Protection Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is part of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which was established in 1950 with the mission to protect the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to providing assistance and support to those in need. The organization focuses on ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it strives to safeguard the fundamental rights of refugees and displaced individuals.

Job Overview:
The Protection Associate position is crucial for monitoring and implementing protection standards and operational procedures in line with international guidelines. The incumbent will work closely with the Protection Officer or Senior Protection Officer to ensure effective protection responses to the needs of populations of concern (PoC). This role requires a deep understanding of the local context, particularly in the southern regions of Syria, including Sweida, Dar'a, and Quneitra Governorates. The Protection Associate will be responsible for building trust with various humanitarian actors and local communities, ensuring that the Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) approach is integrated into all protection activities. The candidate will also be expected to contribute to the development of comprehensive protection strategies and engage with local authorities and partners to enhance protection policies and practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Associate will have a wide range of responsibilities, including staying informed about political, social, economic, and cultural developments that impact the protection environment. They will apply international and national laws, as well as UN/UNHCR policies, to provide advice on protection issues to PoC. The role involves conducting eligibility and status determination for PoC, managing individual protection cases, and contributing to measures aimed at preventing and reducing statelessness. The Protection Associate will also assist in the design and implementation of protection-related programming, facilitate effective information management, and participate in capacity-building initiatives for local authorities and NGOs. Additionally, the incumbent will monitor compliance with protection standards and assist in prioritizing PoC for interviews and counseling, ensuring that the needs of the most vulnerable are addressed promptly.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of three years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or two years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Essential qualifications include knowledge of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, Political Science, or related fields. Candidates should also demonstrate competencies in communication, analytical thinking, and team leadership. Familiarity with protection-related guidelines, standards, and indicators is highly desirable, as is proficiency in IT and computer literacy.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma as a minimum, with a preference for candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree in International Law, Political Science, or a related field. Relevant certifications in protection principles and frameworks are also beneficial and may enhance a candidate's application.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least three years of relevant experience in protection work, particularly in contexts similar to that of southern Syria. Experience in community mobilization, child protection, and gender-based violence (GBV) is highly valued. Candidates should have a proven track record of working effectively with local communities and humanitarian actors, demonstrating the ability to navigate complex protection environments.

Languages:
Mandatory languages for this position include Arabic and English, with proficiency in the local language being advantageous. Candidates must have a strong command of English and the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. Knowledge of additional languages may also be beneficial but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a local entry and mid-level support role, with a target start date of June 19, 202

• The application deadline is set for July 6, 202
• The organization encourages qualified female candidates to apply and may require shortlisted candidates to participate in a written test or oral interview as part of the selection process. The position does not require functional clearance and is not remote.