Protection Assistant - PSS

Programme & Policy

Overview

Provide psychosocial support services within the mandate of DRC protection services.

You have:

• Relevant professional experience of minimum 2 years, with at least 1 year of demonstrated experience working with people in distress.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, behavioral sciences
• Fluent written and spoken Arabic
• Working knowledge of English desirable
• Strong understanding of humanitarian programming with emphasis on protection and psychosocial support services.
• Advanced communication skills with individuals in crisis, experiencing trauma and other conflict-induced stresses.
• Ability to work well in teams and promote teamwork, comfortable in a multi-cultural environment, ability to handle pressure well.
• Demonstrated experience using MS Office (Word, Excel).

Contract

This is a DRC - National contract. More about DRC - National contracts.

Who are we?

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

DRC Syria

DRC has been actively operating in Syria since 2008 mainly supporting refugees. In June 2012, DRC was authorized by the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to expand its humanitarian efforts and provide assistance to IDPs and the vulnerable resident population countrywide. Since then, DRC activities have been focused on NFI distributions, Shelter, WASH, Protection, Education, Livelihoods and Mine Risk Education in six Governorates (Damascus, Rural Damascus, Dara'a, Aleppo, Hama, and Homs). While Protection/community service activities are provided to beneficiaries throughout our six Community Centers.

Overall purpose of the role:

Under direct line management of Protection Team Leader, Protection Assistant (PSS Facilitator) is responsible for providing psychosocial support services within the mandate of DRC protection services, and based on the PSS unit plan, including counselling, sustained and structured PSS, unstructured PSS (workshops and awareness sessions) using a targeted approach based on established vulnerability criteria.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure effective, appropriate and safe implementation of all assigned PSS activities in designated area of duty under the supervision of technical guidance from the Protection Team Leader.
• Adhere to DRC SOPs for PSS services to ensure high-quality service provision.
• Contribute to service mapping of other humanitarian actors in the area for effective and safe referrals.
• Provide regular accurate and timely reports on activities, as assigned by line manager.
• Uphold data management and privacy policies by ensuring the correct collection and storage of beneficiary data and maintaining the highest standards of data protection and confidentiality.
• Carry out other relevant tasks as assigned by the line manager.
• Conduct duties in accordance DRC Code of Conduct and DRC Syria Safety procedures.

Experience and technical competencies:

• Relevant professional experience of minimum 2 years, with at least 1 year of demonstrated experience working with people in distress.
• Advanced communication skills with individuals in crisis, experiencing trauma and other conflict-induced stresses.
• Strong understanding of humanitarian programming with emphasis on protection and psychosocial support services.
• Strong ability to organize work, meet deadlines, prioritize work under pressure, multitasking and maintain attention to details.
• Good interpersonal and problem-solving skills, creativity and flexibility.
• Ability to work well in teams and promote teamwork, comfortable in a multi-cultural environment, ability to handle pressure well.
• Demonstrated experience using MS Office (Word, Excel).

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, behavioral sciences

Languages:

• Fluent written and spoken Arabic
• Working knowledge of English desirable

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 act in line with our vision and values.

We offer:

Contract length: 10 months

Level: Non-Management – I2

Location: Rural Damascus - Syria

Expected Start date: As soon as possible

Application process:

Interested? Then apply for this position here: Protection Assistant - PSS - Application Form

All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV-only applications will not be considered.

Applications close: 23 June 2025

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to conduct tests and interviews before the closing date and can close the advertisement earlier in case of finding a suitable candidate.

**Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply**

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 11 months ago - Source: drc.ngo