Safety Assistant - Watchkeeper at Danish Refugee Council (DRC)

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.