Protection Specialist (Partnership Specialist)

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, responding to the ongoing humanitarian crisis and adapting its strategies to meet the evolving challenges faced by displaced 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 (humanitarian mine action). The organization collaborates with civil society organizations (CSOs) and duty bearers to enhance the effectiveness of its interventions and ensure sustainable solutions for those affected by displacement. DRC is committed to continuously adapting its durable solutions portfolio to the changing context in Ukraine, ensuring that its programs remain relevant and impactful.

Job Overview:
The Protection Specialist (Partnership Specialist) will play a crucial role within DRC’s program team, focusing on supporting protection partners who are engaged in implementing protection and legal aid activities. This position is designed to enhance the capacity of partner organizations through various means, including monitoring visits, capacity building initiatives, and tracking program activities and budgets to ensure the quality of protection interventions. The specialist will be responsible for supporting partners in a range of protection activities, which encompass protection case management, cash for protection initiatives, protection monitoring, and legal aid services. The role requires a proactive approach to developing capacity development plans tailored to the needs of partner organizations, ensuring that they are equipped to deliver effective protection and legal aid services. The specialist will also collaborate closely with the Protection Manager and the Protection Technical team to provide comprehensive capacity building, including training and coaching for partner staff involved in these critical activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Protection Specialist (Partnership Specialist) include:

• Supporting the development of capacity development plans for partner organizations engaged in protection and legal aid activities.
• Collaborating with the Protection Manager and Protection Technical team to provide capacity building, including training and coaching for partner staff.
• Conducting national-level technical training for all DRC partners based on identified needs.
• Developing and implementing a monitoring plan, conducting field visits to assess the technical quality of partner-led activities, and producing reports with actionable recommendations.
• Reviewing partner narrative and financial reports and workplans, raising any challenges or delays to relevant focal points.
• Tracking partner procurement processes to ensure alignment with programmatic needs and workplans.
• Reviewing technical requirements during partner procurement processes.
• Monitoring partner indicators and highlighting challenges to relevant focal points.
• Conducting mapping of potential partner organizations at the area level. 1
• Participating in internal Protection and coordination meetings. 1
• Collaborating with MEAL to organize lessons learned sessions.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for this position, candidates must possess the following qualifications:

• Proven knowledge and experience in implementing protection activities, including protection case management, protection counseling, cash for protection, and protection monitoring.
• Demonstrated experience in capacity building and training for protection programming.
• Experience in conducting monitoring visits to partner organizations to assess program quality.
• Strong computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office applications.
• A legal aid background is desirable.
• Experience working in Ukraine or similar operating contexts is highly desirable.
• Strong facilitation, training, and coaching skills with the ability to build local capacity.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively under tight deadlines.

Educational Background:
Candidates applying for the Protection Specialist (Partnership Specialist) position should have a relevant educational background that aligns with the responsibilities of the role. This typically includes a degree in social sciences, law, international relations, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in protection, humanitarian assistance, or legal aid may be advantageous and enhance a candidate's suitability for the position.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in protection programming within a humanitarian context. This experience should encompass a range of protection activities and demonstrate a solid understanding of the challenges and best practices in the field. Candidates with experience in capacity building and training, particularly in relation to protection programming, will be highly regarded. Additionally, experience in monitoring and evaluating partner organizations' activities is essential to ensure the quality and effectiveness of protection interventions.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all documentation and communication will be conducted in English. Proficiency in Ukrainian or Russian is highly desirable, as it will facilitate effective communication with local partners and stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse populations affected by displacement.

Additional Notes:
The position is offered on a 6-month contract basis, with the possibility of extension depending on performance and the availability of funding after a successful completion of a 3-month probationary period. The designated duty station for this role is Dnipro, with travel required to Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv as part of the responsibilities. The start date for this position is anticipated to be between May and June 202

• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national employees. All applicants are required to upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent via email will not be considered. The closing date for applications is May 11th, 2026, and 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 once a suitable candidate has been identified.