Protection Team Leader

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent protection agency established to advocate for and promote durable solutions for populations affected by displacement. Since its inception, DRC has been dedicated to providing assistance and protection to vulnerable communities. The organization has been operational in Ukraine since 2014, employing over 800 staff members across the country. 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 utilizes direct interventions, supports duty bearers, collaborates with civil society organizations (CSOs), and forms partnerships to enhance its impact. DRC is committed to adapting its durable solutions portfolio to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves, ensuring that its interventions remain relevant and effective in the face of changing circumstances.

Job Overview:
The Protection Team Leader will operate under the supervision of the Protection Manager, with the primary responsibility of managing the Protection team in Shostka. This role involves organizing, coordinating, and overseeing various protection processes, which include social, legal, psychological, and other forms of assistance. The Protection Team Leader will also coordinate referral mechanisms and conduct monitoring and evaluation of service quality to ensure that the needs of vulnerable populations are met effectively. A critical aspect of this position is the development of team capacity through effective staff management, which includes participation in recruitment and performance evaluation processes. The Protection Team Leader will also be responsible for fostering collaboration with other organizations and stakeholders to ensure comprehensive and efficient service delivery, thereby strengthening the protection system for those in need.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main duties and responsibilities of the Protection Team Leader include managing and overseeing the protection team in Shostka, facilitating team meetings, ensuring performance evaluations, and participating in the recruitment of protection staff. The leader will develop work plans for project activities and track their implementation in accordance with project objectives and indicators. Monitoring project expenditures in line with the budget and providing timely feedback on budget performance is also essential. The Protection Team Leader will plan and coordinate project logistics and team movement plans, as well as initiate the procurement of project materials. Participation in coordination meetings and representing DRC at relevant forums is required, along with building and maintaining effective working relationships with partner organizations, community focal points, and service providers. Timely and accurate reporting to donors and internal DRC stakeholders is crucial, as is maintaining and updating program documentation. Additionally, the Protection Team Leader will contribute to the development of funding proposals for new projects and provide field-related inputs.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for this role, candidates must possess a higher education degree in social sciences, law, psychology, or related fields. A deep understanding of protection risks and their application in the local context is essential. Candidates should have a strong understanding and practical application of humanitarian principles and protection standards. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required, particularly the ability to work effectively with vulnerable populations. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) is also necessary. Desirable qualifications include experience in personnel management, experience in protection or humanitarian response, preferably within international organizations, and experience coordinating with national and international partners, including handling referrals and participating in inter-agency mechanisms.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a higher education degree in social sciences, law, psychology, or related fields. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of protection work and the legal frameworks that govern humanitarian interventions.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of professional experience in the field of humanitarian interventions, social work, human rights, or equivalent work experience. Candidates should be experienced specialists in protection, with a deep understanding of humanitarian and protection principles. The ability to effectively plan and coordinate activities in complex humanitarian contexts is essential, as is the capacity to ensure high-quality and accountable program implementation and support team development.

Languages:
Fluency in Ukrainian is mandatory, while sufficient proficiency in English for professional communication is also required. These language skills are vital for effective interaction with both local communities and international stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a fixed-term contract following a successful completion of a 3-month probationary period. The designated duty station is Shostka, Sumy region, with a start date of November 2nd, 202

• The salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees on national contracts, starting from EUR 2373 gross per month, depending on experience and qualifications. All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English, as applications sent by email will not be considered. The closing date for applications is October 18th, 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.