Community-Based Protection Associate

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 staff members dedicated to providing protection and assistance to those in need. The organization aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and it strives to promote durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons.

Job Overview:
The Community-Based Protection Associate plays a crucial role within the Protection Unit of UNHCR, focusing on community engagement and protection strategies. This position requires the incumbent to work closely with communities of concern, identifying the risks they face and leveraging their capacities to protect themselves. The role involves significant fieldwork, necessitating the establishment of constructive relationships with persons of concern (PoC) to enhance protection planning and programming. The Community-Based Protection Associate is expected to support the development of community-based protection strategies through consultations with PoC, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed. This position is vital in fostering an inclusive and participatory approach to humanitarian response, particularly in the context of the ongoing refugee crisis in Chad.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Community-Based Protection Associate include assisting functional units and senior management in integrating community-based approaches into protection strategies. The incumbent will maintain relationships with PoC and partners to stay informed about developments affecting the protection environment. They will work with host communities to enhance national civil society involvement in improving protection for PoC. The role also involves developing community-owned activities to address various concerns, including social, educational, and health issues. The Community-Based Protection Associate will support participatory assessments, assist in planning and monitoring programs, and build office capacity for community-based protection through training. They will ensure community understanding of UNHCR's commitment to accountability and quality assurance, act as an interpreter, and contribute to the enforcement of participatory analysis. Additionally, the incumbent will identify individuals or groups for counseling and field visits, intervene with authorities on protection matters, and ensure compliance with global protection policies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong community mobilization skills, with the ability to work closely with diverse groups, including refugees, local leaders, and vulnerable populations. A participatory and inclusive approach is essential, as is sensitivity to protection issues such as gender-based violence and child protection. Excellent communication skills are required for facilitating meetings and awareness sessions. The ability to analyze and report on relevant information is crucial, as is the capacity to manage multiple activities under tight deadlines. Teamwork and coordination skills are necessary for effective collaboration with partners and local authorities.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a High School Diploma, with a preference for candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree or higher in relevant fields such as Development, Human Rights, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, or Social Sciences. Additional certifications in community development or social work are advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least three years of relevant experience for a G6 position, or two years of relevant work experience 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 is also beneficial.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station, which in this case is French. Familiarity with local languages spoken in eastern Chad is considered an asset.

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

• The role is categorized under a non-family residential location with a hardship level of E, indicating significant challenges in the living environment. The position does not require functional clearance and is not remote.