Safety Manager (Deputy Head of Safety)

The Deputy Head of Safety supports the Head of Safety in ensuring the effective implementation of DRC’s Safety Risk Management System (SRMS), including adherence to the Global Safety Policy, identification of risks, and development of mitigation measures. The role manages operational safety, including oversight of the Operations Room, and contributes to continuous context analysis and safety management in coordination with senior management and safety focal points.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Operations Room (OPS Room) on a daily basis, ensuring timely dissemination of alerts, tracking staff movements, and calibrating systems according to evolving threats.
• Ensure operational safety oversight for the Country Office in Kyiv.
• Provide day-to-day technical support and guidance to Area Safety Focal Points.
• Contribute to contextual and security analysis to inform operational decision-making.
• Ensure that the Safety SharePoint folder is consistently updated with the latest documentation and support the Head of Safety with revisions and updates as required.
• Design and deliver high-quality security trainings in both Ukrainian and English languages to national and international staff.
• Develop and facilitate workshops for Security Focal Points, Heads of Department, Area Managers, and other key staff.
• Ensure all new staff receive a pre-arrival security briefing and a comprehensive country briefing upon arrival.
• Act as Head of Safety in the absence of the Head of Safety and support the Country Director and Senior Management Team in safety-related decision-making.
• Coordinate with HQ Crisis Management Team when required, and participate in Incident Management Teams as necessary.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a security-related field in a management position with at least 3 years as Security Manager/Advisor for an NGO in a high risk context.
• Proven experience in context/security analysis and advising humanitarian personnel.
• Experience in developing and updating Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs), contingency plans and other risk assessment and management documents and tools.
• Proven experience in incident/crisis management.
• Experience in conducting safety training for international and national staff, and experience of capacity building.
• Ability to provide conflict analysis (written).
• Proven ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Computer literate, able to use all common software packages.
• Capacity building and mentorship of technical security skills to colleagues, particularly safety staff.
• Be able to encourage, motivate and guide team members to approach safety and security issues with confidence especially during crises.
• Be flexible to travel at short notice to difficult and risky areas.
• Proven ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.
• Fluent English required.
• Master degree in relevant subject preferred but not required.

Skills

• Security Management
• Context Analysis
• Security Decision Advising
• Standard Operating Procedures Implementation
• Contingency Planning
• Risk Assessment
• Incident Management
• Crisis Management
• Safety Training
• Capacity Building
• Conflict Analysis
• Task Prioritization
• Computer Literacy
• Mentorship
• Safety Risk Management System
• Operations Room Management
• Safety Policy Implementation
• Travel Flexibility

Languages

English, Ukrainian