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 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 highly qualified Protection Specialist (Psychosocial Support (PSS)) to join our team in Kyiv.
About the job:
Under the management of the Protection Technical Specialist, and in close cooperation with DRC Protection Managers and protection field units, the Protection Specialist (PSS) will be responsible to support the quality of DRC psychosocial protection activities that are implemented as a part of a comprehensive protection response in Ukraine. The position will provide technical guidance to DRC protection staff and partner organizations in psychosocial support programming. The PSS Specialist will develop tools and guidance for DRC teams and partners to implement protection programming and will also contribute to strengthening DRC’s community outreach approach, engaging with displacement and conflict affected communities including through coaching and supervision.
Roles reporting to this position: N/A Reports to: Protection Technical LeadYour main responsibilities will be:
In coordination with the Protection Coordinator and Protection Managers develop DRC's PSS strategic direction in Ukraine, including by developing a PSS strategic plan. Conduct Psychosocial needs assessment among the affected populations in areas of DRC operations in Ukraine. For this purpose, lead the development/contextualization of assessment and analysis tools based on international standards. Develop a PSS manual and other technical guidance as requested by the Protection Coordinator. Provide continual technical support and monitoring of psychosocial support program activities to ensure the applicability of quality standards. Provide supervision to protection staff on community psychosocial support interventions inclusive of ongoing capacity building, professional development and technical support. Lead and facilitate regular thematic team meetings with program staff and conduct on-the-job supervision and training assessments to evaluate key competencies and training needs in the area of psychosocial support. Ensure the effective use of and compliance with relevant tools, forms, SOPs, etc. so as to ensure program quality and impact. Responsible for collacting information and reporting progress and challenges to Protection coordinator and Protection Managers. In coordination with the Protection Coordinator and Protection Managers, adjust program implementation based on needs and context.Program development and strategy
Representation of DRC and active participation in sectoral and relevant sub sectors/working groups. Oversee knowledge sharing across teams and ensure that monitoring and evaluation results are understood and used to improve existing and develop new program initiatives. Drive the development and growth of the relevant programs within the DRC program objectives and feed into country-wide strategy development.Accountability and reporting
Guided by the DRC Programme Handbook, continuously monitor and develop relevant accountability initiatives within relevant project program as well as strengthening the effort to document the impact of activities. Ensure compliance with internal and external reporting requirements including procurement.Coordination:
Ensure the coordination with relevant protection - MHPSS actors in the area of intervention.About you:
To be successful in this role we expect you to have at least 3 years of experience in working in psychosocial support with a humanitarian organisation.
Moreover, we expect the following:
A university degree in psychology is required. Proven experience in implementing individual and/or group psychological interventions. Knowledge of and experiences in using established inter-agency standards and guidelines in MHPSS, such as the IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings. Excellent technical knowledge of protection standards and principles and demonstrated capacity to develop effective responses to identified psychosocial needs and in accordance with the relevant framework. Experience in producing high-quality technical material (training material – including PFA trainings, program tools, proposals, strategic documents, etc.). Experience in carrying out humanitarian interventions through and in coordination with implementing partner organizations is an asset. Experience in proposal development and donor reporting is an asset. Proficiency in English is compulsory. Fluency in UkrainianIn 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:3 months probation period with the possibility of extension based on funding and satisfactory performance Band: G - non-managerial Duty station: Kyiv Start date: ASAPConditions 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: 21st April 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.
Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.