UNHCR Protection Associate
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is dedicated to leading and coordinating international efforts to protect refugees, asylum-seekers, stateless persons, and other individuals in need of assistance. Established with a mission to ensure the safety and rights of displaced populations, UNHCR operates under the principles of international refugee and human rights law. The organization emphasizes accountability to affected populations and integrates age, gender, and diversity (AGD) considerations into its operations. In Rwanda, UNHCR collaborates closely with the government, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and local communities to provide protection and assistance to refugees and asylum-seekers, particularly those from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi. The organization is committed to addressing the needs of over 138,406 forcibly displaced persons in Rwanda, focusing on sustainable solutions and community-based protection approaches.
Job Overview:
The UNHCR Protection Associate position is designed to support the implementation of community-based protection strategies within Mahama Refugee Camp. The role involves working under the direct supervision of the Protection Officer to ensure that the Community-Based Protection (CBP) strategy is effectively integrated across various sectors and communities. The associate will engage with refugee communities to promote participatory approaches, ensuring that individuals have a voice in decisions that affect their rights and access to services. The position also requires collaboration with local authorities and partners to implement refugee graduation strategies and enhance the inclusion of refugees in national services. The associate will play a crucial role in addressing protection risks, particularly for vulnerable groups, and will contribute to ongoing assessments to inform evidence-based programming.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the UNHCR Protection Associate include supporting the implementation of the Community-Based Protection strategy, contributing to inter-agency coordination, and engaging with refugee communities. Specific tasks involve:
Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the UNHCR Protection Associate position should possess strong competencies in accountability, adaptability, communication, and professionalism. They should demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and respect for diversity. The role requires individuals who can work effectively in teams and manage their time efficiently. A strong ethical foundation and integrity are essential, as is the ability to build trust within the community and among stakeholders.
Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for the UNHCR Protection Associate position. Candidates should have a degree in social sciences, international relations, human rights, or a related field. Advanced degrees may be preferred, but practical experience in the field can also be considered in lieu of formal education.
Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in protection, humanitarian assistance, or related fields. Experience working with refugee populations or in community-based protection initiatives is highly desirable. Familiarity with inter-agency coordination and advocacy efforts will be an advantage.
Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for the UNHCR Protection Associate position. Knowledge of Kinyarwanda or French is considered an asset, as it will facilitate communication with local communities and stakeholders.
Additional Notes:
The UNHCR Protection Associate position is a volunteer role under the UN Volunteer program, which provides a Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (MVLA) to cover basic living costs. The assignment is based in Kirehe District, Rwanda, which offers a peaceful rural living environment. The visa process for international volunteers is straightforward, with options for obtaining a visa on arrival or applying online. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared for a commitment to community engagement and protection efforts.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is dedicated to leading and coordinating international efforts to protect refugees, asylum-seekers, stateless persons, and other individuals in need of assistance. Established with a mission to ensure the safety and rights of displaced populations, UNHCR operates under the principles of international refugee and human rights law. The organization emphasizes accountability to affected populations and integrates age, gender, and diversity (AGD) considerations into its operations. In Rwanda, UNHCR collaborates closely with the government, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and local communities to provide protection and assistance to refugees and asylum-seekers, particularly those from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi. The organization is committed to addressing the needs of over 138,406 forcibly displaced persons in Rwanda, focusing on sustainable solutions and community-based protection approaches.
Job Overview:
The UNHCR Protection Associate position is designed to support the implementation of community-based protection strategies within Mahama Refugee Camp. The role involves working under the direct supervision of the Protection Officer to ensure that the Community-Based Protection (CBP) strategy is effectively integrated across various sectors and communities. The associate will engage with refugee communities to promote participatory approaches, ensuring that individuals have a voice in decisions that affect their rights and access to services. The position also requires collaboration with local authorities and partners to implement refugee graduation strategies and enhance the inclusion of refugees in national services. The associate will play a crucial role in addressing protection risks, particularly for vulnerable groups, and will contribute to ongoing assessments to inform evidence-based programming.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the UNHCR Protection Associate include supporting the implementation of the Community-Based Protection strategy, contributing to inter-agency coordination, and engaging with refugee communities. Specific tasks involve:
- Supporting the application of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to Child Protection and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
- Assisting in the development of tools that promote community participation in protection strategies.
- Ensuring the integration of AGD principles in all protection interventions.
- Collaborating with local authorities to implement refugee graduation strategies.
- Facilitating community-owned initiatives addressing various concerns, including health and education.
- Supporting feedback and complaint mechanisms for vulnerable groups.
- Assisting in the identification and referral of protection risks, particularly for unaccompanied and separated children.
- Contributing to capacity-building initiatives for partners and community structures.
- Engaging in regular check-ins with supervisors to review progress and receive feedback.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the UNHCR Protection Associate position should possess strong competencies in accountability, adaptability, communication, and professionalism. They should demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and respect for diversity. The role requires individuals who can work effectively in teams and manage their time efficiently. A strong ethical foundation and integrity are essential, as is the ability to build trust within the community and among stakeholders.
Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for the UNHCR Protection Associate position. Candidates should have a degree in social sciences, international relations, human rights, or a related field. Advanced degrees may be preferred, but practical experience in the field can also be considered in lieu of formal education.
Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in protection, humanitarian assistance, or related fields. Experience working with refugee populations or in community-based protection initiatives is highly desirable. Familiarity with inter-agency coordination and advocacy efforts will be an advantage.
Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for the UNHCR Protection Associate position. Knowledge of Kinyarwanda or French is considered an asset, as it will facilitate communication with local communities and stakeholders.
Additional Notes:
The UNHCR Protection Associate position is a volunteer role under the UN Volunteer program, which provides a Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (MVLA) to cover basic living costs. The assignment is based in Kirehe District, Rwanda, which offers a peaceful rural living environment. The visa process for international volunteers is straightforward, with options for obtaining a visa on arrival or applying online. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared for a commitment to community engagement and protection efforts.
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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.