Protection Officer (Psycho-Social Support Officer)

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 Officer (Psycho-Social Support Officer) in Slovyansk.

About the job: 

Under the management of the Protection Manager, the Protection Officer (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.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be: 

• Facilitate PSS group and individual sessions to promote mutual support, socialization, and positive coping strategies.

• Support the development of PSS curricula for different groups. 

• 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. 

• Conduct PSS assessment needs at community level and collect other relevant information to improve de PSS activities 

• Collaborate with other service providers, such as healthcare professionals and social workers, and make appropriate referrals and follow-up when needed. 

• Proactively liaise with community members and leaders to coordinate PSS activities, as well as identify suitable community spaces to perform PSS activities  

• 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. 

• Plan and participate in capacity-building sessions as needed and required, including on psychological first aid. 

• Contribute in developing and continuously updating a service mapping system detailing available services and assistance in DRC’s areas of operation. 

• Ensure quality PSS support activities with the support of the Protection team.

• Monitoring ofPSS activities, evaluation and prepare regular reports, including achievements, challenges, and recommendations.

• Prepare regular reports on activities, achievements, challenges, and recommendations.  

• 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 3 years of professional experience. Good organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, perform tasks efficiently and on time. Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required: 

• University degree: Bachelor's/Specialist's/Master's degree in psychology, specialty "Psychology".  

• At least 3 years of professional experience. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange, Windows operating systems.

• Ukrainian language skills required.

• Strong sense of personal integrity and compliance with confidentiality requirements. 

• Comfortable in speaking about sensitive topics and working with people in distress.

Desirable:

• Additional trainings and practice in dealing with stress, trauma, or the effects of war are preferable.  

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with vulnerable individuals and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. 

• Good English language skills B1 level preferred.

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: After successfully completing a 3-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension depending on performance and funding.
Level: H non-Manager 
Designation of Duty Station: Slovyansk 
Start date: as soon as possible 

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National staff; 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: 30.11.2025.

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.