Protection Team Leader

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 Team Leader in  Shostka , Sumy Region.

About the job

Under the supervision of the Protection Manager, ensure the effective management of Protection team in Shostka including organizing, coordinating and overseeing protection processes (social, legal, psycological 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.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

• Manage and oversee protection team in Shostka, facilitating team meetings, ensuring performance evaluations, and participate 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.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have at least 2 years of professional experience in the field of humanitarian interventions, social work, human rights or equivalent work experience . For effective performance in this position, you should be an experienced specialist in protection, with a deep understanding of humanitarian and protection principles and demonstrate the ability to effectively plan and coordinate activities in complex humanitarian contexts, ensure high-quality and accountable program implementation, and support team development. Moreover, we also expect the following:

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.

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: 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).

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: 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 candidate before the vacancy close date once a suitable candidate has been identified.