Protection Officer (Legal Aid Officer)

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 grown to employ over 800 staff members in Ukraine alone since its operations began in the country in 201

• The organization is active in 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) to achieve its mission. DRC is committed to adapting its durable solutions portfolio to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves, ensuring that its programs are responsive and effective in addressing the challenges faced by displaced populations.

Job Overview:
The Protection Officer (Legal Aid Officer) plays a crucial role under the management of the Protection Manager, focusing on delivering high-quality legal aid services to beneficiaries. This position is integral to enhancing DRC's capacity for evidence-based advocacy and supporting the implementation of mobile outreach and awareness-raising programs. The Legal Aid Officer is responsible for ensuring the quality of planning, implementation, and follow-up of all technical aspects of sector activities. This includes developing and maintaining strong relationships with persons of concern, relevant stakeholders, and other humanitarian actors to facilitate the effective coordination and implementation of DRC's sector activities. The role requires a proactive approach to legal counseling, community engagement, and collaboration with various partners to address the legal needs of conflict-affected populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main duties and responsibilities of the Protection Officer (Legal Aid Officer) include providing high-quality one-on-one legal counseling to conflict-affected individuals regarding their legal rights and remedies in the context of displacement. The officer will organize and facilitate community-level group awareness-raising programs to inform IDPs and conflict-affected populations about recent legal developments. Additionally, the role involves providing administrative and para-legal assistance to help IDPs access welfare benefits, livelihood opportunities, and other government and non-government benefits. The officer will also support the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, participate in coaching and capacity building of implementing partners, and contribute to contextual and needs analysis for developing new programmatic avenues. Other responsibilities include analyzing legal issues for drafting information materials, advocacy letters, and briefing notes, conducting legal and protection assessments, facilitating protection referral cases, representing DRC at relevant meetings, coordinating with other departments for referrals and information sharing, and providing field-related inputs for funding proposals.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess a license to practice law and a bachelor's degree in law. A minimum of two years of proven legal experience, preferably in humanitarian response for an NGO, is required. Candidates should have experience working with vulnerable and conflict-affected populations and be comfortable discussing sensitive topics with individuals in distress. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential, along with a strong sense of personal integrity and understanding of confidentiality and ethics. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange, and Windows operating systems is necessary. Good English language skills are preferred, while Ukrainian language skills are required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in law, which provides the foundational knowledge necessary for the legal counseling and advocacy work required in this role. The educational background should equip the candidate with a thorough understanding of legal principles, particularly as they pertain to humanitarian contexts and the rights of displaced individuals.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant legal experience, ideally within the context of humanitarian response. This experience should include direct engagement with vulnerable and conflict-affected populations, demonstrating the candidate's ability to navigate complex legal issues and provide effective support to those in need. Familiarity with the challenges faced by displaced individuals and the legal frameworks governing their rights is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Ukrainian language skills are mandatory for this position, as effective communication with the local population is essential. Good English language skills are preferred, as they may facilitate communication with international stakeholders and enhance the officer's ability to engage in broader advocacy efforts. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, depending on the context of the work and the populations served.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is initially set for three 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 H, and the designated duty station is Sloviansk. The start date 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, with applications sent via email not being considered. The closing date for applications is October 10, 2025, 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 closes if a suitable candidate is identified.