Local Safety Officer

Title: Local Safety Officer

Location:  Gambella, Ethiopia

Employment Category:  H

Salary Range: USD 540-656 Specific amount will be determined upon candidates educational and work experience relevancy 

Reporting To:  Area Manager

Start of Contract & Duration: Seven months (7)

Posting date: November 16, 2022

Required Employee: 1                    

INTRODUCTION

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC), an international non-governmental organization (NGO), has been providing relief and development services in the Horn of Africa since 1997. DRC promotes and supports solutions to the problems faced by refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), and migrants. The organization has offices across the region and has been operational in Ethiopia since 2009.  With funding from bilateral and multilateral donors, DRC is currently implementing a range of activities across Ethiopia and Djibouti, including WASH and shelter provision, child and youth protection, gender-based violence response, awareness-raising of migration risks, protection monitoring of migration routes, and livelihoods support for returning migrants or those at-risk of migration.

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:

Under the supervision of the Area Manager, The Local Safety Officer’s responsibility is to monitor the overall security situation, enforce security regulations and provide sound and timely advice to DRC staff and management in order to support the safe and efficient delivery of programme activities in the designated area of operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Represent the organization when liaising with the local administrations:

Activities:

• Keep informed of any changes in the administrative procedures for obtaining documents.
• Establish or reinforce relations with the representatives of the different administrative services.
• Meet with the representatives of the different administrative services as often as necessary to obtain documents or solve problems.

INFORMATION

• Monitor the evolving situation in the area of DRC operations in coordination with other actors as per regional, country and programme guidelines
• Facilitate access and operations through the provision of dependable advice to staff and managers
• Act as the local focal point for security co-ordination and information sharing between the relevant actors within the area of operations
• Collect, verify, analyze and report information that affects, or may affect, DRC operations
• Establish a network of contacts and represent DRC at security meetings
• Actively participate in the Security Cell meetings within the area of operations
• Provide operational security briefings and orientation to all new and visiting staff
• Track security related incidents and developments and provide trend/pattern analysis

ANALYSIS

• Conduct regular Security Risk Assessments (SRAs) as per DRC Chapter 19 and 20 of Operational Handbook and policy
• Identify indicators and key decision points, and link them to the SRA and security phases
• Assist in training on security procedures as required for program staff
• Prepare and submit security reports and trend analyses as required
• Provide advice on programme development and implementation

SAFETY RISK MANAGEMENT

• Assist with the implementation of regional security policies, protocols and procedures related to the safe implementation of programme activities
• Supervise and monitor the development and implementation of context specific MOSS
• Monitoring and supervision (as required) of security guards and watchmen
• Supervise the implementation of physical and asset protection protocols and regulations
• Ensure that appropriate access controls are in place for all DRC facilities
• Advise, assist and control the procurement and issue of security and protective equipment
• Provide security clearance to staff in the area of operation
• Conduct regular site assessments and advise on mitigation measures
• Assist in the management of security incidents and crises, provide timely and accurate incident reports and analysis, and support organizational lessons learned
• Contribute to Safety Risk Assessments (SRAs)
• Ensure MOSS compliance, report shortcomings to Area Manager and Safety Coordinator
• Contribute the procurement and issue of safety and protective equipment
• Conduct regular site assessments and advise on mitigation measures
• Support the Safety Coordinator in updating the Safety Level System (SLS)
• Support the Safety Coordinator in designing and implementing training on safety procedures for staff
• Maintain a network of contacts and represent DRC at safety meetings
• Any other duties related to the nature of the job as directed by the supervisor

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master

DRC’s 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.  

Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience)

• BA Degree, in Political Science, International Development, Economics or Equivalent Professional qualification
• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in security operations and management.
• Full professional proficiency in English
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Stable, moral and robust character and a good team player
• Excellent communication skills.
• Proven commitment to accountability practices
• High personal and professional integrity
• Excellent skill in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Training in safety, fire and evacuation procedures
• Training in safety and disaster management
• Experience in negotiating access for humanitarian or other agencies
• Advanced English proficiency
• Fluency in local language

EDUCATION: (include certificates, licenses, etc.)

• BA Degree, in Political Science, International Development, Economics or Equivalent Professional qualification

LANGUAGE: (indicate fluency level)

• Excellent verbal and written proficiency in English, Amharic and local Languages