Assistant Protection Cluster Coordination Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting is for a position within the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), an organization established in 1950 with the mission to protect and support refugees and displaced persons worldwide. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to providing assistance and advocating for the rights of those forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. The organization aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it works to promote durable solutions for refugees, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement to a third country. UNHCR is committed to upholding international refugee law and ensuring that the rights and dignity of refugees are respected and protected.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Protection coordination-officer" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Cluster Coordination Officer plays a crucial role in supporting UNHCR's efforts in humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters where it serves as the Protection Cluster Lead Agency. This position involves direct reporting to a higher-grade Protection Cluster Coordination Officer and is integral to the coordination, strategy development, and advocacy functions of the Protection Cluster. The incumbent is expected to work within the framework of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) and the Cluster Approach, reinforcing UNHCR's leadership in a diverse protection community. The role requires providing analytical support, organizing meetings, and reporting on protection issues, while also collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure that protection considerations are integrated into the overall humanitarian response. The Assistant Protection Cluster Coordination Officer is expected to facilitate inter-cluster coordination, advocate for protection mainstreaming, and address cross-cutting issues such as age, gender, and diversity in humanitarian responses. This position demands high standards of accountability, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills, as well as a commitment to partnership and collaboration in a challenging operational environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Protection Cluster Coordination Officer include: supporting the Protection Cluster to ensure that protection informs the overall humanitarian response; participating in consultative cluster meetings; coordinating with government counterparts and relevant authorities; conducting protection needs assessments; contributing to the development of common funding criteria; assisting in the delivery of protection training activities; building the protection capacity of national and local governments and partners; providing input into global protection policy development; supporting reporting and information sharing within the Protection Cluster; facilitating cluster meetings and cooperation with sub-groups; negotiating with humanitarian coordinators on project proposals; identifying and managing risks; and performing other related duties as required. The role requires a proactive approach to fostering a consistent interpretation of international law and UNHCR policies, drafting reports, and preparing advocacy statements for clearance by senior management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Assistant Protection Cluster Coordination Officer position must possess a minimum of one year of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree, or no experience with a graduate or doctorate degree. Essential qualifications include a good knowledge of International Refugee and Human Rights Law, as well as functional skills in human rights law and international refugee law. The position also requires strong analytical, writing, and presentation skills, along with the ability to handle confidential information appropriately. Candidates should demonstrate solid computer literacy, particularly in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and possess strong interpersonal skills to effectively engage with various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree in Law, International Law, Political Science, or a related field. A Bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement, while higher-level education in relevant disciplines is desirable. Candidates with specialized training or certifications in coordination and protection-related skills will have an advantage.

Experience:
The level of experience required for this position includes at least one year of relevant experience in the field of protection, particularly within the context of humanitarian coordination under the IASC framework. Experience in drafting and facilitating training and capacity-building initiatives is also desirable. Familiarity with protection in complex emergencies and knowledge of the sector coordination system are important assets for candidates.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English and the UN working language of the duty station (if not English) is mandatory. For national professional jobs, proficiency in the local language is also required. Fluency in Arabic and strong English verbal and written skills are essential, with an expected overall ability of at least B2 level in the required languages.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role and is categorized under the NOA grade level. It is a regular assignment with a target start date of September 1, 202

• The position is non-family and is located in a high hardship area (E level). Candidates should be aware that the role may involve working in a complex and challenging environment, requiring a commitment to the principles of humanitarian action and the ability to navigate sensitive political contexts. The UNHCR emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and respectful working environment, free from harassment and discrimination, and expects all staff to contribute to this goal.