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 fulfilment 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.

1. Context

DRC Cameroon began its operations in Cameroon in 2018 responding to the humanitarian needs of refugees from the Central African Republic (CAR) and vulnerable Cameroonians in the Adamawa region. Currently, DRC operates with a regional office in Meiganga and two sub-offices in Djohong (Adamawa region) and Garoua-Boulai (East region). Interventions focus on finding durable solutions for the most vulnerable, using the holistic graduation approach to enhance both protection and economic recovery. Subsequently, in late 2018, DRC began its activities in the Southwest region of Cameroon in late 2019 to respond to the needs of forcibly displaced persons in the context of the Anglophone crisis, commencing humanitarian activities in January 2019. DRC operates in the Meme, Fako, Kupe-Manenguba and Ndian divisions with an office in Buea and a sub-base in Kumba. Programming focuses on rural and hard-to-reach areas to meet people's basic needs for food, shelter and NFI, while improving the protective environment and providing income-generating opportunities.

In 2023, DRC expanded its activities to the Far North of Cameroon to provide a response in terms of protection, positive peace, governance and economic resilience to the multidimensional and interconnected crises affecting the region.

 2)  General objective

As Humanitarian Access & Safety Manager you will manage all aspects of the DRC Safety Risk Management (SRM) system across the Northwest and Southwest Regions of Cameroon. In consultation with safety staff, Project Managers, and programme Team Leaders, and under the direct supervision of the Area Manager and technical support of the Humanitarian access and Safety Coordinator, you are expected to pursue the following objectives and duties in your daily work.

   3)   Tasks and responsibilities

The detailed responsibilities are as follows:

A)Overall Objectives of the role:

• • Manage the development and implementation of the Danish Refugee Council’s (DRC’s) Safety Risk Management System (SRMS) in the Northwest and Southwest regions.
  •  Facilitate program access and continuity by providing reliable advice and timely action.
  •  Work closely with DRC’s local partners, assess their needs and build their capacity in terms of safety and access, while incorporating any best practices and lessons learnt from their experience and mastery of local context.
  •  Ensure compliance with DRC safety policy as per the DRC Operations Handbook.
  •  Manage and mentor the Safety and access team-members.
  •  Ensure timely and qualitative reporting through DRC’s tools and reports.
  •  Ensure effective communication between within the SW/NW operation as well as with the DRC’s Country Office.
  •  Support in developing policies and procedures related to the field office, with support from project staff and coordination with the Area Manager and Humanitarian access and Safety Coordinator
  •  Be accountable for Access and Safety related issues and decision making.

B)Humanitarian Access and Programme Continuity

• • Ensure a holistic approach is implemented with regards to access negotiations to include DRC program and support services staff as well as local communities and other stakeholders.
  • Work in collaboration with the program teams to ensure that humanitarian access and engagement strategies deliver the required purpose while minimizing unforeseen adverse consequences on people in need (do no harm) and respect of humanitarian principles, within DRC risk acceptance.
  • Build a network with all stakeholders and develop a strategy to improve acceptance and access of DRC in the field. Directly lead or engage with access negotiations as needed.
  • Produce analysis and evaluations on the humanitarian space and access on a regular basis, with regards to DRC’s presence and operations. Identify potential scenarios, indicators of change in the humanitarian space and key decision points at micro, mid and macro level.
  • Keep track of any developments related to access and humanitarian space and ensure timely reporting of any security incidents or concerns.

C)Safety Management

• • Ensure compliance with Minimum Operating Safety Standards (MOSS), SOPs and Local Safety Rules.
  • Conduct regular Safety Risk Assessments (SRA) for each programme area pursuant to DRC Safety Policy
  • Develop Safety Improvement Plans and Contingency Plans as required.
  • Act as the Area-level support for the Incident Management Team (IMT); Ensure IMT members are aware of their responsibilities. Act as the primary point of contact for safety-related matters with the field office of SW/NW, Country Office and other local actors (INSO, UNHCR, OCHA, CHINGO, UNDSS, etc).
  • Maintain detailed soft and hard copy files of all relevant safety documents. Monitor the overall situation and provide regular situation reports. Maintain an up-to-date incident tracking database and Provide staff with relevant and concise safety-related information and analysis, both through external and internal reports, publications, etc.
  • Provide the relevant briefings for all teams as required at the appropriate level.

