Protection Assistant (PSS)

Who are we?

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunities for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home. 

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

DRC Syria

DRC has been operating in Syria since 2008, initially responding to the Iraqi refugee crisis before pivoting to a full-scale response to the Syria crisis from 2011 onwards. Our work encompasses the full cycle of displacement—responding to life-saving humanitarian needs and supporting community recovery until durable solutions can be achieved. DRC Syria takes an area-based approach to supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities across our key sectors: Economic Recovery and Resilience, Protection, WASH, Shelter and Infrastructure, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (including Humanitarian Mine Action).

With an established rapid response mechanism, DRC can rapidly respond to emerging crises and shocks to meet acute emergency needs. Recognizing the significant need for early recovery and resilience programming to ensure dignified, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions for fragile communities, DRC’s programmes foster resilience for individuals and communities in situations of protracted displacement and during the initial stages of post-conflict recovery, towards a durable solution of their choice. With active portfolios in the neighboring countries of Jordan, Lebanon, Türkiye and Iraq, DRC offers a cross-border, regional response to the Syria crisis, through cross-border protection monitoring, advocacy, and trends analysis.

About the job

The Protection Assistant (PSS) is responsible - Under the direct supervision of the Protection Team Leader-for the effective delivery of psychosocial support (PSS) services in line with DRC’s protection mandate, principles, and programme objectives. The role focuses on promoting psychosocial well-being, resilience, and coping mechanisms of individuals and communities affected by conflict and displacement. The PSS Facilitator contributes to the implementation of the PSS workplan plan through the design and facilitation of structured and sustained PSS activities, individual and group counselling, and unstructured PSS sessions, such as awareness-raising and psychoeducational workshops. Activities are implemented using a targeted and evidence-based approach, guided by established vulnerability criteria, age, gender, and diversity (AGD) considerations, and community-based protection principles. The role requires close coordination with other protection and sectoral teams to ensure holistic support, timely referrals, and the integration of psychosocial components into broader protection interventions. The PSS Assistant also contributes to data collection, reporting, and continuous learning processes to strengthen the quality, accountability, and impact of DRC’s psychosocial support services.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure the effective, safe, and appropriate implementation of all assigned psychosocial support activities within the area of responsibility, including individual and group counselling sessions, structured PSS interventions, and community-based psychosocial initiatives. Activities should be implemented in accordance with DRC’s PSS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and under the technical supervision of the Protection Team Leader.
• Adhere to professional standards and DRC’s PSS guidelines to ensure the provision of high-quality, needs-based, and context-appropriate psychosocial support services. Apply a survivor-centred, age, gender, and diversity (AGD)-sensitive approach throughout service delivery.
• Facilitate unstructured PSS sessions such as awareness-raising, psychoeducation, and community workshops aimed at strengthening resilience, coping mechanisms, and social cohesion within target communities.
• Contribute to regular mapping of available protection and psychosocial services in the area of operation. Maintain updated referral pathways and ensure safe, confidential, and timely referrals of individuals with specific needs to appropriate internal and external service providers.
• Coordinate with other DRC protection teams (legal, case management, protection monitoring, etc.) and external actors to ensure holistic and integrated support for individuals and communities.
• Provide regular, accurate, and timely reports on activities, achievements, challenges, and emerging trends, as requested by the line manager. Support data collection, feedback mechanisms, and lessons learned processes to enhance programme quality and impact.
• Uphold DRC’s data protection and confidentiality policies by ensuring that beneficiary information is collected, stored, and managed securely, and that confidentiality is maintained at all times.
• Perform all duties in strict compliance with DRC’s Code of Conduct, protection principles, and safety and security procedures.
• Undertake any other relevant tasks assigned by the line manager to support DRC’s protection and PSS objectives

Experience and technical competencies:

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience, including at least 1 year of direct experience working with individuals and communities affected by conflict, displacement, or crisis, preferably in psychosocial support or protection programming.
• Demonstrated skills in communicating effectively with individuals in distress, including those experiencing trauma, loss, or other conflict-related psychosocial challenges, with empathy and professionalism.
• Solid understanding of humanitarian principles and protection programming, with practical knowledge of psychosocial support methodologies, case management, and community-based protection approaches.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to plan, prioritize, and deliver results under pressure while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving abilities, demonstrating flexibility in challenging environments.
• Team-oriented with strong collaboration skills, able to work respectfully and effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams, and to maintain a positive attitude under pressure.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and comfortable with digital data collection tools and basic reporting systems.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, behavioral sciences

Languages:

• Fluent written and spoken Arabic.
• Working knowledge of English desirable.

 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 act in line with our vision and values.

We offer:

Contract length: Septembber 2026

Level: Non-Management – I 2

Location: Daraa

Expected Start date: 15 November 2025

Application process:

Interested? Then apply for this position here: Protection Assistant (PSS) - Application Form  

All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV-only applications will not be considered.

Applications close: 28 October 2025

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to conduct tests and interviews before the closing date and can close the advertisement earlier in case of finding a suitable candidate.

Need further information?

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