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 implements 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) to join our team in Sumy. The position requires regular field visits and involves spending at least 50% of working time in Shostka district.
About the job
Under the supervision of the Protection Team Leader, the Protection Assistant (PSS) will provide comprehensive psychosocial support to targeted individuals and communities.
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, socialization and positive coping strategies.
Provide individual PSS sessions to persons in need, tailored to their specific emotional and psychological needs.
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.
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.
About you:
To be successful in this role, we expect you to have at least 6 months of experience in a similar position or within an international organization. In addition, we also expect the following from you:
Required:
Experience working with individuals on sensitive topics and in situations of 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.
Solid proficiency in Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange, and Windows operating systems.
Proficiency in Ukrainian language.
Desirable:
Degree in psychology will be an asset.
English language skills are 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-month probation period, with the possibility of extension based on performance and available funding.
Band: I
Designation of Duty Station: Sumy or Shostka
Start date: October 1st, 2025
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees on national contracts; please refer to our website for more details.
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: August 26th, 2025
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and DRC reserves the right to proceed with the recruitment before the deadline if a suitable candidate is identified.