Protection Officer (Psycho-Social Support Officer)

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 displaced individuals and communities, ensuring their rights are upheld and their voices are heard. DRC has been operational in Ukraine since 2014, responding to the ongoing humanitarian crisis and adapting its strategies to meet the evolving needs of the affected populations. With a workforce of over 800 employees in Ukraine, DRC 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 continuously adapting its durable solutions portfolio to the changing context in Ukraine, ensuring that it remains relevant and effective in its mission to support those in need.

Job Overview:
The Protection Officer (Psycho-Social Support Officer) will operate under the guidance of the Protection Manager, focusing on delivering comprehensive psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support services to individuals and communities in need. This role is crucial in addressing the emotional, social, and mental health needs of affected populations, promoting recovery and resilience-building processes. The Protection Officer will engage closely with individuals, families, and community groups, facilitating group and individual sessions aimed at fostering mutual support, socialization, and the development of positive coping strategies. The officer will also be responsible for creating and implementing psychoeducational awareness sessions on various psychosocial topics, conducting assessments to identify community needs, and collaborating with other service providers to ensure a holistic approach to support. The position requires proactive engagement with community members and leaders to coordinate activities and enhance community participation in psychosocial support initiatives. The officer will also contribute to the development of a service mapping system and ensure the quality of PSS activities through monitoring and evaluation, preparing regular reports on progress and challenges encountered.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Officer will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: facilitating group and individual psychosocial support sessions, developing PSS curricula tailored to different community groups, designing and delivering psychoeducational sessions on topics such as stress management and coping skills, conducting community-level PSS needs assessments, collaborating with healthcare professionals and social workers for appropriate referrals, liaising with community members to coordinate PSS activities, fostering community engagement in psychosocial initiatives, identifying and supporting local resources to enhance community-based support, planning and participating in capacity-building sessions, contributing to the development of a service mapping system, ensuring quality in PSS support activities, monitoring and evaluating PSS initiatives, and preparing regular reports detailing activities, achievements, challenges, and recommendations. The officer may also be assigned additional duties by the Protection Manager that align with the overall protection objectives.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess a university degree in psychology, with a Bachelor's, Specialist's, or Master's degree being acceptable. A minimum of three years of professional experience in a relevant field is required, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange, and Windows operating systems. Candidates must demonstrate a strong sense of personal integrity and adhere to confidentiality requirements, as well as exhibit comfort in discussing sensitive topics and working with individuals in distress. Additionally, candidates should possess excellent organizational and time management skills, enabling them to prioritize tasks effectively and perform efficiently under pressure.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a university degree in psychology, which can be a Bachelor's, Specialist's, or Master's degree. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of mental health and psychosocial support, equipping the candidate with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively assist individuals and communities in distress.

Experience:
The position requires at least three years of professional experience in a relevant field, particularly in psychosocial support or mental health services. This experience should include direct engagement with affected populations, demonstrating the ability to provide effective support and interventions tailored to the needs of individuals and communities. Candidates should also have experience in developing and implementing programs or initiatives related to psychosocial support.

Languages:
Proficiency in the Ukrainian language is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for effective communication with the target population. Additionally, good English language skills at a B1 level are preferred, as they may facilitate collaboration with international staff and stakeholders, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the role.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is initially set for a duration of three months, subject to successful completion of a probationary period. There is a possibility of extension based on performance and available funding. The position is classified at Level H, which is a non-managerial designation. The duty station for this role is Slovyansk, and the start date is as soon as possible. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National staff, and candidates are encouraged to refer to the organization's website for further details. Applicants must submit a cover letter and an updated CV in English, with a maximum length of four pages. Applications sent via email will not be considered. The closing date for applications is set for 30.11.2025, 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 close date if a suitable candidate is identified.