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 400 staff in Ukraine and will continue significant scale-up in 2023 to implement 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 (Case Management) for its activities in Sumy.

This position will be supervised by the Protection Officer and line managed by the Protection Team Leader.

Overall purpose of the role:

Under the supervision of the Protection Officer, the Protection Assistant will implement protection case management activities with vulnerable individuals. Case management is a structured form of support focused supporting vulnerable individuals in need of assistance with emotional support and supporting them to access services and information. He/she will work closely with communities, civil society organizations (CSOs), and government services, conduct service mapping, and share information about services available. She/He will be based in DRC Sumy office, with field activities in Sumy and Sumy oblasts.

Candidates without a background working with vulnerable groups or in case management, but who have an interest in the area are encouraged to apply as on the job training will be provided.

Main responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Protection Officer, the Protection Assistant will:

• Provide case management services to vulnerable individuals, including completing assessments of the client’s needs, developing action plans, sharing information and referring them to other service providers, and carrying out follow up with the client.
• Complete and ensure the safe storage of documents for the case management activities, including referral forms and consent forms.
• Refer clients to other service providers when needed, including health, legal, shelter services, and support clients to advocate for their needs with other services.
• Accompany the client to facilitate their access to services when required.
• Participate in case conference meetings with representatives from other services when needed.
• Provide cash or in-kind assistance to vulnerable individuals to reduce their protection risks.
• Carry out service mapping to identify the available services in the community. Build and maintain relationships with relevant governmental and non-governmental service providers to support safe referrals.
• Carry out awareness raising sessions with stakeholders to share information about case management services being provided by DRC and other protection information topics.
• Coordinate with other departments in DRC to facilitate referrals and information sharing.
• Any other duties as may be assigned by the Protection Team Leader and/or Protection Manager, relevant to the achievement of protection objectives.

Required experience and competencies:

• Candidates without a background working with vulnerable groups or case management but an interest in the area, are encouraged to apply as on the job training will be provided.
• Comfortable in speaking about sensitive topics and working with people in distress.
• Familiarity with social work or case management or counselling etc. is preferred but not required.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with vulnerable individuals, staff members, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent 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 ethics.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange, Windows operating systems.
• Ukrainian language skills required.
• English language skills are preferred but not required.

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

Required education:
Completion of secondary school, or relevant level of experience required. University study preferred.

We offer:

• Contract length: 3-month probation period with possible extension
• Level: I
• Designation of Duty Station: Sumy. Full time presence in Sumy is required.
• Start date: As soon as possible.
• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national staff.

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: 03September 2023.

We reserve the right to conduct further interviews before the deadline for submission of applications

DRC as an employer
By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of around 8000 employees in 40 countries. 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.

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/about-us/job-and-career/support-for-job-seekers.

Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At DRC we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply!