Safety Officer

Introduction

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 8,000 employees and also 8,000 volunteers, while managing a turnover of over 400 million Euro. Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and present in forty countries, the Danish Refugee Council is a non-profit-making, politically independent, non-governmental and non-denominational relief organization. The Danish Refugee Council is Denmark’s largest humanitarian NGO and has been ranked the 3rd best NGO in the world in 2018 (for six consecutive years, the organization is among the top five of the NGO Advisor Annual List).

Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

Background

The Danish Refugee Council initiated its activities in the island of Lesvos in November 2015 due to the unprecedented influx of asylum seekers. Following new political developments and displacement dynamics in early 2016, DRC expanded its activities to the mainland to support the people living in several sites across the country. With offices in Athens, Larissa and Thessaloniki, it currently implements a wide range of activities, including Site Management Support, legal assistance, identification of individual needs and protection of highly vulnerable persons, access to services within and outside the hosting sites through cultural mediation, and non-formal education. DRC works closely with the refugee communities, the Greek authorities and other humanitarian actors to ensure a protective environment for refugees and asylum seekers in Greece.  

Purpose
 

The Safety Officer (SO) is based in DRC Attica Area Office and is responsible to assess daily the safety & security situation, provide technical support, monitor and maintain Minimum Safety and Security Standards in all office and operating areas, ensure safety & security awareness is kept at high levels and safety policies, procedures and measures are followed at all times in Larissa (Central Greece) area of operations.

Safety Officer will report to Attica Area Manager while the technical management will be under the Safety Advisor.

 

Duties and Responsibilities
 

• Contribute towards the development of safety and security culture of all staff within the area of operations by ensuring that safety awareness is kept at high levels.
• Monitor daily the evolving security situation in the area of operations in coordination with other actors as per DRC guidelines.
• In close coordination with Admin/HR Department, SO facilitates Safety Technician visits and monitors timely implementation of any corrective actions required, to ensure a safe workplace.
• Support Team Leaders & Mangers in monitoring PPE stock, and ensure that stock is replenished when needed.  
• SO to ensure that all DRC staff is aware and compliant with Government of Greece (GoG) COVID-19 measures that in the workplace, and DRC policies, protocols and procedures are in place and followed.
• Monitoring and follow-up on safety equipment in Attica Area Office, DRC-operated sites and Integration Learning Centers.
• Provide induction and operational security briefings and orientation to all new and visiting staff.
• Regularly conduct Security Risk Assessments (SRAs) and update Safety Level System (SLS) as per DRC policy.
• Conduct assessment of the Minimum Operating Safety Standards (MOSS) to ensure that is updated and implemented and prepare relevant Safety Improvement Action Plan (SIAP).
• Prepare, update, test and evaluate safety & security plans and procedures.
• Conduct regular or ad hoc site visits to assess and supervise the implementation of DRC safety policies, protocols and procedures related to the safe implementation of program activities and advise on mitigation measures, as required.
• Ensure that DRC facilities have appropriate access control is in place and there is compliance with national safety regulations, by conducting regular checks to ensure adequacy, availability, and good working order of safety equipment.
• Advise and assist on the procurement process and issue of security and protective equipment, as required.
• Technically supervise, capacitate, support, and monitor Security Focal Points (SFP) in the area of operations.
• Support DRC Attica Management in the selection of Security Focal Points.
• Coordinate, undertake or assist the training of staff on safety & security procedures and equipment, as required.
• Participate in security related internal meetings and represent DRC in external forums within the area of operations when necessary.
• Stay informed of any changes in the administrative procedures and DRC operational developments to identify needs and gaps in terms of safety & security and propose relevant actions and measures.
• Establish or reinforce relationships and liaise with the representatives of the different Greek law enforcement authorities, military, and other actors.
• Assist in the management of security incidents and crises, identify gaps, and support organizational lessons learned.
   

Reporting and Safety Information Management:
 

• Monitor and coordinate timely safety incident reports (SIRs) submission and documentation to provide follow-up support, analysis.
• Track all SIRs submitted and suggest measures or best practices and identify trends.
• Collect, verify, analyze and report information that affects, or may affect, DRC operations.
• Prepare and submit security incident reports, and in collaboration with Safety Advisor prepare advisories, security bulletins and trend analyses, as required.
• Work closely with Area Manager and Safety Advisor to report safety rules violations, propose corrective actions and in general consult on issues related to safety & security, as required.
   

Accountability: 
 

• In day-to-day tasks ensure relevant accountability to internal DRC and Donor policies. 

Any other duties as may be assigned by the Area Manager and/or Safety Advisor relevant to the achievement of program objectives.

 

Required Qualifications
 

• Minimum one year of experience in a relevant field.  
• Experience working with refugee/migration population will be considered an advantage.
• Strong computer skills.
• Holding a valid driving license will be considered an advantage.
• University degree in Political Science, International Relationships, Project Management, Economics, or any relevant field specialized in Safety/ Security Management Major, or equivalent professional Diploma/ Certificate in Safety/ Security Management.
• Excellent verbal and written English and Greek skills.
  
   

Required Skills & Qualities
 

• Core Competencies of DRC:
   Striving for excellence
   Collaboration
   Taking the lead
   Communication
   Demonstrating Integrity
• Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment
• Proactivity, with a sound commitment to teamwork and with a spirit of genuine collaboration
• Strong initiative and self-motivated, with a strong commitment to humanitarian principle and high sense of ethics
• Excellent communication skills, as well as patience and politeness, are needed
• Ability to cope with high workload and stress and identify priority activities and assignments, and adjust priorities as required • Multitasking and organizational skills are a must, and a good sense of humor

 

Terms & Conditions
 

• The contract will be under the Greek Labor Law (this is a national position)
• All allowances will be provided to the employees (Christmas, Easter, Vacation bonus)
• DRC provides training opportunities to develop and strengthen the quality of its services as well as its staff members’ professional and personal development.
• The position will be based in Attika (Greece).

Application Process
 

Are you interested? Then apply for this position on line: www.drc.dk/about-drc/vacancies/currentvacancies . All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English.

DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. DRC encourages all applicants to apply and does not practice any discrimination in any recruitment process. However, applicants must be aware that DRC cannot systemically sponsor non-EU citizen or non-Greek resident for all the steps of legal process to get a work permit and/or a residency permit in Greece.

Applications close on the 12th of March 2021. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

Due to the urgency of the position, DRC has the right to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the above deadline.