Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading protection agency with a mandate to protect, advocate and promote durable solutions for displacement affected populations.
DRC has been operating in Ukraine since 2014, currently DRC employs over 800 staff in Ukraine and implements emergency response in the Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (humanitarian mine action) sectors, using direct interventions, support to duty bearers and civil society organizations (CSOs), and partnerships with CSOs. DRC will continue and adapt its durable solutions portfolio to the evolving context.
DRC is currently looking for a Safety Officer to join our Area-Based Allocation (ABA) team in Mykolaiv to implement project in Khersonska oblast.
About the job
You will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of safety and protection requirements by partners in accordance with sub-grant agreements, ensuring compliance with donor regulations in the field of safety, as well as supporting high-quality reporting, risk management in partner projects, and the Consortium’s daily security operational activities.
About the ABA Consortium: The Area-Based Allocation (ABA) Consortium is designed to support local actors in Ukraine by facilitating access to quality funding and enabling them to scale up their programming without being burdened by excessive bureaucracy. The Consortium operates as a fund mechanism, incorporating a due diligence process, calls for proposals, fund disbursement, and tailored support throughout project implementation.
Your main duties and responsibilities will be:
- Serve as a focal point for safety-related communication and coordination with partner organizations and relevant stakeholders within the assigned area of responsibility.
- Collect, verify, analyze, and share emergency and safety-related information impacting partner and DRC operations.
- Support partners in preparation, submission, and follow-up of Safety Incident Reports (SIRs).
- Monitor staff and partner movements, identify irregularities, and support initiation of emergency response when required.
- Support partners in ensuring compliance with Movement SOPs and DRC safety standards, including driver and vehicle safety requirements.
- Support partners in conducting Safety Risk Assessments (SRAs) and integrating mitigation measures into operational planning.
- Monitor and support partner compliance with Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS); identify gaps and escalate concerns to Safety Coordinator and Area Management.
- Contribute to the identification, procurement, distribution, and proper use of safety and protective equipment for partner staff.
- Assist the Safety Coordinator in maintaining and updating the Safety Level System (SLS), including partner-related inputs.
- Maintain a network of safety focal points and represent DRC in inter-agency and partner safety coordination meetings.
- Support other consortium or DRC activities as required and agree with the line manager.
About you
To succeed in this role, you should have at least 2 years of experience working with international NGOs, UN agencies, donors, or government institutions, particularly in managing partnerships. Moreover, we also expect the following:
Required
- Relevant university degree (e.g. political science, safety, security, economics) or equivalent professional qualification.
- Proven ability to effectively prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
- Stable moral character, stress resilience, reliability, and ability to work well in a team.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to accountability and responsibility principles.
- High level of personal and professional integrity.
- Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Certification or documented training in safety, fire safety, and evacuation procedures.
- Certification or documented training in safety and disaster/emergency management.
- Experience negotiating access for humanitarian or other organizations.
Desirable
- English language proficiency at B1–B2 level.
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: 16 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding, following the successful completion of a 3-month probationary period.
- Band: H – nm.
- Designation of Duty Station: Mykolaiv.
- Start date: ASAP.
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees on national contracts.
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: 20 January 2026.
Working at DRC
Help applying
DRC as an employer
Founded in 1956, DRC Danish Refugee Council is Denmark’s largest, and a leading international NGO. We have continuously been ranked as one of the best NGOs in the world - and are one of the few with a specific expertise in forced displacement. In over 30 countries, we protect, advocate and build sustainable futures for refugees and other displacement-affected people and communities.
By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of over 6,000 employees. We pride ourselves on our:
- Professionalism, impact & expertise
- Humanitarian approach & the work we do
- Purpose, meaningfulness & own contribution
- Culture, values & strong leadership
- Fair compensation & continuous development
DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process.
Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer and we consider all applicants based on individual merit and qualifications, regardless of personal characteristics or attributes. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce, aiming for a 50% balance of men and women in management roles and ensuring that at least 50% of management roles are filled by national staff. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is crucial for achieving our organizational goals and making a positive impact on the communities we serve.