Safety and Access Assistant

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 – 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 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 displacement—responding 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, DRC’s 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, Türkiye 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:

The role assists in the development and implementation of Safety policies, plans, and procedures in area of operation and provides advice on all Safety-related issues.
The Safety & Access Assistant reports to the Area Manager and receives technical guidance from the Safety coordinator and supports the implementation of DRC’s Safety Risk Management System to protect the organization’s staff, assets and reputation.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor the evolving situation in areas of operation and relay this information to relevant staff.
• Establish a network of local contacts which facilitates safe access for DRC operations.
• Assist in the development and facilitation of safety training to DRC staff and drivers.
• Lead in the conducting of site assessments of office spaces, guesthouses, warehouses and other sites as required.
• Assist in the drafting of standard operating procedures, contingency plans, threat assessments and other documents.
• Assist in the updating of pre-arrival briefs, local safety rules, security phone trees and safety briefs.
• Assist the implementation of safety policies, protocols and procedures.
• Lead regular safety audits of the offices, warehouses and guesthouses to include, but not limited to, checks of fire extinguishers, safe room supplies, first aid kits, emergency communication equipment and physical security elements (MOSS).
• Assist in the development of Safety Improvement Plans (SIP) for any gaps in safety identified.
• Contribute to weekly area safety sitreps to be sent to the Area Manager.
• Monitor vehicle and personal tracking system. Alert relevant parties in case of an emergency event.
• The responsibilities listed in the JD are not exhaustive and may be readjusted according to operational needs but will remain in line with the overall purpose of the role.

Experience and technical competencies:

• Minimum two years of relevant experience in handling safety tasks.
• 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.
• Decent familiarity with Microsoft Office, in particular PowerPoint.
• Analytical skills.
• Planning skills.
• Pro-active.
• Result-oriented.
• Stress resilient

Education:

• Relevant university degree or 2-year institute diploma.
• Formal and documented first aid training and firefighting training is viewed favorably.

Languages:

• Fluency in written and spoken Arabic and English

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 act in line with our vision and values.

We offer:

Contract length: Until the end of December 2026

Level: Non-Management I2

Location: Syria – Daraa with frequent filed visits to Rural Daraa and Al Swidaa.

Expected Start date: ASAP

Application process:

Interested? Then apply for this position here:  Safety and Access Assistant – Application Form

Or view the advert on DRC’s homepage here:  Safety and Access Assistant

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: 9 May 2026

Need further information?

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