Protection Assistant (PSS)

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent protection agency that has been dedicated to protecting, advocating for, and promoting durable solutions for populations affected by displacement. Established in 1956, DRC has a long history of providing humanitarian assistance and support to those in need. With a workforce of over 800 employees in Ukraine alone, DRC has been operational in the country since 2014, responding to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The organization 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 adapting its durable solutions portfolio to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves, ensuring that its programs are relevant and effective in addressing the challenges faced by displaced populations.

Job Overview:
The Protection Assistant (PSS) role is crucial for the implementation of psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support activities in Mykolaiv. The primary responsibility of this position is to facilitate group sessions that promote mutual support, socialization, and the development of positive coping strategies among participants. The Protection Assistant will also be involved in designing and delivering psychoeducational awareness sessions that cover important psychosocial topics such as stress management, available mental health services, and coping skills. Collaboration with other service providers, including healthcare professionals and social workers, is essential to ensure appropriate referrals and follow-ups are made when necessary. The role also emphasizes fostering community participation and engagement in psychosocial support activities, encouraging the active involvement of individuals, families, and community stakeholders. Additionally, the Protection Assistant will identify and support local resources, such as community-based organizations or volunteers, to enhance the availability of community-based psychosocial support. Participation in capacity-building sessions and contributing to the development of a service mapping system detailing available services in DRC’s areas of operation are also key components of this role. The Protection Assistant will report directly to the Protection Team Leader and may be assigned other duties relevant to achieving protection objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Facilitate PSS group sessions to promote mutual support, socialization, and positive coping strategies among participants.
• Design and deliver psychoeducational awareness sessions on psychosocial topics, including stress management and coping skills.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals and social workers to ensure appropriate referrals and follow-ups.
• Foster community participation in psychosocial support activities, encouraging involvement from individuals, families, and community stakeholders.
• Identify and support local resources, such as community-based organizations or volunteers, to enhance community-based psychosocial support.
• Participate in capacity-building sessions as required.
• Contribute to the development and continuous updating of a service mapping system detailing available services in DRC’s operational areas.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Protection Manager that are relevant to achieving protection objectives.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for the Protection Assistant (PSS) position, candidates must possess a degree in psychology or social work, which is considered an asset. Familiarity with social work, case management, or counseling is preferred but not mandatory. Candidates should be comfortable discussing sensitive topics and working with individuals in distress. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as the role involves working effectively with vulnerable individuals, staff members, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. Strong organizational and time management skills are required, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities. A strong sense of personal integrity and an understanding of confidentiality and ethics are also crucial. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange, and Windows operating systems is necessary. Fluency in Ukrainian is mandatory for this position.

Educational Background:
Candidates applying for the Protection Assistant (PSS) position should have a degree in psychology or social work. This educational background is essential as it provides the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for working in the field of protection and psychosocial support. While familiarity with social work, case management, or counseling is preferred, it is not a strict requirement. The educational qualifications ensure that the candidate has a solid understanding of the principles and practices related to mental health and social support, which are critical for effectively assisting individuals in distress.

Experience:
The ideal candidate for the Protection Assistant (PSS) position should have at least one year of experience in a protection-related field. This experience is vital as it equips the candidate with practical knowledge and skills necessary for facilitating psychosocial support activities and working with vulnerable populations. Previous experience in roles that involve direct interaction with individuals facing distressing situations, as well as collaboration with other service providers, will be highly beneficial. The candidate should demonstrate a strong understanding of the challenges faced by displaced populations and the ability to implement effective support strategies.

Languages:
Fluency in Ukrainian is a mandatory requirement for this position, as it is essential for effective communication with the target population. Additionally, having an elementary level of English language proficiency or higher is desirable, as it may facilitate communication with international staff and stakeholders. Proficiency in both languages will enhance the candidate's ability to perform their duties effectively and engage with a diverse range of individuals and organizations.

Additional Notes:
The Protection Assistant (PSS) position is offered with a contract length of three months, which includes a probation period. There is a possibility of extension based on performance and available funding. The position is classified as non-managerial and is based in Mykolaiv. 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 employees on national and expatriate contracts. Candidates are required to upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English as part of the application process. Applications sent via email will not be considered. The closing date for applications is set for the 18th of March, 202

• Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, 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.