Protection Manager

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 addressing the needs of displaced individuals and communities, ensuring their rights are upheld and their voices are heard. Operating in Ukraine since 2014, DRC has grown to employ over 800 staff members and has implemented emergency responses across various sectors, including Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding. 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 context of the humanitarian landscape in Ukraine.

Job Overview:
The Protection Manager position is a critical role within DRC, based in Kharkiv, responsible for overseeing and managing protection activities in the Kharkiv and Donetsk oblasts. This role involves reporting to the Area Programme Manager and receiving technical supervision from the DRC Country Protection Coordinator. The Protection Manager will be tasked with ensuring the effective implementation of protection programs, which include legal aid, protection monitoring, individual protection assistance (IPA), community-based protection (CBP), psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support (PSS), gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response activities, and victim assistance. The position requires a proactive approach to coordinating and planning all protection-related project activities, ensuring high-quality sectoral interventions, and maintaining coherence across all projects in alignment with DRC's overall strategy. The Protection Manager will also be responsible for program development, strategy formulation, and accountability reporting, ensuring compliance with internal and external requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Manager will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including managing all protection programs in Eastern Ukraine, overseeing the protection team in Kharkiv and Donetsk, and coordinating with various stakeholders, including the Protection Cluster and partner organizations. Key duties include planning and monitoring project activities, ensuring quality and timely delivery of interventions, formalizing operational tools and training modules, and providing inputs for donor reports. The role also involves budget monitoring, financial management, and compliance with DRC and donor requirements. Additionally, the Protection Manager will recruit and manage protection staff, assess training needs, and develop capacity-building plans. The position requires making significant decisions regarding the unit's purpose and functions, ensuring alignment with DRC's strategic goals and objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Protection Manager position should possess a minimum of three years of experience working with civil society organizations, humanitarian organizations, or NGOs in the protection field. A degree in International Relations, Human Rights, Social Work, Social Science, Humanities, or a related field is preferred. The ideal candidate will have previous experience managing protection programs and teams, along with excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with vulnerable groups and diverse stakeholders. Strong organizational and time management skills are essential, as is a commitment to personal integrity and confidentiality. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and excellent writing and editing skills for external audiences are also required, along with strong reporting and protection analysis capabilities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Protection Manager position includes a degree in fields such as International Relations, Human Rights, Social Work, Social Science, Humanities, or other related disciplines. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of protection work and effectively managing programs that address the needs of displaced populations.

Experience:
The position requires at least three years of relevant experience in the protection field, specifically within civil society organizations, humanitarian organizations, or NGOs. This experience should include managing protection programs and leading teams, demonstrating a strong understanding of the challenges faced by displaced individuals and communities.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, encompassing writing, speaking, and reading skills. This is essential for effective communication with stakeholders, including governments and donors. While English is the primary language required, additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly those relevant to the local context.

Additional Notes:
The Protection Manager position is offered on a contractual basis with an initial probation period of three months, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability and satisfactory performance. The role is classified as Band F, managerial level, and is based in Kharkiv. The start date for this position is as soon as possible. Conditions of employment 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 in English, with applications sent via email not being considered. The closing date for applications is set for 13th April 2025, 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 closes if a suitable candidate is identified.