Protection Assistant (Psycho-Social Support)

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent protection agency dedicated to safeguarding, advocating for, and promoting sustainable solutions for populations affected by displacement. Established in 1956, DRC has a long history of providing humanitarian assistance and protection to vulnerable communities. With a workforce of over 800 employees in Ukraine alone, DRC has been operational in the country since 2014, responding to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The organization implements emergency responses across various sectors, including Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding, utilizing direct interventions, support to duty bearers, and partnerships with civil society organizations (CSOs). DRC is committed to adapting its durable solutions portfolio to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves, ensuring that its interventions are relevant and effective in addressing the challenges faced by displaced populations.

Job Overview:
The Protection Assistant (Psycho-Social Support) position is a critical role within the DRC's Protection team, focusing on providing comprehensive psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support to individuals and communities affected by displacement. The role requires regular field visits, with at least 50% of the working time dedicated to the Shostka district. Under the supervision of the Protection Team Leader, the Protection Assistant will facilitate group and individual psychosocial support sessions, design and deliver psychoeducational awareness sessions, and collaborate with other service providers to ensure a holistic approach to support. The position emphasizes community engagement and participation, fostering an environment where individuals and families can actively contribute to psychosocial support activities. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the development of a service mapping system and participate in capacity-building sessions as needed, ensuring that the protection objectives of DRC are met effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Assistant (Psycho-Social Support) will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: facilitating group sessions aimed at promoting mutual support and positive coping strategies; providing tailored individual psychosocial support sessions to individuals in need; designing and delivering psychoeducational sessions on topics such as stress management and available mental health services; collaborating with healthcare professionals and social workers for appropriate referrals; fostering community participation in psychosocial activities; contributing to the development and updating of a service mapping system; participating in capacity-building sessions; and performing any other duties assigned by the Protection Manager that align with the protection objectives of the organization.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for this role, candidates must possess the following qualifications: a minimum of 6 months of experience in a similar position or within an international organization; experience working with individuals on sensitive topics and in distressing situations; excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with vulnerable individuals and diverse stakeholders; strong organizational and time management skills to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities; a solid understanding of confidentiality and ethics; proficiency in Microsoft Office and Windows operating systems; and proficiency in the Ukrainian language. Additionally, a degree in psychology is desirable, and English language skills are considered an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates applying for the Protection Assistant (Psycho-Social Support) position should ideally have a degree in psychology or a related field. While a degree is not strictly mandatory, it is highly regarded and can significantly enhance the candidate's suitability for the role. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in psychological principles and practices, particularly those relevant to psychosocial support and mental health.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least 6 months of relevant experience in a similar role or within an international organization. This experience should ideally involve working with individuals facing sensitive issues and distressing situations, demonstrating the candidate's ability to provide effective psychosocial support in challenging contexts. Experience in community engagement and collaboration with other service providers is also beneficial.

Languages:
Proficiency in the Ukrainian language is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for effective communication with the target population. Additionally, English language skills are considered an asset, as they may facilitate collaboration with international colleagues and enhance the candidate's ability to engage in broader organizational contexts.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position includes a 3-month probation period, with the possibility of extension based on performance and available funding. The designated duty station for this role is either Sumy or Shostka, and the expected start date is October 1st, 202

• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees on national contracts. Applicants are required to upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages in English) as part of the application process. Applications sent via email will not be considered. The closing date for applications is August 26th, 2025, and DRC reserves the right to review applications on a rolling basis, potentially proceeding with recruitment before the deadline if a suitable candidate is identified.