputs in meetings and support the Country Director and Senior Management Team in the decision-making process.
• Coordinate with the RO/HQ Crisis Management Team (CMT), when needed, and take part in the Incident Management Teams (IMT), when activated.
• Support the development of the capacity of Incident Management Teams (IMTs).
• Work with the Head of Support Services to ensure that safety is adequately budgeted for in grants, support proposal development and donor reporting requirements, where applicable, and provide inputs on internal and external reporting.
• Act as the focal point for the procurement of safety-related equipment, facilities and other resources.
• Develop, maintain, and participate in networks for (safety) information sharing.
• Improve and strengthen security measures and tools in OPT: innovate in terms of protocols, SOPs, and tools

 Experience and technical competencies:

• Minimum 5-7 years as Safety Manager/Advisor for an NGO in a high risk/conflict zone, preferably within the Middle East region and Gaza Strip
• Proven experience in context/security analysis and advising humanitarian personnel; proven experience in humanitarian access and CMCoord in humanitarian crises and fragile contexts.
• Experience in developing and updating SOPs, contingency plans and other risk assessment and management documents and tools.
• Proven experience in incident/crisis management.
• Experience in conducting safety training for staff, and experience of partner capacity building.
• Strong trauma first aid knowledge
• Ability to provide conflict analysis (written).
• Experience in working with and supporting strategic partners in high-risk zones is essential, with a special focus on building the internal capacity of local actors (LNGOs, Civil Society, Etc.,) in terms of safety procedures.
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Computer literate, able to use all common software packages and familiarity with using monitoring devices, open-source mapping tools and satellite communication devices
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ready to encourage, motivate and guide team members to approach safety and security issues with confidence, especially during crises.
• Sufficient self-resilience to work in highly insecure environments and to travel at short notice and able to support team members in remaining resilient. Proven ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.
• Able to work directly with vendors for services in austere and complex areas, basic familiarity with tools, vehicles, electricity, etc, is a plus.

Education:

Master's degree in relevant subject preferred but not required;

Languages:

• Fluent English required.
• Arabic Knowledge is a strong added value;

Key stakeholders:

• Emergency & Operation Manager
• Regional Safety Coordinator
• Emergency team

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

Fixed Term contract till 31 Dec 2026 (with possibility of extension)

Band: F non-management

Work location: Amman (regular travel to Gaza and the West Bank, depending on access)

Start date: expected 1st April 2026
 

Application process

All applicants must upload 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: 13/03/2026

For more information about the Danish Refugee Council, please visit our website drc.ngo.

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 regardless of personal characteristics or attributes.