Safety & Access Officer

Overall Purpose Of The Role:

Danish Refugee Council, one of the world's leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly motivated Safety and Access Officer for our operations in the Mekelle Field Office.

In This Role You are required to provide administrative assistance and technical support and ensure that NAO programs and project activities are implemented in a secure, safe, and effective manner.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Communication & information

• Support and facilitate the communication and coordination with relevant stakeholders on all matters relating to the safety of DRC staff within NAO.
• Collect, verify, analyze, and report information that affects, or may affect, DRC operations
• Prepare and submit Safety Incident Reports (SIR)
• Monitor staff movements, report on movement irregularities, and initiate emergency response if needed
• Ensure that DRC drivers follow the Movement SOP and comply with DRC standards
• Disseminate safety alerts to staff
• Brief visitors and new staff members on safety procedures

Safety Risk Management

• Contribute to Safety Risk Assessments (SRAs)
• Ensure MOSS compliance, report shortcomings to Area Manager and Safety Coordinator
• Ensure that appropriate access controls are in place for all DRC facilities
• Contribute to 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

Within the Technical Supervision mandate in the assigned thematic area and geographic scope, the position holder is responsible for:

• Providing technical direction, guidance, and, where mandated, instructions to security guards to ensure compliance with DRC policies, standards, and strategies.
• Support HR team leaders in assessing technical skills and performance of security guards in all locations.
• Escalating non-compliance or poor performance in line with the technical supervision mandate to the HR team leader (security guard line manager).
• Participating in the recruitment of security guards in all field offices

Experience and technical competencies:

• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in security operations and management.
• 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

EDUCATION: (include certificates, licenses, etc.)

• Relevant university degree (e.g. political science, international development, economics) or equivalent professional qualification

LANGUAGE: (indicate Fluency level)

• English proficiency and Fluency in local language (Tigrigna/Amharic/Afar))

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC's 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: 11 Months

Contract Type: National

Contract Band: H2 - Non-Management Designation of Duty

Station: Mekelle, North Ethiopia Field Office.

Start date: February 2026

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council's Terms of Employment for National employees

Offers will be extended only once funding has been confirmed

Application process

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: January 30, 2026 For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website.

Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In light of this, women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply to bridge the gender gap.

Equal Opportunities: DRC is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, color, race, marital status, or other protected characteristics

We strongly encourage female candidates to apply for the position!

We encourage only qualified Ethiopian Nations to apply. DRC considers all applicants based on merit.

Skills Required:

• Economics / Statistics
• Political / Science / Ir
• Security