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 Kyiv 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 Country Safety Coordinator, the Safety Assistant will support in the in the safe and effective operation of DRCs country program and the running of the country office 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 Kyiv Country Office with some field travel.

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
• Review Safety Incident Reports (SIR)
• 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
• Assist in implementing DRC Safety Improvement Plans (SIP) under technical supervision
• 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
• Note / minuet taking during important meetings
• Proactively seek out and identify gaps in personal knowledge, skill and ability and discuss with CSM / CSC a plan to develop personal capacity
• 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 Country Safety Manager of changes in the conflict
• Monitor information networks and update the Kyiv ‘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 and Line Management by Country Safety Manager

Experience and competencies

Essential:

• Willing to learn
• Good sense of humor
• 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: Fluency in Ukrainian and good command of English – both oral and written

We offer

• A supportive working environment with a commitment to staff development
• Contract length: 3 months renewable depending on performance 
• Duty Station: Kyiv
• 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

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

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.

Only candidates who possess the right to work in Ukraine will be considered.

Closing date for applications: 6th April 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