Protection Officer (Psycho-Social Support Officer)

Programme & Policy

Overview

Provide comprehensive psychosocial support services to individuals and communities affected by the war.

You have:

• At least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Complete higher education degree in psychology.
• Practical experience in providing PSS support, including both group and individual sessions.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange, Windows operating systems.
• Ukrainian language skills required.
• Good English language skills preferred.
• Familiarity with social work or case management or counselling is preferred but not required.
• Experience supervising staff is desirable.

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 Protection Officer (****Psycho-Social Support Officer)**** for its activities in Shostka. The position requires regular field visits and travel across Sumy region and Sumy city.

Overall purpose of the role:

Under the management of the the Psycho-Social Support Team Leader, the Protection Officer (Psycho-Social Support Officer) will provide comprehensive psychosocial support services to individuals and communities affected by the war. He/she will work closely with individuals, families and communities to assess their psychosocial support needs, provide appropriate assistance and facilitate recovery and resilience-building processes.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

• Facilitate PSS group sessions to promote mutual support, socialization and positive coping strategies.
• Conduct individual PSS sessions, providing personalized psychosocial support and guidance.
• Support the development of PSS curricula for different groups.
• Support the designing and delivery of psychoeducational awareness sessions (both content and materials) on psychosocial topics, including stress management and coping skills.
• Conduct community consultations on PSS needs and available mental health services.
• Collaborate with other service providers and make appropriate referrals and follow-up when needed.
• Proactively identify community spaces allowing for privacy for the organization of PSS activities.
• Foster community participation and engagement in psychosocial support activities, encouraging the active involvement of individuals, families and community stakeholders.
• Identify and support, including through awareness and capacity-building, local resources, such as community-based organizations or volunteers, to enhance the availability of community-based psychosocial support.
• Plan and participate in capacity-building sessions as needed and required, including on psychological first aid.
• Contribute in developing and continuously updating a service mapping system detailing available services and assistance in DRC’s areas of operation.
• Prepare regular reports on activities, achievements, challenges, and recommendations.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have at least 2 years of relevant experience. Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required

• University degree: complete higher education degree in psychology.
• Practical experience in providing PSS support, including both group and individual sessions.
• Comfortable in speaking about sensitive topics and working with people in distress
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with vulnerable individuals 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.

Desirable

• Good English language skills preferred.
• Familiarity with social work or case management or counselling etc. is preferred but not required.
• Experience supervising staff is desirable.

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.

We offer:

• Contract length: 3-month probation period, with the possibility of extension based on performance and available funding.
• Level: H, non-manager
• Designation of Duty Station: Shostka/Sumy
• Start date: June 2026

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: 03 May 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.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 3 months ago - Updated 2 months ago - Source: drc.ngo