Protection Team Leader

About the Position

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 employing over 800 staff in Ukraine and implementing emergency response in the Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (humanitarian mine action) sectors. DRC will continue and adapt its durable solutions portfolio to the evolving context.

DRC is currently looking for a Protection Team Leader in Shostka, Sumy Region.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Protection Manager, ensure the effective management of the Protection team in Shostka including organizing, coordinating, and overseeing protection processes (social, legal, psychological, and other forms of assistance), coordinating referral mechanisms, and conducting monitoring and evaluation of service quality.

Ensure team capacity development through effective staff management, and participation in recruitment and performance evaluation processes. Coordinate collaboration with other organizations and stakeholders to ensure comprehensive, well-coordinated, and efficient service delivery, and to strengthen the protection system for vulnerable populations.

• Manage and oversee the protection team in Shostka, facilitating team meetings, ensuring performance evaluations, and participating in the recruitment of protection staff.
• Develop work plans for project activities and track their implementation in line with project objectives and indicators.
• Monitor project expenditures in line with the budget and provide timely feedback on budget performance.
• Plan and coordinate project logistics and team movement plans, and initiate procurement of project materials.
• Participate in coordination meetings and represent DRC at relevant forums; build and maintain effective working relationships with partner organizations, community focal points, and service providers.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting to donors and internal DRC stakeholders and maintain and update program documentation.
• Contribute to the development of funding proposals for new projects and provide field-related inputs.

Requirements

Required

• Education: Higher education in social sciences, law, psychology, or related fields.
• Expertise: Deep understanding of protection risks and their application in the local context.
• Knowledge & Application: Strong understanding and practical application of humanitarian principles and protection standards.
• Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work with vulnerable populations.
• Languages: Ukrainian – fluent; English – sufficient for professional communication.
• Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Desirable

• Experience in personnel management.
• Experience in protection or humanitarian response, preferably within international organizations.
• Experience coordinating with national and international partners, including handling referrals and participating in inter-agency mechanisms.

We Offer

• Contract length: Fixed-term contract following successful completion of a 3-month probationary period.
• Band: G-management
• Designation of Duty Station: Shostka, Sumy region.
• Start date: As soon as possible
• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees on national contracts; starting from EUR 2373 gross per month (depending on experience and qualifications).

About the Company

Founded in 1956, Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is Denmark’s largest, and a leading international NGO. We have continuously been ranked as one of the best NGOs in the world - and are one of the few with a specific expertise in forced displacement. In over 30 countries, we protect, advocate and build sustainable futures for refugees and other displacement-affected people and communities.

By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of over 6,000 employees. 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 to 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.

Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer and we consider all applicants based on individual merit and qualifications, regardless of personal characteristics or attributes. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce, aiming for a 50% balance of men and women in management roles and ensuring that at least 50% of management roles are filled by national staff. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is crucial for achieving our organizational goals and making a positive impact on the communities we serve.

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: July 24th, 2026

We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible, interviews might be conducted on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to select a candidate before the vacancy close date once a suitable candidate has been identified.

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