D)Capacity Building

• • Conduct – or facilitate the delivery of – safety training for staff at all levels. Ensure watchmen and guards are trained and aware of their responsibilities, in accordance with the SOPs governing access control.
  • Conduct needs assessment for capacity building of DRC’s local partners, prepare and deliver training courses, workshops and other related material to increase capacity.
  • Liaison: Develop a network of contacts through other NGOs, INSO, Government agencies and other useful contacts. Act as the primary representative for DRC Northwest/Southwest on safety and Access matters

E) As a manager the post-holder will be:

• • Accountable for achieving DRC’s strategic goals and objectives within the area of responsibility.
  • Accountable for making significant decisions over his team: its purpose, functions, and role, and for making commitments and decisions that require the expenditure of significant unit resources.
  • Accountable for people management of direct reports. This includes recruitment and dismissals, objectives setting, probation, performance, evaluation and development of staff, managing performance, including poor performance, etc.
  • Accountable for making sound decisions based on DRC policies, SOPs, standards, Local Safety rules and the advice of Area Manager and Humanitarian access and Safety Coordinator.

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.

4)   Required Qualifications

Essential:

• • Master's degree in political science, peace & conflict studies, history, disaster management or a military education.
  • Minimum 3-5 years of working experience as a safety and security manager/advisor with an INGO
  • Proven ability to conduct needs assessment and capacity building internally and externally
  • Proven ability to develop and implement effective and contextualized protocols and systems
  • Experience with information gathering analysis and report writing
  • Ability to conduct and produce high quality safety risk assessments (SRAs)
  • Experience with critical incident management
  • Experience working in hostile or hazardous environments
  • Experience working in multicultural work settings

Desirable:

• • Valid HEAST or HEAT training will be considered an asset.

Languages:

• • Proficiency in written and spoken English is required
  • Fluency in local spoken languages (English Pidgin) will be considered an asset
  • Fluency in French will be considered an asset.

Key stakeholders: (internal and external):

• • DRC staff and DRC partner’s staff
  • Other I/NGOs and International Organizations
  • Administrative authorities
  • Community and other local stakeholders

  5)   Required Skills & Qualities

• • In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five 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: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.
    • Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment
    • Proven analytical and critical thinking skills
    • Team-oriented & good sense of humor

    6)General Regulations

• • The employee must follow the DRC's instructions for security, confidentiality and ethical guidelines, including the Code of Conduct and the Humanitarian Accountability Framework.
  • The employee must not exercise any other remunerated activity during the term of his contract with the DRC without receiving prior authorization to do so
  • The employee must not engage in any activity that could interfere with the DRC or the implementation of any project during the term of the contract with the DRC.
  • Employee must not give media interviews or post photos, or other material related to the project without prior permission.
  • The employee must return all equipment borrowed for the project to DRC after the end of the contract period or upon request.    

 7. Application Process

If you are interested, then apply online via the link: www.drc.dk/about-drc/vacancies/currentvacancies .

Applications can only be made online, on the website indicated above. You must upload your CV (3 pages maximum) and a cover letter online. The CV and cover letter can be in French or English. Applications submitted by post, email or physical application will not be considered.

DRC provides equal employment opportunities and prohibits any practice of discrimination based on race, sex, color, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, age, marital status or any situation of disability. DRC does not practice any discrimination in its recruitment processes. For more information about the Danish Refugee Council, please visit the organisation's website: www.drc.ngo

 Applications will close on 08 January 2025 at 23:59. However, it is possible for the DRC to begin the recruitment process before the end of the publication of the offer if an application meets the expectations and requirements of the position.