Protection Officer (PSS)

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading protection agency with a mandate to protect, advocate and promote durable solutions for displacement affected populations. 

DRC has been operating in Ukraine since 2014, currently DRC employs over 800 staff in Ukraine and will continue significant scale-up in 2023 to implement emergency response in the Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (humanitarian mine action) sectors, using direct interventions, support to duty bearers and civil society organizations (CSOs), and partnerships with CSOs. DRC will continue and adapt its durable solutions portfolio to the evolving context.

DRC is currently looking for a Protection Officer (PSS) for its activities in Sumy region.  

This position will report to the Protection Manager.

Overall purpose of the role:

Under the management of the Protection Manager, the Protection Officer (PSS) will provide comprehensive psychosocial support services to targeted individuals and communities. S/he will work closely with individuals, families and community groups to address their emotional, social and mental health needs and promote their recovery and resilience-building processes.

Main responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Protection Manager, the Protection Officer (PSS) will:

• Facilitate PSS group sessions to promote mutual support, socialization and positive coping strategies.
• Conduct individual PSS sessions, providing personalized psychosocial support and guidance.
• Support the development of PSS curricula for different groups.
• Support the designing and delivery of psychoeducational awareness sessions (both content and materials) on psychosocial topics, including stress management, available mental health services, and coping skills.
• Conduct community consultations on PSS needs.
• Collaborate with other service providers, such as healthcare professionals and social workers, and make appropriate referrals and follow-up when needed.
• Proactively identify community spaces allowing for privacy for the organization of PSS activities.
• Foster community participation and engagement in psychosocial support activities, encouraging the active involvement of individuals, families and community stakeholders.
• Identify and support, including through awareness and capacity-building, local resources, such as community-based organizations or volunteers, to enhance the availability of community-based psychosocial support.
• Plan and participate in capacity-building sessions as needed and required, including on psychological first aid.
• Contribute in developing and continuously updating a service mapping system detailing available services and assistance in DRC’s areas of operation.
• Prepare regular reports on activities, achievements, challenges, and recommendations.
• Any other duties as may be assigned by the Protection manager, relevant to the achievement of protection objectives.

Required experience and competencies:

• Degree in psychology
• Practical experience in providing PSS support, including both group and individual sessions.
• Familiarity with social work or case management or counselling etc. is preferred but not required.
• Comfortable in speaking about sensitive topics and working with people in distress
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with vulnerable individuals and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience supervising staff is desirable.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Strong sense of personal integrity and understanding of confidentiality and ethics.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange, Windows operating systems.
• Good English language skills preferred.
• Ukrainian language skills required.

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies: 

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

Required education: Degree in psychology or social work is an asset

We offer:
Contract length: open ended contract after 3 month probation period. 
Level: H non-Manager
Designation of Duty Station: Sumy
Start date: the 1st of November 2024
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national staff.

Application process:
All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages in English).

Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 30.09.2024.

We reserve the right to conduct further interviews before the deadline for submission of applications.