Introduction

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and present in forty countries, the Danish Refugee Council is a non-profit-making, politically independent, non-governmental and non-denominational relief organization.

Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

Background

Danish Refugee Council (DRC), and its safety unit, has had an operational presence in Nigeria since 2015. DRC Nigeria is the largest DRC country mission in the West Africa region and one of the largest DRC country missions globally. Currently, DRC delivers life-saving assistance and protection to vulnerable, conflict-affected populations including internally displaced persons, returnees and host communities in the areas of armed violence reduction, humanitarian mine action, livelihoods, nutrition and food security, protection, shelter and non-food items (NFI) and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in 30+ Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states in northeast Nigeria.

Purpose

The Watchkeeper’s (Safety Assistant) role is to act as an operations and communications focal point for the DRC mission staff for day-to-day operational needs and during security and medical emergencies. The Safety Assistant will be the person responsible for the management of communications and staff movement monitoring, ensuring compliance with the DRC MOSS, as well as all safety and security policies, procedures and protocols:

Duties and Responsibilities

Staff movements and accountability oversight and support at the field level across the country:

• Provide a 24-hour watch on all DRC Nigeria deep field locations by acting as an immediate point of contact for all staff 24/7 Monitor, track, log and report all DRC Nigeria staff movements at the field level. Monitor and log all radio and satellite communications with DRC Nigeria field staff, other delegated focal persons, and all DRC Nigeria staff movements.

Security Incidents and Data Management:

• Monitor, log and report on the security context via local and external sources. Monitor the local and national news/media platforms. Draft and disseminate the daily media monitoring reports Receive, log and disseminate daily security incident alerts, advisories and updates when/if required, ensuring timely notification to DRC Mission staff, visitors, and consultants. Communicate all changes in the safety level at the field level when directed by the Humanitarian Access and Safety Manager. Ensure all safety and security incidents are logged and reported using the DRC reporting mechanism.

Administrative and Operational Support:

• Play an active role in the DRC Nigeria Missions Safety and Access Department.
• Serve as key player in the DRC Nigeria Missions country communications and staff accountability plan by providing technical communications support
• Conducts Staff Pre-Departure Security Briefing
• To serve in the shift duties and operate various types of communications equipment daily
• Responsible for the issue of communications devices, supporting accessories, and relevant documentation for staff deployment.
• Be able to operate Motorola VHF/UHF radio, tracking devices, Thuraya and Iridium satellite communications equipment.
• Be able to perform maintenance, function tests, and repairs on all communications equipment operated by the DRC Nigeria Mission.
• Report any security situation/reports immediately to the Humanitarian Access Safety Manager, the Area Manager, or the CD, as the case may be.

Asset management:

• Maintain the Safety Unit asset register and oversee all assets utilised and stored (Thuraya phones, radio, etc).
• Coordinate with the DRC Logistics and Procurement department to ensure the overall DRC asset register reflects the Safety Unit’s current asset register.
• Carry out any additional responsibilities and tasks the Humanitarian Access & Safety Coordinator assigns.

The responsibilities listed in the JD are not exhaustive and may be readjusted according to operational needs but will remain in line with the overall purpose of the role.

Qualifications

• Tertiary education (Bachelor minimum) in Security Management, Criminology, Political Science, Communication or a related field
• Two (2) Experience working with INGOs/UN, other international agencies
• Proven ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines
• Stable, moral and robust character and a good team-player
• Excellent communication skills, calm, and a good sense of humour
• Proven commitment to accountability practices
• Strong information technology skills

Desirable:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a field related to humanitarian work or risk management
• Competent and literate in English, verbal and written, with a sound knowledge of technical expressions.
• Demonstrative experience in INGO/NGO or UN field (operations) with experience in safety and security.
• An ex-Security Forces (Police, Military, etc.) with a Certified Discharge Letter.

General Regulations

• The employee shall follow DRC instructions on safety, confidentiality and ethical guidelines, including the Code of Conduct and the Humanitarian Accountability Framework.
• Employees should not engage in any other paid activity during the DRC contract period without prior authorisation.
• Employees should not engage in any activity that could harm DRC or the implementation of any project during the DRC contract period.
• Employees should not give interviews to the media or publish project-related photos or other material without prior authorisation.
• Employee shall return all borrowed equipment for the project to DRC after the end of the contract period or upon request.

Application Process

Are you interested? Then apply for this line position: www.drc.dk/about-drc/vacancies/current-vacancies. All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English.

DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, sex, colour, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.

DRC encourages all applicants to apply and does not practice any discrimination in any recruitment process.

However, all applicants shall take into consideration that DRC cannot offer an international work contract to a citizen of the country of assignment (in this specific case, Nigeria)

Applications close on the 31st of July 2024 at midnight (GMT time). Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

Due to the urgency of the position, DRC has the right to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the above deadline.