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 highly qualified Protection Assistant (Psycho-Social Support Assistant) to join our team in Dnipro.
About the job
The Protection Assistant (Psycho-Social Support Assistant) is part of the DRC Protection Team and works under the management, guidance and supervision of DRC’s Protection Team Leader and Protection Manager. The Protection Assistant (Psycho-Social Support Assistant will provide psychosocial support to targeted individuals and communities. He/She will work closely with individuals, families, and communities to address their emotional, social, and mental health needs, and to support recovery processes and the development of resilience. This position is based in Dnipro with regular travel to field locations.
Your main duties and responsibilities will be:
- Conduct group psychosocial support sessions to promote peer support, socialization, and coping strategies.
- Support the development and delivery of psychoeducational sessions (including both content and materials) on psychosocial topics such as stress management, available mental health services, and coping skills.
- Collaborate with other service providers, such as healthcare and social workers, and make appropriate referrals and follow-ups as needed.
- Facilitate community participation and engagement in psychosocial support activities by encouraging the active involvement of individuals, families, and community stakeholders.
- Identify and support local resources, including through awareness-raising and capacity-building of community-based organizations or volunteers, to enhance access to psychosocial support at the community level.
- Participate in capacity-building sessions as requested.
- Contribute to the development and regular updating of a service mapping system with detailed information on available services and assistance in DRC areas of operation.
About you
To be successful in this role, we expect you to have at least 1 year of experience in psychology or social work.Moreover, we also expect the following:
Required
- Higher education in psychology or social work.
- Ability to discuss sensitive topics and work with people affected by conflict.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to effectively engage with vulnerable individuals, staff, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities.
- High professional ethics and a solid understanding of confidentiality and ethical standards.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, Teams, Outlook/Exchange, and Windows operating systems.
- Proficiency in Ukrainian.
Desirable
- Knowledge of social work, case management, counselling, or related fields.
- Commitment to learning and implementing organizational policies and procedures.
- High professional ethics.
- Good command of English – both oral and written.
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: 7 months-contract with the possibility of extension depending on performance and availability of funding after successful completion of a 3-month probationary period.
- Band: I - non managerial
- Designation of Duty Station: Dnipro (with regular travel to field locations.)
- Start date: June 2026
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national employees.
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: May 17th, 2026
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DRC as an employer
Founded in 1956, DRC Danish Refugee Council is Denmark’s largest, and a leading international NGO. We have continuously been ranked as one of the best NGOs in the world - and are one of the few with a specific expertise in forced displacement. In over 30 countries, we protect, advocate and build sustainable futures for refugees and other displacement-affected people and communities.
By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of over 6,000 employees. We pride ourselves on our:
- Professionalism, impact & expertise
- Humanitarian approach & the work we do
- Purpose, meaningfulness & own contribution
- Culture, values & strong leadership
- Fair compensation & continuous development
DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process.
Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer and we consider all applicants based on individual merit and qualifications, regardless of personal characteristics or attributes. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce, aiming for a 50% balance of men and women in management roles and ensuring that at least 50% of management roles are filled by national staff. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is crucial for achieving our organizational goals and making a positive impact on the communities we serve.