Protection Team Leader (Legal Aid Team Leader)

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 vulnerable communities, particularly in conflict zones. The organization has been operational in Ukraine since 2014, where it has grown to employ over 800 staff members. DRC's work encompasses various sectors, including emergency response in Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding, which includes humanitarian mine action. The organization employs a multifaceted approach that includes 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 interventions are relevant and effective in the face of ongoing challenges.

Job Overview:
The Protection Team Leader (Legal Aid Team Leader) plays a crucial role in ensuring the provision of legal assistance to vulnerable populations affected by conflict. Reporting to the Protection Manager, this position is responsible for the effective management of legal aid activities, which are essential for supporting conflict-affected individuals. The role requires the organization and supervision of the legal team's work, planning and coordinating project activities, and ensuring that legal services provided meet humanitarian standards and comply with DRC policies. The Protection Team Leader will also focus on staff capacity development, coordination with partners and stakeholders, and enhancing access to legal assistance and the protection of rights for those in need. This position is vital for maintaining the quality of legal aid services and ensuring that the needs of the affected populations are met through effective program implementation and advocacy efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main responsibilities of the Protection Team Leader (Legal Aid Team Leader) include leading and coordinating the legal aid team, which involves planning activities, assigning tasks, monitoring performance, and supporting the professional development of team members. The role requires ensuring the provision of high-quality legal assistance services to conflict-affected populations, in alignment with DRC policies and humanitarian standards. The Protection Team Leader will plan and coordinate project activities, including mobile legal outreach and awareness-raising initiatives, ensuring timely and effective implementation of these activities according to established work plans, indicators, and project budgets. Coordination with local authorities, partners, service providers, and other stakeholders is essential to strengthen access to legal assistance. The Protection Team Leader will participate in coordination meetings, represent DRC in relevant platforms, and maintain up-to-date service mapping to support effective referral mechanisms. Identifying systemic legal issues affecting populations and contributing to advocacy efforts to improve access to rights and services is also a key responsibility. Additionally, the Protection Team Leader will ensure timely and accurate program reporting and maintain comprehensive project documentation, contributing to needs assessments, program development, and the preparation of proposals for new funding opportunities.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for this position, candidates must possess a university degree in Law and have a strong understanding of protection principles, humanitarian standards, and the legal issues affecting conflict-affected populations. A minimum of three years of professional legal experience is required, with a proven track record in providing legal aid. Candidates should demonstrate experience in planning and coordinating program activities or delivering legal assistance, as well as strong communication and interpersonal skills that enable effective interaction with vulnerable populations. The ability to manage and support the development of team members through mentoring is essential, along with the capability to plan and coordinate activities in complex humanitarian contexts while ensuring the delivery of high-quality legal services.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in Law. This foundational education is critical for understanding the legal frameworks and principles that govern the provision of legal aid and protection services to vulnerable populations. A strong grasp of protection principles and humanitarian standards is also necessary, as these elements are integral to the role's responsibilities and the overall mission of the Danish Refugee Council.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of professional legal experience, particularly in providing legal aid services. This experience should include a strong understanding of protection principles and humanitarian standards, as well as the ability to effectively manage and support team members. Experience in planning and coordinating program activities or delivering legal assistance in complex humanitarian contexts is essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience in collaborating with local authorities, civil society organizations, and service providers, as well as at least one year of experience in team management or staff supervision.

Languages:
Fluency in Ukrainian is mandatory, as it is essential for effective communication with the populations served. Additionally, candidates should have working proficiency in English, sufficient for professional communication, both written and spoken. This bilingual capability is important for collaboration with international partners and for reporting purposes.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a fixed-term contract, contingent upon the successful completion of a three-month probationary period. The duty station for this role is Sumy, and the start date is as soon as possible. Salary and conditions are in accordance with the Terms of Employment for National Staff of the Danish Refugee Council in Ukraine. Candidates are required to submit a cover letter and an updated CV, with the application process specifying that applications sent via email will not be considered. The closing date for applications is May 15th, 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 if a suitable candidate is identified.