Assistant Protection Cluster Coordination Officer (National Expert), UNHCR Odesa

NORCAP works to improve aid to better protect and empower people affected by crisis and climate change. We do this by providing expertise and solutions to humanitarian, development and peacebuilding partners, because we believe working together is the best way to reduce needs, risks and vulnerability over time. We seek and promote more effective ways of working at the global level and in the field. NORCAP’s aim is not only to reduce needs, but also to create choice and opportunity for vulnerable people. NORCAP works with and through our partners to improve aid in two complementary ways:

• We provide targeted expertise to strengthen our partners’ response.
• We collaborate with partners to develop solutions to un-met gaps and challenges.

This role supports NORCAP’s commitment to strengthening protection outcomes through coordinated, evidence-based humanitarian action and meaningful engagement with local actors.

Our partner, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UMHCR), leads the Protection Cluster in Ukraine, working closely with national authorities, local organisations, civil society, and humanitarian partners to coordinate protection assistance for internally displaced people and other crisis-affected communities. The Protection Cluster is focused on supporting people affected by displacement, evacuations, protection risks, and barriers to accessing services, particularly in frontline and conflict-affected areas. 

The Role

The Assistant Protection Cluster Coordination Officer plays a key role in strengthening protection analysis, coordination, and community-based responses across southern Ukraine. Working with protection partners, local authorities, and community actors, you will help generate evidence-based analysis, monitor displacement trends, support protection coordination efforts, and strengthen local capacity to address protection risks. Success in this role means improved understanding of population movements and protection needs, stronger local protection mechanisms, and more informed humanitarian decision-making. 

Location: Odesa, Ukraine, with frequent travel to other regions, particularly southern Ukraine.
Duration: 6 months.
Reporting line: Reports to the Protection Cluster Coordinator. 

• Support protection monitoring, analysis, and reporting to enable timely and evidence-based humanitarian decision-making.
• Provide technical support to protection partners and community-based organisations on data collection related to protection monitoring, displacement, evacuations, and population movements.
• Build and maintain relationships with local authorities, national organisations, civil society actors, and community groups to strengthen protection responses.
• Analyse protection and displacement data to identify emerging risks, protection gaps, trends, and opportunities for response and advocacy.
• Support data management activities, including assessments, surveys, profiling exercises, data visualisation, mapping, and information analysis.
• Monitor legal, policy, and operational developments affecting the protection environment and provide actionable analysis to partners.
• Support implementation of protection principles, standard operating procedures, guidance, and referral pathways to strengthen protection-centred responses.
• Contribute to capacity strengthening initiatives for local partners and support effective implementation of the 2026 Protection Response Plan. 

To excel in this role, candidates should possess the following qualifications and skills:

• 3-5 years of experience in the humanitarian sector, including significant experience in protection operations, protection monitoring, community-based protection, or protection coordination within national or international organisations.
• Experience working in humanitarian emergencies or conflict-induced displacement contexts, including an understanding of displacement dynamics, population movements, and inter-sectoral coordination.
• Proven experience in data management, analysis, and the use of evidence to inform programming, operational decision-making, advocacy, and policy development.
• Experience delivering training, mentoring, and capacity-building support to diverse teams and local partners, including community-based organisations and volunteer groups.
• A university degree in political science, social sciences, international studies, or another relevant field. Fluency in English and Ukrainian is required; Russian is an advantage.
• Please read  the terms of reference : Assistant Protection Cluster Coordinat.docx for more details before applying. 

What We Offer

In recognition of your expertise and contributions, we provide the following benefits and opportunities:

• Rewarding work for a renowned global organisation
• Access to a network of humanitarian, peace, and development professionals
• A dedicated Staff Care Unit
• Eligible for consideration for NORCAP membership and future assignments, subject to a successful performance review.

How to Apply

Based on what you have read so far, do you think you could be a good fit? If so, please follow these steps and apply!

• When submitting your application, kindly register in English your full employment history and education. Please include your full name as written in your passport. Uploaded CVs alone will not be reviewed.
• NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates.
• Approved Health Certificate will be required prior to contract commencement and assignment.
• Feedback will be given to all applicants within four weeks after the closing of this advertisement.
• Apply before 26^th October 2026, 11:45 PM (Oslo time).

We look forward to receiving your application!

Our Values & Commitment

NORCAP is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).

All NRC employees are expected to act in accordance with the organisation’s values.

Being dedicated, innovative, inclusive, and accountable are behaviours and beliefs that guide how we work and how we build relationships. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, empowered, supported, and a genuine sense of belonging.

NORCAP values diversity, equity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our ability to respond effectively to the needs of people affected by crisis.

NRC has a zero-tolerance stance toward any form of exploitation or abuse, including sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH), and we do not tolerate inaction when concerns arise.

All offers are subject to reference and background checks conducted in line with our safeguarding standards, and NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates.

• treat everyone with respect and dignity 
• contribute to building a safe environment for all 
• never engage in any form of exploitation, harassment and specifically sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment (SEAH) 
• always report. NRC has a zero-tolerance approach to inaction against exploitation, abuse and SEAH

At NORCAP, we work to better protect and empower people affected by crises and climate change. With expertise in the humanitarian, development and peacebuilding sectors, we collaborate with local, national and international partners on finding solutions to meet the needs of people at risk. NORCAP is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council.