Protection Officer (Case Management 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 (Case Management Officer) in Sumy. The role involves regular visits to field sites and business trips to the Shostka district (50% of working time).

About the job

Under the supervision of the Case Management Team Leader, the Case Management Officer will be responsible for ensuring the high-quality and timely implementation of Case Management activities for vulnerable populations. This includes conducting comprehensive needs assessments, developing and implementing individualized assistance plans, facilitating effective referrals to appropriate services, and providing ongoing follow-up and support to clients. The role also involves supporting the delivery of program activities in line with project management standards and contributing to the achievement of defined objectives in the field of social protection in Sumy Oblast.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

• Ensure ongoing planning and the accountable, high-quality implementation of program activities related to Case Management.
• Provide Case Management services to vulnerable populations, including conducting client needs assessments, developing action plans, sharing information, facilitating referrals to other service providers, and ensuring follow-up with clients.
• Accompany clients to facilitate their access to services and support them in advocating for their needs with other service providers.
• Ensure the organization and delivery of targeted individual assistance to persons affected by explosive ordnance.
• Participate in the organization and facilitation of trainings on inclusion, taking into account age, gender, and disability, as well as other capacity-building activities related to violence prevention for relevant target groups.
• Ensure the provision of cash or in-kind assistance to vulnerable populations in order to reduce protection risks.
• Identify protection risks and monitor needs within the designated area of intervention. Ensure the collection of both quantitative and qualitative information and data using various protection monitoring tools.
• Conduct information and awareness-raising activities with stakeholders to share information about DRC’s case management services and other topics related to social and legal protection.
• Coordinate with other DRC departments to facilitate referrals and information sharing.
• Ensure regular field presence in Shostka to support implementation, coordination, and engagement with other sectors and partners.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have at least 1 year of experience in social work or in a similar role (preferably with an NGO or INGO). Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required

• Education: Degree in Law, Social Work, or a related field.
• Languages: Fluency in Ukrainian; English – ability to communicate on everyday topics with basic reading and writing skills.
• Computer skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office package (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with vulnerable individuals, colleagues, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to discuss sensitive topics and work with people in distress.

Desirable

• Experience working with IDPs and conflict-affected populations is an asset.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and prioritize tasks.
• Good time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• High level of personal integrity and understanding of confidentiality and ethics.

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: a fixed-term contract following successful completion of a 3-month probationary period.
• Band: H
• Designation of Duty Station: Sumy
• Start date: May 1, 2026

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees on national contracts.

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: 17 April 2026.                                                                                                                                                

We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible, interview might be conducted on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to select candidate before the vacancy close date once a sutable candidate has been identified. 

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