The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, working in over 40 countries to provide appropriate assistance and protection to refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, returnees, people on the move, and vulnerable local populations/host communities. DRC is currently seeking a highly qualified Humanitarian Access and Security Officer based in Maracaibo, Zulia State, Venezuela.
About the job:
DRC is managing its operations in Venezuela, under the direction of the country office in Caracas and three field offices located in the states of Sucre, Apure, and Zulia. DRC Venezuela is implementing activities such as protection monitoring, legal assistance, individual protection assistance for people with disabilities, information sessions for proof of identity (PoC), prevention of human trafficking, rehabilitation of health infrastructure, and food security.
Job objective :
The Security and Humanitarian Access Officer is a key member of the management team at the Maracaibo base in Zulia State. Their primary objective is to ensure the safe and effective implementation of Danish Refugee Council (DRC) programs, guaranteeing continuous and seamless humanitarian access to communities. This role is responsible for closely monitoring the local context, proposing and implementing security risk mitigation measures, and maintaining a strong network of contacts with local stakeholders to facilitate DRC humanitarian operations in the region.
Responsibilities:
Security and humanitarian access:
- Actively participate in program team planning meetings to integrate risk analysis and access strategies from the design of activities.
- Establish and maintain a network of contacts with local authorities, community leaders, counterparts and other stakeholders to facilitate safe access to operations.
- Act as a focal point to negotiate safe humanitarian access to vulnerable communities, in coordination with program teams.
- Support the Base Manager in the implementation, evaluation, and updating of all local safety procedures and standards.
- Provide timely advice on security and access risk management in the development and implementation of programs.
- Identify barriers to access and support program teams to develop and implement community engagement strategies that promote DRC acceptance and access.
- Actively participate in identifying the best land and river routes for distributing food baskets.
- Conduct the evaluation of land and river transport, ensuring that they meet the necessary safety requirements for the protection of employees and the planned distributions.
Monitoring, reporting and analysis
- Continuously monitor and analyze incidents and contextual trends related to security and access in the different municipalities of Zulia State.
- Respond to security incidents, maintaining close communication with the Base Manager and National Office Security team.
- Immediately inform the Base Manager of any sudden changes in the context that may affect the safety of personnel or access to operating areas.
- Conduct periodic Security Risk Assessments (SRAs) for intervention areas and for exploratory missions in new areas.
- Support in the preparation and delivery of Security Incident Reports (SIRs) to the Base Manager and the national security team.
- Provide contextual inputs for humanitarian situation reports.
Liaison and coordination:
- Coordinate communication with relevant stakeholders on all matters related to staff safety and humanitarian access.
- Maintain and regularly update a contact list of stakeholders in the operational area.
- Work closely with the National Security and Access Coordination to ensure consistency in procedures.
Training and capacity building
- Support the Base Manager in conducting safety inductions for new members of the organization and visitors.
- Provide training in safety procedures and context awareness for all base personnel.
- Promote internal awareness and knowledge of the organization’s access documents and strategies.
- Support the Ecrec team in the registration and food distribution activities in the different communities.
Experience and technical skills:
- Minimum 3 years of experience in a similar position, preferably in security, humanitarian access or logistics with national and/or international humanitarian organizations.
- In-depth knowledge of the social, political and security context of Sucre State and ability to establish contact networks in the area.
- Ability to work in a fluid, unpredictable and complex security environment and availability to work irregular hours if the situation requires it.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and diplomacy skills to interact with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- A high level of computer literacy is required, with excellent command of MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Education :
- University degree in areas of social sciences, international relations, administration, logistics or a related field.
Languages:
- Spanish
- English (Desirable)
We offer:
- The opportunity to belong to one of the best NGOs worldwide.
- Access to over 1,000 free online training courses and certificates
- Contract duration: 6 months (Renewable subject to funding and performance)
- Job Category: H Band
- HCM insurance for the worker only.
All DRC roles require the holder to master basic DRC competencies:
- Achieving excellence : focused on achieving results while ensuring efficient processes.
- Collaboration: involve relevant people and encourage feedback.
- Taking the initiative : in relation to the search for solutions.
- Communicate: listen and speak effectively and honestly.
- Demonstrate integrity: act in accordance with DRC’s vision and values.
Application process: All applicants must upload a cover letter (max. 1 page) and an updated CV ( max. 2 pages, no supporting documents ) in Spanish to the DRC job platform. Applications submitted by email will not be considered.
Application deadline : Sunday, May 17th at 11:59 pm Local Time. Please note that applications will be reviewed continuously and interviews will be scheduled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. DRC reserves the right to close the position before the deadline once a suitable candidate is identified.
Note: This vacancy is subject to funding approval.
Approximate start date: June 2026
How to apply
Link to Application Form
Use the link below if you need a link that will not display the advertisement. Candidates will be brought directly to the application form.