Senior Protection Assistant (Arabic-speaking)

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), an organization established in 1950 with the mission to protect the rights and well-being of refugees. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees dedicated to providing assistance and support to millions of displaced individuals worldwide. 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, and resettlement.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Assistant (Arabic-speaking) position is crucial for supporting UNHCR's protection activities, particularly in the context of voluntary repatriation and individual case management for Arabic-speaking persons of concern (PoCs). The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Assistant Protection Officer and will be responsible for conducting voluntary return interviews, ensuring that individuals are informed of their rights and options in a language they understand. The role requires strong communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and a solid understanding of protection principles and UNHCR’s mandate. The position is based in Ankara, Türkiye, which provides a stable environment for carrying out these responsibilities. The incumbent will also be involved in case management, preparing case summaries, updating protection databases, and supporting referrals to relevant services. Additionally, the role may require participation in training sessions and inter-agency coordination meetings, making it essential for the candidate to have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with various stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Protection Assistant (Arabic-speaking) include: conducting voluntary return interviews with Arabic-speaking individuals, monitoring the voluntariness of return, ensuring individuals are informed of their rights and available options, participating in counselling sessions, preparing case summaries, updating the protection database, and supporting referrals to relevant services or UNHCR units. The incumbent will also prepare weekly follow-up lists, contribute to protection reporting, and share field observations with the team to inform protection strategies and planning. Furthermore, the role involves interpreting during field visits, interviews, and coordination meetings, as well as providing written translations of relevant documents to ensure accessibility of protection information. The Senior Protection Assistant may also be tasked with participating in trainings, workshops, and inter-agency coordination meetings, and supporting other tasks as assigned by supervisors.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience with a High School diploma, or 1 year with a university degree in law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, Political Science, or a related field. Candidates must have an excellent command of Turkish, Arabic, and English, both spoken and written. Additional knowledge of Farsi is considered an asset. The role demands strong analytical thinking, political awareness, and stakeholder management skills. Proficiency in MS Office applications and relevant data entry systems is desirable, along with advanced problem-solving skills and strong organizational capabilities. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to handle confidential information and work under pressure, as well as familiarity with UNHCR protection standards, guidelines, and refugee law.

Educational Background:
Candidates are required to have at least a High School diploma, with a preference for those holding a university degree in International Law, Political Science, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of refugee law and protection principles, which are critical for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience for candidates with a High School diploma, or 1 year of experience for those with a university degree. This experience should be in a related field, ideally involving direct work with refugees or in protection roles within humanitarian organizations.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are Arabic, Turkish, and English, with an excellent command required in both spoken and written forms. Knowledge of Farsi is considered a desirable additional language skill that could enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is subject to operational needs and satisfactory service, with no expectation of renewal beyond its expiry date. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, which may include mandatory night shifts and the possibility of work on weekends and official holidays. The position offers annual leave at the rate of two and a half working days per month, and sick leave at the rate of two working days for each month of service. Medical coverage is provided through Cigna Health Insurance, which is also available optionally for eligible dependents. The remuneration will be based on the International Civil Services Commission (ICSC) salary scale at the G4 or G5 level, depending on qualifications and experience. Non-Turkish candidates must obtain clearance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) before any offer can be made, and they are required to upload valid residence permits as part of their application.