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 Assistant) in Kharkiv.
About the job
Under the supervision of the Protection Team Leader, the Protection Assistant (Psycho-Social Support Assistant) will support the delivery of quality protection activities to vulnerable individuals and communities affected by the conflict in Kharkivska and Donetska oblasts. The role will include conducting needs assessments, developing action plans, providing safe referrals. The Protection Assistant will organize and facilitate awareness-raising sessions, The position will require close coordination with other DRC departments and external partners to ensure timely, effective, and client-centered support, while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality, professionalism, and adherence to humanitarian principles.
Your main duties and responsibilities will be:
Conduct structured group psychosocial support sessions to promote mutual support, resilience, mental well-being, and the development of positive coping strategies among target groups, including structured group sessions for women and girls. Develop and facilitate awareness-raising sessions on psychosocial and gender-based violence (GBV) topics, including stress management, emotional regulation, available mental health and GBV services, coping skills, and violence prevention strategies, using gender-sensitive approaches. Conduct case management for survivors of gender-based violence in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and relevant guidelines, including inter-agency GBV case management standards. Facilitate referrals to relevant services in coordination with other service providers such as health professionals, social workers, legal and psychological support services, in line with inter-agency referral protocols. Conduct ongoing monitoring to assess psychosocial needs and the specific needs of women and girls, including consultations with target groups and interviews with key stakeholders, to ensure that services remain responsive to community needs. Ensure proper documentation of data and case information in accordance with GBV and PSS case management guidelines, maintaining strict confidentiality, data security, and adherence to ethical standards. Contribute to the development and continuous updating of the service mapping system detailing available services and assistance within DRCโs areas of operation, with a particular focus on GBV and mental health support services.About you
To be successful in this role we expect you to have at least 1 year of experience in psychology, preferable working in NGO (implementing programs in the humanitarian field, social and psychology, or womenโs and girlsโ empowerment). You have a strong interest or experience in working with conflict-affected populations, as well as the ability to communicate effectively and empathetically with individuals in distress. You should possess excellent organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills, along with a strong sense of personal integrity and adherence to confidentiality and ethical standards. Moreover, we also expect the following:
Required
Certified Psychology Specialist. Commitment to gender equality and interest in working in the prevention and response to violence against women and girls; 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; Strong sense of personal integrity and understanding of confidentiality and ethics; Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange, and Windows operating systems; Ukrainian language skills. Bachelor or Master degree in Social work, Counseling, Psychology or any other related field.Desirable:
Experience in humanitarian work; Familiarity with protection or women's right and empowerment programs; Previous experience working with communities, implementing psycho-social support activities, conducting awareness-raising sessions, and providing services to vulnerable groups; English language skills at a basic level;In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRCโ 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 probation period, with the possibility of extension based on fundingandsatisfactory performance. Level: I (nm) Designation of Duty Station: Kharkiv Start date: January, 2026Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Councilโs 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).
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: 12th December 2025
We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible, interviews might be conducted on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to select candidate before the vacancy close date once a suitable candidate has been identified.