Assistant Protection Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to protecting individuals who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution. Established in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, providing life-saving support and safeguarding fundamental human rights for millions of people. The organization is committed to ensuring that refugees and displaced persons can rebuild their lives and find safety and stability. UNHCR's mission includes advocating for the rights of refugees, providing humanitarian assistance, and working towards durable solutions for displaced populations. The organization employs a diverse workforce and promotes an inclusive working environment, valuing the contributions of individuals from various backgrounds and experiences.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Protection Officer plays a crucial role in the UNHCR's mission by reporting to the Protection Officer or Senior Protection Officer and potentially supervising protection staff. This position involves providing functional protection guidance on various legal matters, including statelessness, child protection, gender-based violence prevention, and community-based protection. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring that operational responses are timely and effective, addressing the needs of populations of concern (PoC). The Assistant Protection Officer will contribute to the design of comprehensive protection strategies and represent the organization externally on protection policies. Engaging with communities of concern and stakeholders is essential to ensure that PoC are involved in decisions that affect them, and that their needs and priorities are reflected in program design and implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Protection Officer's duties include staying informed about political, social, and cultural developments affecting the protection environment, applying international and national law, and providing legal advice to PoC. The incumbent will conduct eligibility and status determinations, promote measures to prevent statelessness, and contribute to child protection and education plans. Responsibilities also include managing individual protection cases, recommending durable solutions, and facilitating advocacy efforts with partners. The Assistant Protection Officer will assist in capacity-building initiatives, intervene with authorities on protection issues, and ensure compliance with protection policies and standards. The role requires monitoring and managing risks, as well as performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree, or no experience with a graduate or doctorate degree. Essential knowledge includes international refugee and human rights law, as well as the ability to apply relevant legal principles. Functional skills required for this position include knowledge of protection-related guidelines, project management, and human rights standards. The ability to draft documentation and coordinate gender-based violence responses is also essential. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to the core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree in Law, International Law, Political Science, or a related field. A Bachelor of Arts in these areas is preferred, with advanced degrees being advantageous but not mandatory for entry-level candidates.

Experience:
The position requires at least 1 year of relevant experience for candidates with an undergraduate degree. For those with a graduate or doctorate degree, no prior experience is necessary. The experience should ideally be related to protection, legal advice, or humanitarian assistance, demonstrating an understanding of the challenges faced by refugees and displaced persons.

Languages:
Fluency in Lithuanian and English is essential for this position. Knowledge of Russian, Ukrainian, or other UN languages is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a temporary assignment with a target start date of September 1, 2025, and an end date of December 31, 202

• The role is classified as a National Professional Officer (NOA) and is open to both internal and external applicants. Candidates must be citizens of Lithuania at the time of application. The application deadline is July 10, 2025, and late applications will not be accepted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo a written test and will be invited for an interview. UNHCR does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and all applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of their background, ensuring equal opportunities and an inclusive work environment.