Community-Based Protection Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS, which is part of the United Nations system. UNOPS focuses on project management, infrastructure, and procurement services to support peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development efforts. Established in 1973, UNOPS operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to delivering sustainable solutions and supporting the UN's mission globally. The organization aims to help partners implement projects effectively and efficiently, ensuring that resources are used responsibly and that the needs of communities are met.

Job Overview:
The Community-Based Protection Associate plays a crucial role within the Protection Unit, focusing on engaging with communities affected by conflict and displacement. This position requires a strong commitment to humanitarian principles and the ability to navigate complex environments. The associate will work closely with refugees and host communities to identify protection risks and leverage community capacities for self-protection. The role involves significant fieldwork, requiring the associate to build relationships with persons of concern (PoC) and ensure their voices are heard in protection strategies. The associate will also support the development of community-based protection strategies, ensuring they are informed by consultations with PoC. This position is vital for fostering community resilience and ensuring that protection measures are inclusive and effective.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Community-Based Protection Associate will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including assisting in the integration of community-based approaches into protection strategies, maintaining relationships with PoC, and advising the protection team on the needs and capacities of the community. The associate will work with local communities to identify opportunities for civil society involvement in protection efforts, develop community-owned activities addressing various concerns, and support participatory assessments. Additionally, the associate will assist in planning and monitoring programs, build office capacity for community-based protection, and ensure compliance with global protection policies. The role also involves acting as an interpreter, contributing to community understanding of UNHCR's commitments, and initiating sensitive interventions based on community needs. The associate will prioritize individuals or groups for support based on agreed criteria and intervene with authorities on protection matters.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong community mobilization skills, with the ability to work closely with diverse groups, including refugees, women, youth, and vulnerable populations. A participatory and inclusive approach is essential, along with sensitivity to protection issues such as gender-based violence and child protection. Excellent communication skills are required for facilitating meetings and awareness sessions. The associate must demonstrate analytical abilities for collecting and reporting relevant information, as well as organizational skills to manage multiple activities under tight deadlines. Teamwork and coordination with various stakeholders are also critical for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The position requires a minimum of a High School Diploma with three years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree with two years of relevant work experience. While specific fields of education are not mandated, degrees in Development, Human Rights, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, Social Work, Social Science, or Political Science are advantageous. Certifications in community development or related fields are also beneficial for candidates.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least three years of relevant experience for those with a High School Diploma, or two years for those with a Bachelor’s degree. Experience in humanitarian contexts, particularly with refugees or displaced populations, is highly desirable. Familiarity with community-based protection principles and methodologies will enhance a candidate's suitability for this role.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station, which is French in this case. Additionally, knowledge of local languages spoken in eastern Chad is considered an asset, enhancing communication with the community and facilitating better engagement.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA6 category, indicating a level of seniority and responsibility. The target start date for this role is May 1, 2026, and the application deadline is set for June 30, 202

• The position is based in a non-family residential location due to the hardship level classified as E, indicating significant challenges in the operational environment. Candidates should be prepared for the demands of working in a high-pressure humanitarian context and demonstrate a commitment to the principles of humanitarian action.