Protection Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees dedicated to providing protection and assistance to those in need. The organization works to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it strives to promote durable solutions for refugees, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement.

Job Overview:
The Protection Assistant position is crucial for supporting the protection unit within UNHCR. The incumbent will be responsible for providing functional and administrative support related to protection activities, including case management, monitoring, and reporting. The role requires a strong understanding of protection principles and operational procedures, as the Protection Assistant will act as the first point of entry for case referrals and management. The candidate is expected to conduct initial assessments, provide effective counseling, and communicate effectively in both Arabic and English. Additionally, the Protection Assistant will liaise with local authorities and partners, ensuring that persons of concern (PoC) are involved in decisions that affect them. This position is vital for designing comprehensive protection strategies and delivering timely and effective responses to the needs of PoC.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Protection Assistant include consistently applying international and national law, observing protection-related Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and providing functional and administrative support in all protection-related programming. The incumbent will assist in conducting needs assessments, monitoring, reporting, and case management. They will facilitate liaison with competent authorities for the issuance of personal documents and assist in drafting reports and updating databases. The Protection Assistant will select PoC for preliminary interviews, enforce integrity in the delivery of protection services, and support the identification and management of risks. Other related duties may be assigned as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or a Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Essential functional skills include knowledge of protection-related guidelines, standards, and indicators, as well as refugee protection principles and frameworks. Computer literacy is also required. The candidate should demonstrate a strong commitment to the values and principles of UNHCR, including professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess at least a High School Diploma or a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field. While specific fields of education are not applicable, any education related to protection, social work, or humanitarian assistance would be beneficial. Certifications related to protection and UNHCR training programs are also advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires at least 1 year of relevant experience in a protection-related role. While specific previous experience with UNHCR is ideal, any experience in case management, counseling, or working with vulnerable populations will be considered valuable. The candidate should demonstrate a strong understanding of the protection environment, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and the UAE.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station, which is Arabic in this case. Additional knowledge of local languages is considered an asset, enhancing communication with the communities of concern.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA5 category and is not remote. The target start date for the position is June 1, 202

• The role is full-time and involves working in a family-type environment, with a hardship level classified as A (least hardship). All UNHCR staff members are expected to contribute to a safe and empowering working environment, demonstrating zero tolerance for any form of harassment or discrimination.