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 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 Officer for its activities in Chernihiv.

This position will report to the Protection Team Leader.

Overall purpose of the role:

Under the management of the Protection Team Leader, the Protection Officer is responsible for coordinating and leading the implementation of quality protection monitoring activities, the delivery of information sessions and key messaging, the identification of and support to individuals at risk as well as community-based protection activities. S/he will work closely with communities, civil society organizations (CSOs), and government services to identify vulnerable individuals in need of support, conduct service mapping, and share information about services available. S/he will be based in Chernihiv DRC office, with field activities in Chernihiv oblasts.

Main responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Protection Team Leader, the Protection Officer will:

• Lead the planning and implementation of programme activities related to protection monitoring activities. To this end, support the Protection Team Leader in producing and updating monthly workplans.
• Support in developing protection monitoring tools and monthly plans, in collaboration with the Protection Team Leader and the Protection Manager.
• 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.
• Identify and communicate with TL and Manager on protection risks and monitoring needs in designated areas. Ensure to collect both quantitative and qualitative information and data, through using the different protection monitoring tools.
• Coordinate with Information Management colleagues and take active part in the analysis of the collected information and data.
• Organize outreach activities, including dissemination of key messages, design and distribution of IEC materials, and conduction of information sessions, tailored to needs identified through protection monitoring
• Hold regular meetings with community-based groups/networks and assist in the development of ‘community action plans’ to address protection concerns. Build the capacity of local actors and key community members on key topics, such as protection mainstreaming and safe referrals.
• Contribute to the quality of DRC’s community-based approach by effectively identifying and coordinating with community stakeholders, key informants and community members.
• Mobilize and build strong rapport with communities through consistent engagement with community-based structures and adhering to dignified, culturally sensitive approaches. Support community-based structures by facilitating meaningful group dialogue and mentoring participants to self-identify protection concerns that affect their communities.
• Supervise the Protection Assistant(s) and ensure the quality of the activities.
• Coordinate with other departments in DRC to facilitate referrals and information sharing.
• Contribute to and provide field-related inputs for proposals for funding for new projects.
• Provide regular reports to the Protection Team Leader and/or Protection Manager.
• 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 social work 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 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.
• Experience supervising staff is desirable.
• 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.
• Good English language skills preferred.
• Ukrainian language skills 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: 1 year
Level: H
Designation of Duty Station: Chernihiv
Start date: As soon as possible.

The application is open for Ukrainian citizens or those with the existing right to work in Ukraine. 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: recruitment will be on rolling basis.

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!