Protection Officer (Legal Aid Officer)

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent protection agency established with the mission to protect, advocate for, and promote durable 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, employing over 800 staff members who are engaged in various sectors including emergency response, protection, livelihoods, shelter/NFIs, and humanitarian disarmament and peacebuilding. The organization works through direct interventions, support to duty bearers, and partnerships with civil society organizations (CSOs) to implement effective programs that adapt to the evolving context of displacement in Ukraine. DRC is committed to enhancing its durable solutions portfolio to meet the ongoing challenges faced by affected 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 and community engagement, ensuring that the legal rights and needs of conflict-affected populations are addressed comprehensively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Officer (Legal Aid Officer) will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: providing high-quality one-on-one legal counseling to conflict-affected populations regarding their legal rights and remedies in the context of displacement; organizing and facilitating community-level group awareness-raising programs to inform IDPs and conflict-affected populations about recent legal developments; offering administrative and para-legal assistance to help IDPs access welfare benefits, livelihood opportunities, and other government and non-government benefits; preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual reports; participating in the coaching and capacity building of implementing partners; contributing to contextual and needs analysis, as well as providing feedback for developing new programmatic avenues; analyzing legal issues for drafting information materials and advocacy letters; assisting in conducting legal and protection assessments; facilitating and following up on protection referral cases; representing DRC at relevant meetings; coordinating with other departments for referrals and information sharing; contributing field-related inputs for funding proposals; and performing any other duties assigned by the Protection Manager that align with the achievement of protection objectives.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for this position, candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in law and have a minimum of two years of proven legal experience, preferably within the humanitarian response sector for an NGO. 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, as is the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders. A strong sense of personal integrity, confidentiality, and ethics is required, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software. Ukrainian language skills are mandatory, while a license to practice law and good English language skills are desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in law, which provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding legal frameworks and the rights of individuals, particularly in the context of displacement and humanitarian response. This educational background is critical for effectively advising and assisting conflict-affected populations in navigating their legal rights and accessing necessary services.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant legal experience, ideally in a humanitarian context. This experience should include direct engagement with vulnerable and conflict-affected individuals, providing legal counseling and support. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of working effectively in challenging environments and possess the ability to manage sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism.

Languages:
Proficiency in the Ukrainian language is required for this position, as it is essential for communicating with beneficiaries and stakeholders. Good English language skills are preferred, as they may facilitate communication with international partners and enhance the ability to access a broader range of resources and information.

Additional Notes:
The contract length for this position is contingent upon successfully completing a three-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The role is classified at Level H, non-managerial, and is based in Slovyansk. The start date for this position is as soon as possible. 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 (no longer than four pages in English) through the specified application process, as applications sent via email will not be considered. The closing date for applications is January 15, 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.