UNHCR Protection Associate
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is an international organization established in 1950 with the mission to protect the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, employing more than 18,000 staff members worldwide. The organization aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR's work is guided by the principles of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and humanitarian action, focusing on providing protection, assistance, and durable solutions for refugees and stateless persons.
Job Overview:
The UNHCR Protection Associate position is crucial in supporting the operational context of UNHCR in Benin, particularly in response to the increasing influx of asylum seekers from neighboring countries such as Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Inter-agency Coordination Associate, engaging in various tasks that include monitoring the protection environment, applying international and national laws, and providing advice on protection issues. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying and addressing the needs of persons of concern (PoC), including refugees and asylum seekers, and contributing to the development of community-based protection strategies. The Protection Associate will also play a significant role in enhancing local social protection units and ensuring that asylum seekers have access to necessary documentation and support services.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the UNHCR Protection Associate include:
Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the UNHCR Protection Associate position include a strong understanding of international protection principles and frameworks, as well as relevant national laws. Candidates should possess excellent analytical and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government authorities, NGOs, and the communities served. A demonstrated commitment to human rights and humanitarian principles is essential, along with the ability to work in a multicultural environment. Proficiency in data management and reporting is also important, as is the capacity to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances.
Educational Background:
Candidates for the UNHCR Protection Associate position are typically required to have a university degree in law, social sciences, international relations, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in human rights, refugee law, or protection-related areas are highly desirable. Educational qualifications should be complemented by relevant training or certifications in protection, humanitarian response, or related disciplines.
Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in protection, humanitarian work, or related fields. Experience working with refugees, asylum seekers, or other vulnerable populations is particularly valuable. Familiarity with the operational context in Benin or similar environments, as well as experience in inter-agency coordination, is an asset. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of successfully managing protection cases and implementing protection strategies.
Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory for this position, as it is the working language in Benin. Proficiency in English is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with international stakeholders and partners. Knowledge of local languages can also be beneficial in engaging with communities and understanding their needs.
Additional Notes:
This position is a UN Volunteer assignment, which typically involves a commitment to serve for a specified duration, often ranging from six months to one year. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared to work in a challenging environment that may require flexibility and adaptability. Compensation and benefits for UN Volunteers are outlined in the Conditions of Service, which include allowances for living expenses, health insurance, and other entitlements. The position is based in Cotonou, Benin, which is known for its vibrant culture and relatively affordable cost of living, making it an attractive location for international staff.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is an international organization established in 1950 with the mission to protect the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, employing more than 18,000 staff members worldwide. The organization aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR's work is guided by the principles of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and humanitarian action, focusing on providing protection, assistance, and durable solutions for refugees and stateless persons.
Job Overview:
The UNHCR Protection Associate position is crucial in supporting the operational context of UNHCR in Benin, particularly in response to the increasing influx of asylum seekers from neighboring countries such as Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Inter-agency Coordination Associate, engaging in various tasks that include monitoring the protection environment, applying international and national laws, and providing advice on protection issues. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying and addressing the needs of persons of concern (PoC), including refugees and asylum seekers, and contributing to the development of community-based protection strategies. The Protection Associate will also play a significant role in enhancing local social protection units and ensuring that asylum seekers have access to necessary documentation and support services.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the UNHCR Protection Associate include:
- Staying informed about political, social, economic, and cultural developments affecting the protection environment.
- Applying international and national laws, as well as UN/UNHCR and IASC policies and standards.
- Providing comments on existing and draft legislation related to the protection of persons of concern.
- Advising on protection issues and liaising with authorities for the issuance of relevant documentation.
- Conducting eligibility and status determination for persons of concern.
- Contributing to measures aimed at identifying, preventing, and reducing statelessness.
- Supporting the development of regional-level child protection and education plans.
- Monitoring Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for protection activities.
- Managing individual protection cases, including those related to gender-based violence (GBV) and child protection. 1
- Monitoring and intervening in cases of refoulement, expulsion, and other protection incidents. 1
- Assisting in identifying durable solutions for persons of concern through voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement. 1
- Contributing to the design, implementation, and evaluation of protection-related programming. 1
- Facilitating effective information management by providing disaggregated data on persons of concern. 1
- Participating in initiatives to strengthen national protection legislation and procedures. 1
- Assisting the supervisor in prioritizing cases for interviews and counseling. 1
- Ensuring compliance with global protection policies and standards among local implementing partners. 1
- Performing other related duties as required, including developing a work plan with the supervisor during the first month of the assignment.
Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the UNHCR Protection Associate position include a strong understanding of international protection principles and frameworks, as well as relevant national laws. Candidates should possess excellent analytical and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government authorities, NGOs, and the communities served. A demonstrated commitment to human rights and humanitarian principles is essential, along with the ability to work in a multicultural environment. Proficiency in data management and reporting is also important, as is the capacity to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances.
Educational Background:
Candidates for the UNHCR Protection Associate position are typically required to have a university degree in law, social sciences, international relations, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in human rights, refugee law, or protection-related areas are highly desirable. Educational qualifications should be complemented by relevant training or certifications in protection, humanitarian response, or related disciplines.
Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in protection, humanitarian work, or related fields. Experience working with refugees, asylum seekers, or other vulnerable populations is particularly valuable. Familiarity with the operational context in Benin or similar environments, as well as experience in inter-agency coordination, is an asset. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of successfully managing protection cases and implementing protection strategies.
Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory for this position, as it is the working language in Benin. Proficiency in English is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with international stakeholders and partners. Knowledge of local languages can also be beneficial in engaging with communities and understanding their needs.
Additional Notes:
This position is a UN Volunteer assignment, which typically involves a commitment to serve for a specified duration, often ranging from six months to one year. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared to work in a challenging environment that may require flexibility and adaptability. Compensation and benefits for UN Volunteers are outlined in the Conditions of Service, which include allowances for living expenses, health insurance, and other entitlements. The position is based in Cotonou, Benin, which is known for its vibrant culture and relatively affordable cost of living, making it an attractive location for international staff.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.