Poland: Protection Assistant (Child Engagement & Child Friendly Space Facilitator)

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading protection agency whose mandate is to promote and protect durable solutions to conflict and displacement-affected populations on the basis of humanitarian principles and human rights. DRC is implementing a multi-sector response to support Ukraine refugees, IDPs, and host populations both within Ukraine and in the neighboring countries of Poland, Romania and Moldova, and wider Europe. DRC has been operating in Ukraine since 2014, following previous operations in the 1990’s and between 2007-2013. Over the years, DRC successfully maintained its presence in the government-controlled areas (GCA) and adapted its programs to provide early recovery and durable solutions to people affected by the conflict including IDPs and communities living along the contact line, as well as reduce the threats of explosive ordnance with a growing humanitarian mine action program.

Due to the ongoing conflict that began on Feb 22, DRC opened offices in Poland, Moldova and Romania to provide support to displaced populations through a partnership with civil society organizations and national NGOs, duty bearers, and other actors. DRC continues to implement in these three countries through partnerships, technical assistance and capacity exchange, and direct implementation in some cases.

DRC Poland will be responsible for the management of several Blue Dots together with UNICEF with the support of UNHCR in Przemysl and at the border. DRC will also deliver protection services through mobile outreach activities in Przemysl and the surroundings.

About the Job: 

Reporting to the Protection Team Leader, the Protection Assistant’s primary function will be to ensure quality implementation of Child-Friendly Space (CFS) activities and other children engagement activities as per the needs (including non-formal education, PSS activities). The Protection Assistant will work in close collaboration with the Child Protection Officer, Protection Team Leader, Child Protection Specialist, Protection Manager, and other actors in the field. The Protection Assistant will be responsible for the following;

• Supervise and support children's activities undertaken through mobile outreach.
• Conduct observation-based assessments of the children to identify protection concerns and children at heightened risk.
• Design and deliver varied, creative, non-formal education and psychosocial support activities for children through mobile activities including but not limited to the development of weekly and/or monthly activity plans, adapting activity plans to the needs and constraints of the target group; and ensuring any risks or constraints are considered in the planning and delivery of activities.
• Design activities taking children’s ages, genders, and disabilities into account.
• Deliver activities in a safe, inclusive, and participatory manner always keeping the children’s best interests in mind.
• Ensure that children attending activities feel comfortable, heard, safe and respected.
• In communication with Protection Team Leader and Child Protection Officer, ensure that they are informed of any child protection concerns.
• Support community events and awareness-raising activities conducted by the protection team.
• Submit. written and statistic reports in a timely manner.
• Support the protection team with other relevant tasks upon request.

About You: 

To be successful in this role we expect you to have a minimum of 1 year of demonstrated, strong experience working with vulnerable children, ideally in refugee/displacement programs, with a focus on delivering child protection and non-formal education activities. Moreover, we expect the following:

• A University degree related to pedagogy, education, social work, or a related field.
• Understanding pf the needs of Unaccompanied and Separated Children.
• Ability to work in a multicultural context as a flexible and respectful team player.
• Problem-solving, analytical, and writing skills, with the ability to produce reports for internal and external use.
• Computer literacy (Microsoft Word and Excel).
• Fluency in Ukrainian and Russian and a good command of Polish and English.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s 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: until 31.12.2023

Band: I

Base salary range: from PLN 7,505 to PLN 9,585 gross per month, based on experience.

Duty station: Przemysl

Start date: Asap

We offer a competitive salary and benefits in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national staff.

How to Apply: 

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered. Please use the link below to submit your application: https://candidate.hr-manager.net/ApplicationInit.aspx?cid=1036&ProjectId=167178&DepartmentId=19132&MediaId=5

All applicants must already have the legal right to live and work in Poland without visa sponsorship or be EU/EFTA/Ukrainian citizens.

Closing date for applications: February 23rd, 2023

Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted on a rolling basis, and we, therefore, encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo