Area Safety Team Leader

Based in Baqubah and roving with travel throughout Iraq, primarily Diyala, Baghdad, Anbar, Karbala/Najaf. 

        Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified 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 fulfilment 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. 

About the job

The Safety Team Leader is DRC’s expert safety role with an excellent understanding of the context in Iraq.  This individual is responsible for providing specialized knowledge and operational know-how within the safety discipline, in support of the HoS, Area and Base Managers. This individual will support the AM and HoS in the development and updating of DRC’s safety policies, standards and procedures, while also building and maintaining relevant stakeholder contacts, both internal DRC colleagues and external contacts.  The Safety Team Leader develops and maintains updated security documents, including guidelines, procedures, assessments and timely advisories that are implemented by management to keep DRC Iraq’s mission safe. 

Responsibilities:

SUPERVISION

• Direct supervision and management of staffs in this role
• Technical advice is offered to management in close coordination with the HoS, Area and Base Managers, accountable for safety advice and performance of daily tasks as assigned by AM and HoS 

INFORMATION

• Monitor situational developments countrywide and in the areas of DRC operations, liaising with other actors as required
• Ensure timely inputs into safety updates and DRCs Safety Incident Reporting (SIR) database
• Provide regular updates and analysis of the security situation to DRC staff in coordination with AM and HoS, as required
• Support AM and HoS with regard to security coordination and information sharing between the relevant actors within Area
• Work in close coordination with the local safety focal points for security coordination and information sharing between the relevant actors within the area of operations
• Provide support and advice to staff on safety related issues
• Maintain the curriculum for and deliver Safety trainings (PAST, Guard, driver) for DRC staff
• Facilitate access and operations through the provision of dependable advice and action to staff and managers
• Facilitate access for DRC staff in Iraq through the relevant authorization systems in coordination with designated access letter focal points
• Support and update assessments of the Minimum Operating Safety Standards (MOSS) and Safety Level System (SLS)
• Collect, verify, analyse and report information that affects, or may affect, DRC operations
• Support the AM and HoS in establishing a network of contacts and represent DRC at security meetings
• Participate in Security Cell meetings within the area of operations (INSO, UN, other as required)
• Draft and maintain updated materials for the onboarding of new staff
• Maintain updated documentation as per DRC Safety Risk Management System
• Track security related incidents and developments and provide evidence-based analysis 

ANALYSIS

• Support AM and HoS in conducting regular Security Risk Assessments (SRAs) as per DRC policy
• Support the HoS and Area Managers in identifying indicators and key decision points, and link them to the SRA and security phases
• Prepare reports, analyses and statistics where required (COVID19, safety)
• Provide safety advice and forecasts to the management team for program development and implementation

SAFETY RISK MANAGEMENT

• Support Managers with the implementation of global, regional and local security policies, protocols and procedures related to the safe implementation of program activities
• Assist the HoS and Area Managers with regard to the process of creating and updating context specific Minimum Operational Security Standards (MOSS)
• Design or improve processes for physical asset protection protocols and regulations
• Maintain and provide advice on Critical Incident Management Plans at country and area-levels
• Assist managers in ensuring that appropriate access controls are in place for all DRC facilities
• Advise and assist the procurement and issue of security and protective equipment, as required
• Advise management on the approval of all travel and the Travel Clearance Requests process
• Support managers in site assessments and advise on mitigation measures, as required
• Assist in the management of security incidents and crises, provide timely and accurate incident reports and analysis, and support implementation of measures from organizational lessons learned

Activities:

• Keep informed of any changes in the administrative procedures for obtaining safety relevant documents
• Support Management in establishing relations with the representatives of the different administrative services
• Support Management when meeting with the representatives of the different administrative services as often as necessary to obtain documents or solve problems
• Support Management with dialogue and networking with organizations such as UN and INGOs Forums
• Sustain networks with security agencies and/or other political administrations in the country
• Where required represent the organization when liaising with the local administrations, security forces, and other organizations
• Support management in resolving CoC related issues

Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience)

• 3+ years’ experience working with NGOs, other international agencies or multinational business
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
• Stable, moral and robust character and a good team-player
• Ability to adapt to flexible working hours
• Ability to travel within Iraq often, and on short notice, and be available on-call
• Excellent communication skills in English and Arabic
• Stress-resilient personality and proven track record of performing under stress
• Have a (Iraq) driver’s license and be prepared to drive DRC vehicles.

Education: (include certificates, licenses etc.)

• Master or equivalent, bachelor with strong experience
• Specialized training or experience in International NGO safety related topics including HEAT, PAST and First Responder.

Languages: (indicate fluency level)

• Fluent in written and spoken English and Arabic

Strong information technology skills

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

Contract length: 1year

Band: G

Start date: 15/March/2021

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies.

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on the apply button.
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: 11^th March 2021

Please note: that given the urgency of vacancy the position may be filled before the due date.

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