Senior Community-Based Protection Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is part of the United Nations system, specifically UNHCR, which is dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees, displaced persons, and stateless individuals. Established in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries worldwide, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to provide assistance and protection to those in need. The organization's mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR's work is guided by law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and humanitarian principles, focusing on the protection of vulnerable populations and the promotion of durable solutions to displacement.

Job Overview:
The Senior Community-Based Protection Assistant plays a crucial role in monitoring and implementing protection standards and operational procedures in line with international guidelines. This position is responsible for providing functional protection support to information management and program staff, ensuring that persons of concern (PoC) receive timely and effective assistance. The incumbent will contribute to the development of comprehensive protection strategies, liaise with local authorities and partners, and promote the involvement of women and girls in decision-making processes that affect their rights and access to solutions. The role requires building effective relationships with communities, local authorities, and protection partners to enhance the overall protection response.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Community-Based Protection Assistant include applying international and national laws, providing counseling on protection issues, supporting AGD-based programming, conducting preliminary information gathering and interviews, contributing to country-level protection strategies, monitoring Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), participating in individual protection case management, monitoring and reporting protection incidents, conducting GBV prevention and response activities, facilitating age, gender, and diversity-sensitive approaches, strengthening referral pathways for GBV survivors, documenting GBV incidents, promoting UNHCR’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), supporting the distribution of dignity kits, preparing reports and updating databases, and contributing to initiatives that enhance national and local protection capacities.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree in Law, Social Science, Development Studies, Community Development, Social Work, or Human Rights. Desirable qualifications include completion of the UNHCR Protection Learning Programme. Candidates should possess relevant work experience in case management, protection, or social work, particularly involving the empowerment of women and girls, gender issues, child protection, mental health, and counseling. Knowledge of UNHCR protection policies and tools, as well as experience working with operational partners, is also desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a minimum educational background of a bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as Law, Social Science, Development Studies, Community Development, Social Work, or Human Rights. Additional qualifications from the UNHCR Protection Learning Programme are considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's understanding of protection frameworks and methodologies.

Experience:
Candidates should have some work experience relevant to case management in a local context, with a focus on broader protection or social work. Essential experience includes working with survivors, particularly in humanitarian and development contexts, and skills in interviewing and engaging with children and families. Desirable experience includes knowledge of UNHCR protection policies and tools, as well as previous collaboration with operational partners.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of Arabic is also required. Candidates should be proficient in the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. Additional language skills are considered a plus, enhancing communication with diverse populations.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA5 category and is not home-based. The role is full-time, with a target start date of October 1, 202

• The position is subject to a hardship level E classification, indicating a challenging working environment. The incumbent will be required to report regularly on their performance and contribute to UNHCR’s reports. A written assessment will be part of the selection process, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply to promote diversity and inclusion within the workforce.