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. The organization 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. Currently, DRC employs over 800 staff members in Ukraine and is actively involved in various sectors, including Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding, which encompasses humanitarian mine action. DRC's approach includes direct interventions, support to duty bearers, and collaboration with civil society organizations (CSOs), aiming to create a comprehensive and sustainable impact in the communities it serves. The organization 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 play a crucial role in providing comprehensive psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support services to individuals and communities affected by displacement. Reporting to the Protection Manager, the officer will be responsible for addressing the emotional, social, and mental health needs of targeted individuals and communities, thereby promoting their recovery and resilience-building processes. This position requires a proactive approach to engage with individuals, families, and community groups, facilitating group and individual sessions that foster mutual support, socialization, and the development of positive coping strategies. The officer will also be involved in the creation and delivery of psychoeducational awareness sessions on various psychosocial topics, including stress management and available mental health services. The role demands collaboration with other service providers, such as healthcare professionals and social workers, to ensure comprehensive support for clients. Additionally, the officer will work to enhance community participation in psychosocial support activities, identifying local resources and fostering engagement among community stakeholders. The successful candidate will contribute to the continuous improvement of DRC's psychosocial support activities through monitoring, evaluation, and reporting on the effectiveness of interventions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Officer (Psycho-Social Support Officer) will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: facilitating group and individual psychosocial support sessions to promote mutual support and positive coping strategies; developing and implementing PSS curricula tailored to different community groups; designing and delivering psychoeducational awareness sessions on psychosocial topics; conducting needs assessments at the community level to inform PSS activities; collaborating with healthcare professionals and social workers for appropriate referrals; liaising with community members and leaders to coordinate PSS activities; fostering community engagement in psychosocial support initiatives; identifying and supporting local resources to enhance community-based psychosocial support; planning and participating in capacity-building sessions; contributing to the development and updating of a service mapping system for available services; ensuring the quality of PSS support activities; monitoring and evaluating PSS activities, and preparing regular reports on achievements, challenges, and recommendations; and performing any other duties assigned by the Protection Manager that align with the protection objectives.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for this position, candidates must possess a university degree in psychology, with a Bachelor's, Specialist's, or Master's degree in the relevant field. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange, and Windows operating systems is essential. Candidates must demonstrate a strong sense of personal integrity and compliance with confidentiality requirements, as well as the ability to engage comfortably in discussions about sensitive topics and work effectively with individuals in distress. Additionally, candidates should have good organizational and time management skills, enabling them to prioritize tasks and perform efficiently under pressure. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are also required to effectively engage with vulnerable individuals and diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in psychology, specifically a Bachelor's, Specialist's, or Master's degree in the field. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of mental health and psychosocial support, enabling the officer to provide effective services to individuals and communities affected by displacement.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of professional experience in a relevant field, particularly in providing psychosocial support or working with vulnerable populations. This experience is vital for understanding the challenges faced by individuals in distress and for developing effective support strategies that promote recovery and resilience.

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 will facilitate collaboration with international staff and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a contract length that includes a three-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The level of the position is classified as H non-Manager, and the designated duty station is Slovyansk. The start date for this role 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. The application process requires all applicants to upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English, as applications submitted via email will not be considered. The closing date for applications is set for 15.01.2026, 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 close date if a suitable candidate is identified.