Security and Humanitarian Access Officer at Danish Refugee Council

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) assists refugees and displaced people worldwide: we provide emergency aid, advocate for their rights, and help them build a better future. We are present in conflict zones, along displacement routes, and in countries where refugees settle. We work in cooperation with local communities to identify responsible and sustainable solutions. We strive for the successful integration of refugees and, where possible, to enable their wish to return home.

In the DRC, DRC has been engaged in humanitarian aid since 2009. Initially operating in Ituri Province, DRC has progressively extended its reach to North Kivu. The country office is based in Goma.

General objective of the position:

The Security Officer is responsible for security in Ituri Province. They are mandated to propose, define, and implement security rules approved by the Country Director. They are also responsible for monitoring the security situation and preparing factual and analytical reports to assist the Country Access and Safety Manager in their analysis. Finally, they are responsible for advising the Ituri Area Manager and supporting teams in the event of incidents or problems related to the security of the area, programs, or personnel. 

Under the direct supervision of the Security and Humanitarian Access Manager, the incumbent will have the following responsibilities:1. Analyses and Reports

• Monitor and analyze the country context, in particular the areas concerned by the programs and the presence of DRC teams (North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, Haut-Uélé, etc.), as well as the issues that may have an impact on DRC's activities and access to beneficiaries;
• Regularly update staff, the Area Manager and the Country Access and Safety Manager on the prevailing security situation in the areas of operation;
• Analyze and regularly update DRC's vulnerability in its areas of operation;
• Analyze the organization's vulnerability and access possibilities with respect to particular areas (potential new intervention areas, evaluation areas for example) at the request of its hierarchy;
• Alert your manager in case of risks to DRC programs or staff, or in case of increased vulnerability of the organization;
• Report regularly to superiors regarding changes in the context through:
• Weekly reports (monitoring of security incidents);
• Monthly reports (evolution of the context, current or future trends); immediate alerts in case of drastic changes in the context or significant incidents.
• Coordinate and ensure the writing of incident reports during internal incidents and transmit them to the Country Director for validation, then to HQ (database update) and to INSO.
• Prepare reports (quarterly MOSS, incident reports) and context updates (security map) for the Area Manager & Security Manager in Goma

2. Safety Procedures (SOPs)

• Regularly update and monitor the SOPs and the Ituri Constant Companion and ensure their compliance with DRC security rules;
• Propose, define and write new SOPs as needed for the mission;
• Verify knowledge, implementation and validity of SOPs, ensure proper use and operation of equipment and practical measures (security trunks, safe rooms, etc.), correct any problems (explanation and training for staff, implementation, proposals for changes or improvements to SOPs, etc.) and report to superiors on the state of security on the bases;
• Ensure the implementation and compliance of SOPs on all Bases, in conjunction with the Logistics Department regarding their technical and practical application as well as the monitoring of safety-related equipment;
• Alert your manager in case of non-compliance or refusal to apply Security Procedures by DRC staff (local or expatriate) or a contractor;

3. Advice and intervention

• Intervene, in direct contact with his Manager, to propose solutions and advise the protagonists in the event of a security incident concerning DRC;
• Remind staff of safety rules whenever necessary;
• Advise and propose solutions (particularly to improve access for beneficiaries) to DRC program staff;
• Brief all new staff (local and expatriate) on local security rules and the context of DRC's program interventions, and provide them with essential documents according to their roles and needs;
• To train or organize training sessions for staff regarding the use of communication tools and tasks;
• Remain available to staff should they require support related to the context or security, and proactively implement security rules or provide any other support that may improve security as needed.

4. Other Responsibilities

• Participate in the weekly Base Coordination meeting;
• Participate proactively in supporting DRC programs, particularly in terms of proposals;
• Disseminate INSO alerts to the people concerned (SMS and Emails);
• Actively participate in assessments and explorations, particularly in terms of improving access conditions;
• To perform any other task or responsibility given by the hierarchy outside of those mentioned above.

I. Hierarchy and lines of communicationThe Security and Humanitarian Access Officer reports:

• To the Country Access and Safety Manager for all matters relating to his regular activities in the security of the Bases in the Ituri Zone;
• To the Area Manager Ituri and to the Security Manager (Consolidation of Information, Analysis & Daily Operation in Security Management in his area);
• For all matters concerning emergencies or security incidents, contact the Country Director directly.

The Security and Humanitarian Access Officer does not manage staff under their direct supervision. However, they are delegated by their Manager to enforce security rules across all DRC bases and, solely in this capacity, have a directive role with respect to all staff.In addition, the Security and Humanitarian Access Officer produces the following reports:

• Weekly security report, distributed to all staff after validation by their Manager;
• Monthly safety report, distributed to all staff after approval by their manager.

Networking

• Participate in security meetings organized in Ituri, OCHA Security/Access Point, OCHA and INSO Information Meetings…)
• Create, develop and maintain a contextual and security information and exchange network (NGOs, UN, authorities, Armed Forces, etc.) in Ituri and in DRC intervention areas.

• Contract duration: 6 months with the possibility of renewal subject to funding and performance
• Salary: in accordance with the employment conditions of the Danish Refugee Council Band H / non-Manager
• Status: local contract
• Start date: December
• Duty station: Ngoté, Ituri Province
• Reporting line: Security and Humanitarian Access Manager

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