Protection Assistant (PSS Assistant)

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 scale-up in 2024 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 (PSS) for its activities in Kharkiv.  

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

Overall purpose of the role:

Under the supersivion of the Protection Team Leader, the Protection Assistant (PSS) will provide comprehensive psychosocial support services (PSS) 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 main responsibilities will be:

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

• Facilitate PSS group sessions to promote mutual support, resilience, mental well-being, 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 and Team Leader, relevant to the achievement of protection objectives

About you 

To be successful in this role we expect you to have experience or strong interest in working iwth IDPs and conflict aggected populations. Moreover, we also expect the following:

• 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.
• 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.
• English language skills is an advantage.
• Ukrainian language skills required.

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

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. . 
Level: I
Designation of Duty Station: Kharkiv
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: 21 August, 2024

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.