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 700 staff in Ukraine and will continue to implement humanitarian 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 Kharkiv.  

Please note that the position requires working in the field

This position will report to the Protection Team Leader.

Overall purpose of the role:

Under the management of the Protection Manager and Team Leader, the Protection Officer (PSS) will provide comprehensive psychosocial support (PSS) services to targeted individuals and communities. They 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.

Your mainduties and responsibilities will be:

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

• Together with the PSS Assistants, facilitate structured PSS group sessions for adults to promote mutual support, reducing psychological distress, and identify positive coping strategies
• Conduct individual PSS sessions for beneficiaries when needed
• Support the development of PSS curricula for different groups
• Support the designing and delivery of MHPSS awareness sessions (both content and materials) on psychosocial topics, including stress management, available mental health services, and coping skills
• Conduct PSS assessment needs at community level and collect other relevant information to improve PSS activities
• Collaborate with other service providers, such as healthcare professionals and social workers, and make appropriate referrals and follow-up when needed
• Proactively liaise with community members and leaders to coordinate PSS activities, as well as identify suitable community spaces to perform PSS activities
• Foster community participation and engagement PSS activities, encouraging the active involvement of individuals, families and community stakeholders
• Identify and support community-based organization and/or volunteers, through awareness and capacity-building, 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
• Ensure quality PSS support activities with the support of the PSS team
• Monitoring of PSS activities, evaluation and prepare regular reports, including achievements, challenges, and recommendations
• Act as referral focal point for all individual and group PSS referrals
• To support in translation of PSS documents and materials
• Any other duties as may be assigned by the Protection manager, relevant to the achievement of protection objectives

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have at least 1-year experience in delivering MHPSS activities at community level. Moreover, we also expect the following:  

• Degree in psychology or social work is an asset
• 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, staff members, 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 and Russian language skills required.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies: 

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. 

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly. 

Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer:
Contract length: 3-months, renewable after satisfactory probation period. 
Band: H non-Manager
Designation of Duty Station: Kharkiv, with travel to Donetsk Oblast when needed
Start date: As soon as possible.

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National Staff.

Application process:
This post is open to NATIONAL CANDIDATES ONLY. 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: April 28

Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Recruitment will be conducted on a rolling basis, and a final candidate may be selected before the advertisement closes. 

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.