Safety, Access & Liaison Manager

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: providing emergency aid, fighting for their rights, and strengthening their opportunities for a brighter future. DRC has operated in Syria since 2008, initially responding to the Iraqi refugee crisis before transitioning to a full-scale response to the Syria crisis from 2011 onwards, working across five key sectors: Economic Recovery and Resilience, Protection, WASH, Shelter and Infrastructure, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding.

Overall purpose of the role: The Safety, Access and Liaison Manager oversees the implementation of DRC's Safety Risk Management System (SRMS), as well as access and liaison with relevant stakeholders in Syria. The manager monitors safety at operational hubs, implements safety risk management solutions, conducts security risk assessments, and manages Safety and Liaison/Access Specialists. The role plays an important part in strengthening capacity sharing with DRC's local partners.

Contract: National contract · 6 months (extension subject to performance and funding) · Start: 1 July 2026 · Management Level F1 (DRC salary scale) · Deadline: 23 May 2026

Safety Risk Management

• Oversee implementation of the Safety Risk Management System (SRMS) and corresponding tools in consultation with the Regional Safety Coordinator
• Present safety procedures in a comprehensible manner to DRC Syria staff to enforce a safety culture accepted and appreciated by employees
• Facilitate regular and ad-hoc Safety Risk Assessments
• Drive design and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures related to safe programme activities
• Maintain safety documentation and records
• Implement Minimum Operating Safety Standards and regularly assess physical safety of facilities
• Appraise the Safety Level System in coordination with Safety Specialist
• Consolidate the Critical Incident Management Plan
• Monitor evolving situations in DRC programming areas
• Manage and track staff movements domestically and internationally
• Provide safety risk analysis during project development and restructuring phases
• Conduct safety briefings for new and visiting staff
• Advise on procurement of safety-related equipment and facilities
• Ensure effective and compliant safety management of staff accommodation and office facilities

Coordination, Supervision, Training, and Incident Response

• Coordinate safety, access, and liaison operations across all operational areas
• Synchronise work of country-based safety professionals with Area Managers
• Participate actively in internal coordination forums including Extended Senior Management Team meetings and Go/No-Go decision processes
• Represent DRC at external safety and liaison coordination meetings with INGOs, UN agencies, and humanitarian actors
• Monitor staff movement and status in the field
• Mentor and supervise dedicated safety, access, and liaison employees
• Provide demand- and policy-driven safety advice and training
• Support critical incident management with timely and accurate reports
• Direct immediate responses to incidents and support affected staff
• Develop incident management team capacity through regular drills
• Maintain DRC Syria communication tree including WhatsApp safety alert messages
• Ensure smooth internal coordination with Area Managers, HR, and Administration teams

Partnership

• Coordinate with partners for structured and inclusive capacity strengthening aligned with equal-partnership and localisation principles
• Review partners' safety, access, and liaison policies and procedures
• Propose revisions and adaptations with documented findings and action plans
• Deliver tailored training and Training-of-Trainers support
• Support partners in incident management and joint activities

Liaison

• Oversee coordination to keep the organisation informed of new regulations, procedures, and policy changes affecting operations
• Oversee obtaining visas, residence visas, work permits, and required documentation for staff and visitors
• Monitor visa records and coordinate renewals
• Support Country Director in timely MOU processing and registration documentation
• Establish networks of contacts with relevant government offices and immigration units
• Coordinate with Area Managers for governorate-level authority meetings
• Manage road travel for expatriates and serve as focal point during emergencies and evacuations
• Draft and assist in finalising project reports, annual reports, and donor submissions
• Support Risk Register updates in collaboration with Senior Management Team

Essential Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in security-related fields
• At least 3 years in a management position as Security, Safety, or Access Manager/Advisor for an NGO in a high-risk context
• Proven experience in context and security analysis, advising humanitarian personnel, and developing and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and contingency plans
• Experience in incident and crisis management
• Ability to conduct safety training for both international and national staff
• Capacity building and staff/partner strengthening experience
• Ability to provide clear and concise written conflict analysis, prioritise tasks under pressure, and work effectively with minimal supervision
• Proficiency in common software packages and map design
• Ability to mentor and guide team members and partners in safety, security, and liaison issues

Education

• Master's degree or equivalent, or bachelor's degree with extensive work experience
• Safety training certifications viewed favourably (HEAT, Safety Management, First Aid, Training-of-Trainers)
• Excellent MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint skills

Languages

• Arabic (native speaker)
• English (fluent)

Core Competencies

• Striving for excellence: Focus on results with efficient processes
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback
• Taking the lead: Ownership and initiative with innovation focus
• Communicating: Effective, honest listening and speaking
• Demonstrating integrity: Alignment with organisational vision and values