Protection Assistant (Psycho-Social Support Assistant)

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 Assistant (Psycho-Social Support Assistant) for its activities in the Sumy oblast. The position requires regular field visits and involves spending at least 50% of working time in Shostka district.  

About the job

Under the supervision of the Psycho-Social Support Team Leader, the Protection Assistant (PSS Assistant) will provide psychosocial support to individuals and communities affected by the war. He/she will work closely with individuals, families and communities to assess their mental health and psychosocial support needs, provide appropriate assistance and facilitate recovery and resilience-building processes.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Facilitate PSS group sessions to promote mutual support, socialization and positive coping strategies
• Provide individual PSS sessions to persons in need, tailored to their specific emotional and psychological needs
• To participate in the development and delivery of information and training sessions on psychosocial topics (stress management, stress-coping skills, available services, etc.).Collaborate with other service providers, such as healthcare professionals and social workers, and make appropriate referrals and follow-up when needed.
• Foster community participation and engagement in psychosocial support activities, encouraging the active involvement of individuals, families and community stakeholders
• Participate in capacity-building sessions as needed and required
• Contribute in developing and continuously updating a service mapping system detailing available services and assistance in DRC’s areas of operation
• Identify risks in the area of social and legal protection and participate in monitoring the needs of the population.
• Collect and organise data (quantitative and qualitative) in accordance with monitoring tools.
• 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 minimum 1 year of professional experience as a psychologist. Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field.
• Experience working with internally displaced persons (IDPs) and conflict-affected populations will be considered an advantage.
• Experience working with individuals on sensitive topics and in situations of distress.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with vulnerable individuals, staff members, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Strong sense of personal integrity and understanding of confidentiality and ethical principles.
• Confident user of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Full professional proficiency in Ukrainian.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of English is an asset.

n 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.
• Designation of Duty Station: Sumy/Shostka
• Start date: May, 2026
• Level: I

 

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: 24 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. 

Apply Now