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 translator in Kharkiv.
About the job
The Translator will support DRC’s operations in Kharkiv by providing high-quality written and oral translations between Ukrainian and English. The role is essential in facilitating effective communication between DRC’s international and national staff and ensuring accuracy in documentation, reporting, and training. The Translator will be embedded in the Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (HDP) team and support cross-sectoral activities as needed.
Your main duties and responsibilities will be:
- Provision of interpretation between national and international DRC staff, as well as with government officials as needed.
- Provide accurate interpretation during individual or group counseling sessions, meetings, field visits and training ,applying the principles of accuracy, confidentiality and impartiality at all times.
- Communicate with beneficiaries in a sensitive manner, ensuring that their rights are respected.
- Provide written translation of documents, reports, and presentations. from Ukrainian into English and vice versa.
- Participate in trainings and interpret training materials/tools, communications, etc.
- Be prepared to be part of a mobile team or be deployed to fieldwork as needed.
- May be required to drive DRC vehicles when needed, in line with DRC fleet, safety, and security procedures, and subject to holding a valid driving licence and DRC driving authorization.
- Respond to occasional and urgent requests for interpretation as agreed with line manager.
- Ensure consistency in terminology and high linguistic quality.
- Support staff in understanding translated materials and clarify ambiguities when needed.
- Maintain a well-organized archive of translated documents.
- Contribute to strengthening internal communication flows between teams.
- Maintain confidentiality and adhere to DRC's data protection standards.
- Any other duties that may be assigned by the line manager, related to the achievement of the objectives of the DRC and/or to support the implementation of the activities of the DRC.
About you
To be successful in this role as a Translator, we expect you to have strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines. You should be confident in working in multicultural teams and committed to humanitarian principles. We expect you to have at least 1 year of work experience in a similar position or in international organizations.
Moreover, we also expect the following:
Required
- Full professional proficiency in English and Ukrainian(speaking/reading/writing).
- Higher education in a relevant specialty or equivalent professional qualification is preferred.
- Strong communication Stress resistance and a positive attitude towards tasks.
- Commitment to continuous development and the ability to manage time efficiently and work independently.
- High professional ethics and understanding of privacy policy.
- Excellent skill in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Desirable
- Valid driving license is highly desirable.
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: H (non -management)
- Designation of Duty Station: Kharkiv
- Start date: As soon as possible.
This position is open to national applicants. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment; please refer to www.drc.ngo under Vacancies.
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: 10 June 2026
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 suitableb candidate has been identified.
Apply NowDRC 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.