Protection Assistant (Psycho-Social Support Assistant)

Provide psychosocial support to individuals and communities affected by conflict.

This opening expired 25 days ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

DRC - Danish Refugee Council

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Application deadline 25 days ago: Sunday 17 May 2026 at 21:59 UTC

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Overview

Provide psychosocial support to individuals and communities affected by conflict.

You have:

  • At least 1 year of experience in psychology or social work
  • Higher education in psychology or social work
  • Ability to discuss sensitive topics and work with people affected by conflict
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, Teams, Outlook/Exchange, and Windows operating systems
  • Proficiency in Ukrainian
  • Good command of English – both oral and written

Contract

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

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 highly qualified Protection Assistant (Psycho-Social Support Assistant) to join our team in Dnipro.

About the job

The Protection Assistant (Psycho-Social Support Assistant) is part of the DRC Protection Team and works under the management, guidance and supervision of DRC’s Protection Team Leader and Protection Manager. The Protection Assistant (Psycho-Social Support Assistant will provide psychosocial support to targeted individuals and communities. He/She will work closely with individuals, families, and communities to address their emotional, social, and mental health needs, and to support recovery processes and the development of resilience. This position is based in Dnipro with regular travel to field locations.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

  • Conduct group psychosocial support sessions to promote peer support, socialization, and coping strategies.
  • Support the development and delivery of psychoeducational sessions (including both content and materials) on psychosocial topics such as stress management, available mental health services, and coping skills.
  • Collaborate with other service providers, such as healthcare and social workers, and make appropriate referrals and follow-ups as needed.
  • Facilitate community participation and engagement in psychosocial support activities by encouraging the active involvement of individuals, families, and community stakeholders.
  • Identify and support local resources, including through awareness-raising and capacity-building of community-based organizations or volunteers, to enhance access to psychosocial support at the community level.
  • Participate in capacity-building sessions as requested.
  • Contribute to the development and regular updating of a service mapping system with detailed information on available services and assistance in DRC areas of operation.

About you

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

Required

  • Higher education in psychology or social work.
  • Ability to discuss sensitive topics and work with people affected by conflict.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to effectively engage with vulnerable individuals, staff, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities.
  • High professional ethics and a solid understanding of confidentiality and ethical standards.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, Teams, Outlook/Exchange, and Windows operating systems.
  • Proficiency in Ukrainian.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of social work, case management, counselling, or related fields.
  • Commitment to learning and implementing organizational policies and procedures.
  • High professional ethics.
  • Good command of English – both oral and written.

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: 7 months-contract with the possibility of extension depending on performance and availability of funding after successful completion of a 3-month probationary period.
  • Band: I - non managerial
  • Designation of Duty Station: Dnipro (with regular travel to field locations.)
  • Start date: June 2026

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national employees.

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English.

A****pplications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: May 17th, 2026

Potential interview questions

Describe an experience where you provided support to someone in distress. How did you approach the situation? The interviewer is assessing your problem-solving skills and ability to handle sensitive situations. Share a specific instance, detailing the steps you took to assist the individual.
Can you give an example of how you have collaborated with other professionals to improve a client's wellbeing? This question evaluates your teamwork and collaboration capabilities. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure confidentiality and ethical standards when dealing with vulnerable populations? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you use to engage community members in psychosocial support activities? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Tell us about a time you had to prioritize multiple responsibilities. How did you do it? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you handle a situation where a client refuses help? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What is your experience with psychoeducational sessions? How do you prepare for one? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe your understanding of the psychosocial needs of individuals affected by conflict. What are some common challenges they face? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 month ago - Updated 25 days ago - Source: drc.ngo