Protection Assistant (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 Assistant (Psycho-Social Support) for its activities in Sumy and Sumy region.  

This position will be supervised by the Protection Officer (PSS) and line managed by the Protection Manager.

Overall purpose of the role:

Under the supersivion of the Protection Officer, the Protection Assistant (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 Assistant (PSS) will:

• Facilitate PSS group sessions to promote mutual support, socialization and positive coping strategies
• 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
• Collaborate with other service providers, such as healthcare professionals and social workers, and make appropriate referrals and follow-up when needed
• 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
• Participate in capacity-building sessions as needed and required
• Contribute in developing and continuously updating a service mapping system detailing available services and assistance in DRC’s areas of operation
• Any other duties as may be assigned by the Protection manager, relevant to the achievement of protection objectives

Required experience and competencies:

• Familiarity with social work or case management or counselling etc. is preferred but not required.
• Education: Degree in psychology or social work is an asset
• 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.
• 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.

We offer:
Contract length: Open-ended contract upon successful completion of the three-month probation period.   
Level: I
Designation of Duty Station: Sumy
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:
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: 31.08.2024. 

Interviewing will be conducted on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to select a candidate before the closing date.