Protection 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 in Shostka. The position requires regular field visits and travel across Sumy region and Sumy city.

About the job

Under the supervision of the Protection Team Leader, the Protection Officer will be responsible for ensuring effective planning, coordination, and implementation of activities in the field of social and legal protection. This includes supporting monitoring processes, developing relevant tools and work plans, as well as establishing and maintaining collaboration with local authorities and partners to enhance the quality and accessibility of protection services in Sumy Oblast.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

• Lead the planning and implementation of program activities related to protection monitoring.
• Support the development of protection monitoring tools and monthly work plans.
• Establish and maintain coordination with local authorities, as well as local and international non-governmental organizations.
• Ensure and directly carry out service mapping to identify available services within communities.
• Ensure and conduct needs monitoring (through collection of quantitative and qualitative data), identify protection risks, and actively participate in the analysis of collected information and data
• Provide Case Management services to vulnerable population groups.
• Refer clients to other service providers as needed, and support clients in advocating for their needs with relevant services.
• Ensure the organization and delivery of targeted individual assistance to persons affected by explosive remnants of war, aiming to improve their socio-economic situation.
• Support the organization and delivery of inclusion and capacity-building trainings, taking into account age, gender, disability, and other protection-related needs for relevant target groups.
• Organize and conduct awareness-raising activities, including the distribution of informational materials and the delivery of information sessions.
• Ensure regular field presence in Sumy to facilitate implementation, coordination, and collaboration with other sectors and partners.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have at least 1 year of relevant experience. Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in social work, sociology or a related field.
• Work experience: At least 1 year of experience in social work, sociological researches or in a similar position (preferably within NGOs or INGOs).
• Language skills: Ukrainian – fluent; English – basic verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Interpersonal and communication skills: Excellent ability to work effectively with vulnerable individuals, colleagues, and stakeholders with diverse backgrounds.
• Sensitivity and professionalism: Ability to discuss delicate topics and work with people in difficult circumstances.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and prioritize tasks efficiently.

Desirable

• Experience working with internally displaced persons (IDPs) and populations affected by conflict.
• Experience in collecting quantitative and qualitative data and contributing to analytical reports.
• Experience in planning, organizing, and facilitating qualitative data collection activities, including key informant interviews and focus group discussions.

 

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: Shostka

Start date: May 12, 2026

 

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national contracts; 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: April 24, 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 suitable candidate has been identified.

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