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 (Legal Aid Team leader) to ensure provision of legal assistance to vulnerable populations to join its team in Sumy, Sumy region (with regular field visits and business trips to Shostka district).

About the job

Under the supervision of the Protection Manager, the Protection Team Leader (Legal Aid Team Leader) ensures the effective management of legal aid activities aimed at supporting conflict-affected populations. The role involves organizing and supervising the work of the legal team, planning and coordinating project activities, and ensuring the quality and compliance of legal services with humanitarian standards. The Protection Team Leader (Legal Aid Team Leader) also contributes to staff capacity development, coordination with partners and stakeholders, and strengthening access to legal assistance and protection of the rights of people in need.

Your main responsibilities in this role will be:

• Lead and coordinate the work of the legal aid team, including planning activities, assigning tasks, monitoring performance, and supporting staff capacity development.
• Ensure the provision of quality legal assistance services to conflict-affected populations in line with DRC policies, humanitarian standards, and protection principles.
• Plan and coordinate project activities, including mobile legal outreach and awareness-raising initiatives.
• Ensure timely and effective implementation of project activities in accordance with work plans, indicators, and project budgets.
• Coordinate with local authorities, partners, service providers, and other stakeholders to strengthen access to legal assistance.
• Participate in coordination meetings and represent the organization in relevant coordination platforms and working groups.
• Maintain up-to-date service mapping and support the effective functioning of referral mechanisms.
• Identify systemic legal issues affecting affected populations and contribute to advocacy efforts aimed at improving access to rights and services.
• Ensure timely and accurate program reporting and maintain up-to-date project documentation.
• Contribute to needs assessments, program development, and preparation of proposals for new funding opportunities.

About you

To be successful in this role, we expect you to have minimum 3 years of professional legal experience and be an experienced specialist in providing legal aid with a strong understanding of protection principles and humanitarian standards. You should demonstrate the ability to effectively manage and support the development of team members through mentoring, plan and coordinate activities in complex humanitarian contexts, and ensure the delivery of high-quality and accountable legal services. You should also demonstrate the ability to build constructive collaboration with partners, authorities, and other relevant stakeholders. Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required

• Education: University degree in Law.
• Strong understanding of protection principles, humanitarian standards, and legal issues affecting conflict-affected populations.
• Experience in planning and coordinating program activities or delivering legal assistance.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work with vulnerable populations.
• Languages: Fluency in Ukrainian, working proficiency in English - sufficient for professional communication. (written and spoken).
• Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Desirable

• Experience in humanitarian response or working with international non-governmental organizations.
• Experience coordinating with local authorities, civil society organizations and service providers.
• At least 1 year of experience in team management or staff supervision.
• Experience with inter-agency coordination, referral mechanisms, or service mapping.
• Experience in preparing advocacy materials or contributing to advocacy initiatives.

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
• Duty Station: Sumy
• Start date: As soon as possible

Salary and conditions are in accordance with the Terms of Employment for National Staff of the Danish Refugee Council in Ukraine.

Application Process:

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

Applications submitted via email will not be considered.

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: May 15th, 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.