Child Protection Specialist (ABA Consortium) in Danish Refugee Council / Danska Rada u spravah bizhenciv v Ukrayini

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC)is a leading international humanitarian organization whose main goal is to protect, support and promote long-term solutions for the population affected by displacement.

The DRC has existed in Ukraine since 2014. At the moment, DRB has more than 800 employees working on the territory of Ukraine to implement emergency response in the sectors of social and legal protection, livelihoods, housing restoration and humanitarian disarmament and peacebuilding (humanitarian demining), providing direct support to responsible persons and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as well as their partners. DRB will continue to develop long-term solutions, adapting them to the changing situation.

Currently, DRB is looking for a highly qualified Leading specialist of the program of the Consortium for territorial distribution of resources on issues of child rights protection, which is implemented in the Kherson region (place of work - Mykolaiv). The place of work can be in Kyiv or Mykolaiv, depending on the place of residence of the selected candidate.

General purpose of the role

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Protection and in close coordination with other program colleagues, the Lead Specialist will provide technical guidance, provide expert advice and supervise the implementation of child protection programs. This role involves ensuring the quality implementation of programs, compliance with minimum standards and constant technical monitoring of projects aimed at protecting children.

The lead specialist will work closely with partners from civil society organizations (CSOs) implementing child protection measures, including conducting case management, creating and managing Child Friendly Spaces, as well as providing psychosocial support to children and their guardians. The position also involves providing technical support and strengthening the capacity of partners to ensure compliance with the Minimum Standards for the Protection of Children in Humanitarian Action and national legislation.

In addition, the Lead Specialist will support the mainstreaming of child protection principles in non-protection sectors and among partners, ensuring the implementation of child safety principles, safe case detection and referral mechanisms, and risk reduction measures in all program areas. 

Your main job responsibilities will be:

Grants Management and Technical Compliance

• Participate in the technical review of defense project proposals and budgets, ensuring compliance of proposed activities with defense guidelines and technical standards.
 • Review logic matrices and partner monitoring tools to ensure compliance with guidelines and technical standards in the field of defense.

Project implementation control

• Assess the capabilities of partners in the field of defense and develop plans for the development of their competencies.
• Based on current and planned projectsm partners, as well as their mandates and strategies, identify key areas where partners need guidance and support to meet national and global standards.
• Provide capacity development, including training and mentoring, to civil society organizations (CSOs) implementing child protection activities.
• Ensure that partners' work plans meet technical child protection standards.
• Conduct technical monitoring visits and regular meetings with partners implementing child protection interventions.
• Support partners from non-protection sectors in mainstreaming child protection.
• Engage regularly with partners on current challenges, achievements and lessons learned, to provide appropriate support and help them implement programs successfully.

Representation and external coordination

• Coordinate activities with protection colleagues and other consortium members to ensure alignment of practices and processes.
 • Coordinate work with other technical protection specialists, including legal aid, gender-based violence and psychosocial support specialists, to develop training packages and protection partnership tools.
• Coordinate activities with the Child Protection Accountability Sector as needed. 

About you:

To be successful in this role, we expect you to be a leader with experience in program management and working with multiple stakeholders, preferably in a complex humanitarian environment. You know how to lead teams, establish cooperation between partners and ensure compliance with donor requirements. It is also important to have experience supporting and building the capacity of local partners through mentoring, technical assistance or support to ensure that programs are effective and sustainable. In addition, we also expect the following from you:

Required

• Minimum 3 years of experience working in child protection programs.
• Bachelor's degree in international relations, social work, law or other related field.
• Knowledge and practical experience of implementing child protection programs, including case management, supporting unaccompanied and separated children, organizing child-friendly spaces and providing mental and psychosocial support to children and their guardians.
• Proven experience in participating in child protection programs through local partners or in remote management.
• Experience with the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS+).
• Proven experience in capacity building and training of local protection partners children.
• Confident use of a computer, including Microsoft Office packages.
• Fluent English for professional communication.

Desirable

• Knowledge and experience in the preparation of project proposals in the field of child protection.
• Knowledge of monitoring, evaluation, accountability and training requirements for child protection programs. 

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  All DRB positions require incumbents to possess key competencies identified by DRB:

  • Strive for excellence: Focus on achieving results while ensuring process efficiency.
  • Collaboration: Engaging relevant parties and encouraging them to provide feedback communication.
  • Initiative:Personal control of the situation and taking initiative, with a simultaneous desire for innovation.
  • Communication: Ability to listen and speak effectively and honestly.
  • Integrity: Adherence to and promotion of the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior in relation to the values and Code of Conduct of DRB, including protection from sexual exploitation, violence and harassment.  

  We offer:

  • Contract:Three-month trial period with a possible extension of 11 months after successful completion of the trial period.
  • Position level:G1- non-managerial. 
  • Place of work:Mykolaiv or Kyiv,depending on the place of residence of the selected candidate. 
  • Start date:as soon as possible. 

  Salaries and conditions in accordance with the Terms and Conditions of employment of national staff of the Danish Refugee Council in Ukraine. 

  Application process: 

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

  Applications sent by email will not be considered. 

  Click here to respond 

  Application deadline: March 12, 2026  

  Please note that the selection of candidates will be made on a rolling basis. DRB reserves the right to select a candidate before the vacancy closing date once a suitable candidate has been identified.

  The Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants for employment are considered without regard to race, age, ability, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or any other factor. At DRB, we celebrate diversity and value our employees for who they are and their unique skills, experience and perspective. We invite all interested candidates to apply!