Security and Humanitarian Access Officer - Caracas (National Staff)
Organization: Danish Refugee Council
Closing date: August 16, 2026
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is one of the world's leading humanitarian NGOs, working in over 40 countries to provide appropriate assistance and protection to refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, returnees, people on the move, and vulnerable local populations/host communities. Currently, as part of the emergency response to the earthquake, DRC is seeking a highly qualified Humanitarian Access and Security Officer based in Caracas, Venezuela.
About the job:
DRC manages its operations in Venezuela through its country office in Caracas and three field offices located in the states of Sucre, Apure, and Zulia. DRC Venezuela implements protection monitoring, legal assistance, individual protection assistance for persons with specific needs (PWSN), information sessions for persons of concern (PoC), prevention of human trafficking, and food security initiatives.
As part of the emergency response to the earthquake that occurred in June 2026, DRC is opening a new implementation office in Caracas, separate from the country office, to address the needs of the affected populations. To this end, it is seeking to hire a Security and Humanitarian Access Officer, a key member of the field management team in Caracas.
General objective of the position:
The Security and Humanitarian Access Officer's primary objective is to ensure the safe and effective implementation of the Danish Refugee Council's (DRC) programs, guaranteeing continuous and seamless humanitarian access to communities of concern. This role is responsible for closely monitoring the local context, proposing and implementing security risk mitigation measures, and maintaining a strong network of contacts with local stakeholders to facilitate DRC humanitarian operations in the region.
Responsibilities:
Security and humanitarian access:
- Actively participate in program team planning meetings to integrate risk analysis and access strategies from the design of activities.
- Establish and maintain a network of contacts with local authorities, community leaders, counterparts and other stakeholders to facilitate safe access to operations.
- Act as a focal point to negotiate safe humanitarian access to vulnerable communities, in coordination with program teams.
- Support the Base Manager in the implementation, evaluation, and updating of all local safety procedures and standards.
- Provide timely advice on security and access risk management in the development and implementation of programs.
- Identify barriers to access and support program teams in developing and implementing community engagement strategies that promote DRC acceptance and access
Monitoring, reporting and analysis:
- Continuously monitor and analyze security and access incidents and contextual trends.
- Immediately inform the Base Manager of any sudden changes in the context that may affect the safety of personnel or access to operating areas.
- Conduct periodic Security Risk Assessments (SRAs) for intervention areas and for exploratory missions in new areas.
- Support in the preparation and delivery of Security Incident Reports (SIR) to the Base Manager and the National Security Coordination.
- Provide contextual inputs for humanitarian situation reports.
Liaison and coordination:
- Coordinate communication with relevant stakeholders on all matters related to staff safety and humanitarian access.
- Maintain and regularly update a contact list of stakeholders in the operational area.
- Work closely with the National Security and Access Coordination to ensure consistency in procedures.
Training and capacity building:
- Support the Base Manager in conducting safety inductions for new members of the organization and visitors.
- Provide training in safety procedures and context awareness for all base personnel.
- Promote internal awareness and knowledge of the organization's access documents and strategies.
Experience and skills:
- Minimum 3 years of experience in a similar position, preferably in security, humanitarian access or logistics with national and/or international humanitarian organizations.
- In-depth knowledge of the social, political and security context, ability to establish networks of contacts in the area.
- Ability to work in a fluid, unpredictable and complex security environment and availability to work irregular hours if the situation requires it.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and diplomacy skills to interact with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- A high level of computer literacy is required, with excellent command of MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Education:
(including certificates, licenses, etc.)
- University degree in Social Sciences, Risk Management or related areas or demonstrable equivalent experience in security and access.
Language:
- English (Desirable)
- Spanish
We offer:
- The opportunity to belong to one of the best NGOs worldwide.
- Access to over 1,000 free online training courses and certificates.
- Contract duration: 6 months with possibility of extension depending on budget availability.
- Salary: Band H.
- HCM insurance fully covered by the organization.
- National contracting.
DRC Core Competencies:
- Achieving excellence: focusing on achieving results and ensuring efficient processes.
- Collaboration: involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
- Taking the initiative: taking ownership and initiative while seeking innovation.
- Communicate: listen and speak effectively and honestly.
- Demonstration of integrity: Act in accordance with DRC's vision and values.
Application process: All applicants must upload a cover letter (max. 1 page) and an updated CV (max. 2 pages, no supporting documents) in Spanish to the DRC job platform. Applications submitted by email will not be considered.
Application deadline: Sunday, August 16th at 11:59 pm Local Time. Please note that applications will be reviewed continuously and interviews will be scheduled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. DRC reserves the right to close the position before the deadline once a suitable candidate is identified.
Start date: August 2026
Note:
- We reserve the right to close the vacancy before the indicated application closing date.
- The vacancy is subject to project approval and availability of funds.
- Due to an emergency hiring process, DRC is not obligated to send rejection notices to candidates who are not considered in the process.
How to apply:
Link to Application Form:
Use the link below if you need a link that will not display the advertisement. Candidates will be brought directly to the application form.
https://candidate.hr-manager.net/ApplicationForm/SinglePageApplicationForm.aspx?cid=1036&departmentId=19129&ProjectId=176528