SOCIAL WORKER in Doctors Without Borders

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF – Doctors Without Borders) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion and natural or man-made disasters to populations in danger in more than 70 countries.

Duration: 2 months

Workplace:

This is a mobile position based in Kyiv coordination office and to travel to different locations.

Main purpose: 

Carry out all activities aimed at addressing individuals’ social critical needs (related to assistance and/or protection), promoting their overall well-being and autonomy through social support, and strengthening community-based social interventions (depending on the scope of the social work component in the project). These
activities should consider the social determinants of health to ensure a holistic approach to people’s needs and to uphold the well-being, safety, agency and dignity of people.

Context Specific Accountabilities

• Conduct social assessments of the target population to identify vulnerabilities, critical social needs, and gaps in access to essential services related to winter response, including needs beyond the project scope for appropriate referral.
• Identify, assess, and provide support to highly vulnerable individuals and households affected by winter-related health and protection risks.
• Assess and monitor risks associated with inadequate heating and insulation, cold exposure, social isolation, and power outages, with particular attention to older persons, persons with disabilities, and medically vulnerable individuals.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary, community-based activities and ongoing monitoring of vulnerabilities, social needs, and critical risks, with a focus on extreme winter weather and power-outage impacts.
• Maintain up-to-date service mapping and referral pathways for available services in Kyiv.
• Support beneficiaries in accessing winterization assistance, including heating support, winter NFIs, warming (“invincibility”) points, collective centres, medical and mental health services, disability and elderly support services, winter cash assistance, shelter, and protection services.
• Facilitate and support group-based activities, such as information sessions and community meetings, focused on winter safety, available services, and social support.
• Coordinate closely with medical providers, emergency services, local authorities, community services, and partner organizations to ensure timely and appropriate assistance.
• Provide basic psychosocial support, including emotional support and problem-solving assistance, in line with MSF guidelines.
• Collect, record, and manage data, statistics, and case files in a timely manner, in compliance with
  data protection policies, MSF ethical guidelines, and applicable legal standards.
• Contribute to regular reporting, including Situation Reports (SitReps), documenting identified needs, referrals, and outcomes.
• Maintain accurate records of MSF resource utilization related to winter response activities.
• Work collaboratively with logistics and medical teams during winter assessments and emergency response activities.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) or other relevant degree in social sciences, psychology, law

Experience

Two years minimum in a similar social job; (a social worker/case worker/ protection officer), managing complex cases with critical social needs, carrying out community social services or working with vulnerable populations (elderly, IDPs, persons with disabilities)
• Experience in humanitarian or emergency settings preferred
• Experience with MSF or other NGOs, desirable.
• Demonstrated understanding of and ability to navigate the national/local social welfare system

Languages              

• Essential English and Ukrainian

Competencies

• Service Orientation L3 
• People-Centred Approach L3
• Behavioural flexibility L3 
• Networking and building relationships L2
• Teamwork and cooperation L3 
• Analytical skills L1-2
• Results and quality orientation L2 
• Cultural awareness and flexibility L2

Monthly gross salary 50 000 UAH.

The interested candidates should submit their application in English before 30.01.2026 (No cover letter, just a CV)  Subject: SOCIAL WORKER

Start of contract: Asap

Please note that Medecins Sans Frontieres reserves the right to close this vacancy prior to the application deadline if a suitable candidate is identified.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.