Protection Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent protection agency established to safeguard, advocate for, and promote sustainable solutions for populations affected by displacement. Since its inception, DRC has been dedicated to addressing the needs of vulnerable communities, and it has been operational in Ukraine since 201

• Currently, DRC employs over 600 staff members in Ukraine and is planning to expand its operations in 2024 to enhance emergency responses across various sectors, including Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding. The organization employs direct interventions, supports duty bearers, collaborates with civil society organizations (CSOs), and adapts its durable solutions portfolio to meet the evolving needs of the context in which it operates.

Job Overview:
The Protection Assistant position is crucial for the implementation of DRC's protection activities in Kharkivska oblast. The role is designed to support the Protection Officer and Team Leader in delivering quality protection monitoring and vulnerability assessment (VA) activities. The Protection Assistant will be responsible for conducting information sessions and disseminating key messages to the community, identifying individuals at risk, and providing necessary support. This position requires close collaboration with communities, CSOs, and government services to identify vulnerable individuals in need of assistance, conduct service mapping, and share information about available services. The Protection Assistant will be based in the Kharkiv DRC office and will engage in field activities throughout Kharkiv oblast, ensuring that the needs of the affected populations are met effectively and compassionately.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Assistant will undertake a variety of duties under the supervision of the Protection Officer and Team Leader, including:

• Providing case management services to vulnerable individuals, which involves assessing clients' needs, developing action plans, sharing information, referring clients to other service providers, and conducting follow-ups.
• Safely referring clients to necessary services such as health, legal, and shelter services, and assisting clients in advocating for their needs.
• Offering cash or in-kind assistance to vulnerable individuals to mitigate their protection risks.
• Accompanying clients to facilitate their access to services when required.
• Conducting awareness-raising sessions with affected communities to inform them about the case management services provided by DRC and other relevant protection topics.
• Providing Targeted Individual Assistance, such as conditional cash grants, to direct and indirect victims of explosive ordnance accidents to improve their socio-economic conditions.
• Ensuring the safe storage of documents related to case management activities, including referral forms and consent forms.
• Implementing program activities related to protection monitoring, including focus group discussions, household surveys, and key informant interviews.
• Coordinating with other DRC departments to facilitate referrals and information sharing.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for the Protection Assistant role, candidates must possess the following qualifications:

• A minimum of 1 year of experience in the social, legal, or humanitarian field, particularly with internally displaced persons (IDPs) and conflict-affected populations.
• Comfort in discussing sensitive topics and working with individuals in distress.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with vulnerable individuals, staff members, and diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and report writing skills.
• Exceptional organizational and time management abilities, with a capacity to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities.
• A strong sense of personal integrity, confidentiality, and ethical conduct.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange, and Windows operating systems.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Law, or a related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the Protection Assistant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively support vulnerable populations.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 1 year of relevant experience in the social, legal, or humanitarian sectors. This experience should ideally involve working with IDPs and conflict-affected populations, demonstrating a strong understanding of the challenges faced by these groups and the ability to provide appropriate support and assistance.

Languages:
Proficiency in Ukrainian and Russian is mandatory for this position, as these languages are essential for effective communication with the target population. Additionally, English language skills are considered an advantage, as they may facilitate communication with international staff and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is initially set for 3 months, with a probation period, and there is a possibility of extension based on funding availability and satisfactory performance. The position is classified at Level I, and the designated duty station is Kharkiv. The start date for this role is as soon as possible, and the salary and conditions will align with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national staff. Applicants are required to submit a cover letter and an updated CV (not exceeding four pages in English). Applications sent via email will not be considered. The closing date for applications is 23 October 2026, and candidates are encouraged to apply promptly, as interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to select a candidate before the vacancy closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.