Protection Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent protection agency established to advocate for and promote durable solutions for populations affected by displacement. Since its inception, DRC has been dedicated to providing assistance and protection to those in need, particularly in conflict zones. The organization has been operational in Ukraine since 2014, employing over 800 staff members who work across various sectors including Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding. DRC's approach involves direct interventions, support to duty bearers, and partnerships with civil society organizations (CSOs), ensuring that their programs are responsive to the evolving context of the humanitarian landscape.

Job Overview:
The Protection Assistant role is crucial in delivering quality protection activities to vulnerable individuals and communities impacted by the ongoing conflict in Kharkivska oblast. Under the supervision of the Protection Team Leader, the Protection Assistant will engage in a variety of tasks aimed at assessing needs, developing action plans, and providing essential referrals and assistance to mitigate protection risks. This position requires a proactive approach to organizing awareness-raising sessions and offering targeted individual assistance to victims of explosive ordnance incidents. The Protection Assistant will also play a vital role in facilitating access to services through effective case management, ensuring that all actions are conducted with the utmost respect for confidentiality and professionalism, adhering to humanitarian principles throughout the process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Assistant will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties including:

• Providing case management services to vulnerable individuals, which involves assessing client needs, developing tailored action plans, and ensuring effective follow-up.
• Delivering cash or in-kind assistance to individuals at risk to alleviate their protection challenges.
• Offering Targeted Individual Assistance, such as conditional cash grants, to victims of explosive ordnance incidents, thereby enhancing their socio-economic conditions.
• Ensuring the safe storage and management of all documentation related to case management activities, including referral and consent forms.
• Conducting service mapping to identify available community services and resources.
• Building and maintaining collaborative relationships with governmental and non-governmental service providers to facilitate safe referrals.
• Implementing protection monitoring activities, which may include focus group discussions, household surveys, and key informant interviews.
• Coordinating with other DRC departments to streamline referrals and information sharing, ensuring a holistic approach to client support.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong foundation in interpersonal communication and analytical skills, with a proven ability to engage effectively with vulnerable populations. Essential qualifications include:

• Comfort in discussing sensitive topics and working with distressed individuals.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and report writing capabilities.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks efficiently.
• A solid understanding of confidentiality and ethical standards in humanitarian work.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange, and Windows operating systems.
• Fluency in the Ukrainian language is mandatory.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Law, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary theoretical framework and practical skills needed to effectively support vulnerable populations and navigate the complexities of humanitarian assistance.

Experience:
A minimum of 1 year of experience in the social, legal, or humanitarian field is required. Candidates should have a demonstrated interest or experience in working with conflict-affected populations, showcasing their ability to communicate empathetically and effectively with individuals facing distressing circumstances.

Languages:
Proficiency in the Ukrainian language is mandatory for this role. Basic English language skills are desirable, as they may enhance communication with international stakeholders and broaden the scope of assistance provided to beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
The position is offered on a contract basis with an initial length of 3 months, subject to a probation period. There is a possibility of extension based on funding availability and satisfactory performance. The designated duty station for this role is Kharkiv, with a start date anticipated in January 202

• 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 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 12th December 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 closing date if a suitable applicant is identified.