Who are we?
The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunities 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 โ whenever possible โ 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 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.
All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.
DRC Syria
DRC has been operating in Syria since 2008, initially responding to the Iraqi refugee crisis before pivoting to a full-scale response to the Syria crisis from 2011 onwards. Our work encompasses the full cycle of displacementโresponding to life-saving humanitarian needs and supporting community recovery until durable solutions can be achieved. DRC Syria takes an area-based approach to supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities across our key sectors: Economic Recovery and Resilience, Protection, WASH, Shelter and Infrastructure, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (including Humanitarian Mine Action).
With an established rapid response mechanism, DRC can rapidly respond to emerging crises and shocks to meet acute emergency needs. Recognizing the significant need for early recovery and resilience programming to ensure dignified, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions for fragile communities, DRCโs programmes foster resilience for individuals and communities in situations of protracted displacement and during the initial stages of post-conflict recovery, towards a durable solution of their choice. With active portfolios in the neighboring countries of Jordan, Lebanon, Tรผrkiye and Iraq, DRC offers a cross-border, regional response to the Syria crisis, through cross-border protection monitoring, advocacy, and trends analysis.
About the job
Under the direct supervision of the Area Manager and the technical supervision of the Safety Coordinator, the Safety & Access Officer provides administrative assistance and technical support to contribute to the safety and access of staff, DRC assets and implementation of programme activities.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Information & Analysis
Collect, verify, analyze and report Safety-related information that affects, or may affect, DRC operations. This includes leading the local safety context analysis groups and sharing context as required on a continual basis with the AM and country Safety Coordinator. Manage alert networks in assigned areas of responsibility. Prepare and submit Safety Incident Reports (SIR) . Contribute and support in developing and updating the SRA (Security Risk Analysis) Conduct of regular Safety Risk Assessments (SRAs) in southern area bases as per DRC policy, in collaboration program team Establish a network of contacts and represent DRC at security and coordination meetings and when necessary, actively participate in UN Security Cell meetings within the area of operations. Track security related incidents and developments and provide trend/pattern analysis.Safety Risk Management
Conduct monthly assessment of the Minimum Operating Safety Standards (MOSS). Monitoring, tracking, and reporting DRC field missions using active communication channels. Draft localized Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Safety Coordinator/AM review Provide Safety briefings to all new and visiting staff in respective area of operation. Ensure that appropriate access controls are in place at DRC facilities. Advise, assist and control the procurement and issue of Safety equipment. Conduct site assessments and advise on mitigation measures. Support Incident Management Team (IMT) should any ongoing safety situation arise. Provide advice on safe program development and implementation. Any other duties related to the nature of the job as directed by the technical supervisor.Training
Support the Safety Coordinator in designing, organizing and conducting Safety trainings. Assist in training staff in respective area of operation on safety procedures Help facilitating DRCโs Personnel Safety Awareness Training and lead selected training modules.Liaison
Closely work with the SAO, in R.Damascus and Daraa based liaison specialist and take their guidance from the DRC Syria access task force ensure regular and strategic engagement with sub-national key stakeholders, including representatives from HAC and SARC as well as Governors. Notify sub-national HAC representatives ahead of field missions from Damascus to ensure smooth visits Inform sub-national HAC about programming plans Under the technical guidance of the global access advisor and the DRC Syria Access Task Force, support the joint identification of the key actors at sub-national level to be engaged going forward; Support the development of programmatic and operational key talking points to be raised in their engagement with line ministries, governors, HAC as well as SARC representatives at sub-national level; Support the development of a monthly engagement plans detailing meetings with key actors Improve the information flow between the DRC country office and the field offices and ensure all DRC staff are speaking in a unified voice when engaging key actorsExperience and technical competencies:
Relevant university degree (e.g. political science, international development, economics) or equivalent professional qualification Minimum 2-3 years of relevant experience in Safety operations, with international or local NGOs Proven experience in working flexibly within a diverse team, with the ability to adapt to flexible working hours & able to travel to field sites often, and on short notice, and be available on-call Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines Solid critical analytical skills with experience of information gathering and reporting Excellent communications, interpersonal and negotiation skills Strong information technology skills and excellent skills in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Proven commitment to accountability practices. Stable, moral and robust character who remains calm and works well under pressure.Education:
Tertiary education (Bachelor minimum) in communication, politics, risk or other related field Informal education, e.g. Safety trainings provided by INGO/UN and documented self-learning, is viewed favorably.Languages:
In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRCโ 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 act in line with our vision and values.
We offer:
Contract length: 31 December 2025 (renewable based on funds and performance)
Level: Non-Management โ H2
Location: Rural Damascus
Expected Start date: ASAP
Application process:
Interested? Then apply for this position here: Safety & Access Officer - Application Form
All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV-only applications will not be considered.
Applications close: 23 September 2025
Need further information?
For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website www.drc.org