Country Safety Coordinator At Danish Refugee Council

About DRC
DRC began operating in Kenya in 2005 with assistance to refugees and displacement-affected communities via implementation of protection and livelihoods activities. DRC works in Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps, as well as in Nairobi to assist urban-based refugees, and in Mandera County implementing a 3-year cross-border resilience programme. DRC has developed partnerships with various UN, NGOs, and government partners in order to advance a solutions agenda for displacement affected populations in Kenya.

Overall purpose of the role:
DRC is recruiting for a highly qualified Country Safety Coordinator to lead DRC’s overall safety management and access support across the large and diverse humanitarian operation in Kenya. The Country Safety Coordinator is responsible for enabling DRC to safely reach some of the most vulnerable populations in need of humanitarian assistance.
The Country Safety Coordinator (CSC) is responsible for ensuring the proper application of DRC’s Safety Risk Management System (SRMS) and Global Safety Policy. The Country Safety Coordinator, in close cooperation with Senior Management and Field Safety Focal Points, is responsible for managing known and unknown safety risks, leading on day to day safety management, advising on risk thresholds, managing critical incidents, supporting with access issues and ensuring the operational resilience of DRC Kenya programme. The Country Safety Coordinator provides technical support and coordination to DRC Safety Focal Points in the field.

Tasks and Responsibilities
1. Safety Management and Policy:

• Ensure internal compliance with DRC’s global security policy, risk management system and code of conduct. This will involve the support of others through the safety risk assessment (SRA) process and support the implementation of qualitative and quantitative mitigation measures.
• Manage the Safety Level System (SLS) for field sites, and ensure that the Safety Improvement Plans (SIP) are in place and actioned to achieve 90% compliance with Minimum Operating Safety Standards (MOSS).
• Review Safety Risk Assessments (SRA) and SIP for all field sites on at least a quarterly basis.
• Work with programme staff and the Grants Manager to ensure that safety is adequately budgeted for in grants, and support proposal development.
• Approve all safety travel clearance request for the (TCRs) within the country
• Act as the focal point for the procurement of safety-related equipment, facilities and other resources.
• Develop basic occupational safety and health guidelines (include Covid 19) for all offices

2. Risk Management:

• Identify actual, perceived and foreseeable risks and define risk thresholds in order to maintain programme continuity while enhancing operational resilience through robust security and risk management.
• Lead the development and production of contextualized risk management measures policy, protocols and procedures in close collaboration with field teams and management.
• Support enhanced safe humanitarian access:
• Facilitate programme access and continuity through the provision of timely, quality and informed advice.
• Maintain relevant safety documentation, data and records (safety incident tracking, maps, etc.)
• Produce, weekly and quarterly security analysis/reports (including ad hoc safety advisories, daily updates, weekly summaries and monthly trend analysis).

3. Safety training and support:

• Create and deliver high quality security trainings (e.g. Personal Safety Awareness Training) that reach a maximum number of national and international staff.
• Ensure that safety training records are maintain for all DRC staff in the field and Country Office. Facilitate where required specialist training (e.g. basic and trauma first aid, incident management training, family liaison officer training).
• Develop and facilitate workshops for security Managers, heads of departments and other key staff.
• Mentor and provide technical supervision to safety focal points and other staff with safety management responsibilities, including the national Safety officer.

4. Critical incidents:

• Coordinate with the CO/RO/HQ Crisis Management Team (CMT) when needed, and take part in the programme Incident Management Team (IMT).

5. Other:

• Act as a member of the country Senior Management Team (SMT).
• Establish strong working relationship with Safety staff and organization such as INSO, UNDSS, and liaise with other security actors in the areas where DRC operates (Nairobi, Dadaab, Kakuma, Kalobeyei, Mandera, Garissa).
• Any other duties as directed by the Country Director

Experience and technical competencies:

• Minimum 3 years as Security Manager/Advisor for an NGO or equivalent in a high risk/conflict zone (or equivalent role).
• Proven experience in context/security analysis and advising humanitarian personnel.
• Experience in developing and updating SOPs, contingency plans and other risk assessment and management documents and tools.
• Proven in-country experience liaising with UN missions or agencies.
• Proven experience in incident/crisis management.
• Experience in conducting safety training for international and national staff, and experience of capacity building.
• Fluent English, and strong interpersonal, communication, and networking skills.
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Computer literate, able to use common software packages.
• Be able to diffuse tension and remain calm at all times and particularly following an incident.
• 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 high-risk areas.
• Proven ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.

Education/qualifications:

• A degree in a relevant field, or equivalent experience.
• At least 3 years’ experience working with NGOs and/or international agencies on similar duties.
• QGIS and data management software proficient (desirable)
• Other security management related qualifications (desirable)

Languages:

• English – excellent written and verbal skills
• Swahili – excellent verbal skills

DRC’s 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.

Conditions:
Contract: 5 months contract with possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council terms of employment for National staff.
Availability: August 2021
Duty station: Nairobi
Key stakeholders:
Internal: SMT, Area Managers, Technical Coordinators, Support Staff
External NGO Safety focal points/Advisors, Safety Advisors (external), INSO, donor and diplomatic community, state and non-state actors, embassy staff, private sector business.