Protection Specialist (Psychosocial Support (PSS))

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 developed a robust emergency response framework across various sectors, including Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding. The organization is committed to adapting its strategies to meet the evolving challenges faced by displaced populations, working closely with civil society organizations and local partners to enhance its impact and outreach.

Job Overview:
The Protection Specialist (PSS) will play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support activities within DRC's comprehensive protection response in Ukraine. Reporting to the Protection Technical Specialist, the incumbent will collaborate with Protection Managers and field units to ensure that psychosocial support programming is effectively implemented. This position requires the development of tools and guidance for DRC teams and partners, aimed at improving the delivery of psychosocial support services. The Specialist will also engage with communities affected by displacement and conflict, providing coaching and supervision to enhance community outreach efforts. The role is pivotal in ensuring that DRC's psychosocial interventions are aligned with international standards and tailored to the specific needs of the affected populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main responsibilities of the Protection Specialist (PSS) include:

• Collaborating with the Protection Coordinator and Protection Managers to develop a strategic direction for DRC's psychosocial support initiatives in Ukraine, including the formulation of a PSS strategic plan.
• Conducting psychosocial needs assessments in areas where DRC operates, leading the development and contextualization of assessment tools based on international standards.
• Creating a comprehensive PSS manual and providing technical guidance as needed.
• Offering ongoing technical support and monitoring of psychosocial support program activities to ensure adherence to quality standards.
• Supervising protection staff in community psychosocial support interventions, focusing on capacity building and professional development.
• Leading regular thematic team meetings and conducting on-the-job supervision to assess competencies and training needs.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant tools, forms, and SOPs to maintain program quality and impact.
• Reporting progress and challenges to the Protection Coordinator and Protection Managers, and adjusting program implementation based on contextual needs.
• Actively participating in sectoral and relevant working groups to represent DRC and share knowledge across teams. 1
• Monitoring accountability initiatives and ensuring compliance with internal and external reporting requirements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in psychology and have at least three years of experience working in psychosocial support within a humanitarian organization. Proven experience in implementing individual and/or group psychological interventions is essential. Familiarity with established inter-agency standards and guidelines in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), such as the IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings, is required. The candidate should demonstrate excellent technical knowledge of protection standards and principles, with a proven ability to develop effective responses to psychosocial needs. Experience in producing high-quality technical materials, including training resources and strategic documents, is also necessary. Additionally, experience in coordinating humanitarian interventions with partner organizations and in proposal development and donor reporting is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
A university degree in psychology is mandatory for this position. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding psychological principles and practices, which are critical for delivering effective psychosocial support in humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in psychosocial support, specifically within a humanitarian organization. This experience should encompass both individual and group psychological interventions, as well as familiarity with the complexities of working in emergency settings and with displaced populations.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is compulsory for this role, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and for reporting purposes. Fluency in Ukrainian is also required, enabling effective engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position includes a three-month probation period, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability and satisfactory performance. The position is classified as non-managerial and is based in Kyiv. The start date 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 21st 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. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.