Senior Protection Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to protecting the rights of refugees and displaced persons and finding durable solutions to their plight.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Associate position at UNHCR's national office in Ireland focuses on advancing complementary pathways for refugees, particularly through the Education Pathways Ireland programme. This initiative aims to facilitate access to higher education for refugees residing in third countries of asylum. The role requires the candidate to coordinate with various stakeholders, including Nasc, the Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre, to establish and support community sponsorship groups at participating Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The Senior Protection Associate will also provide support to the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) in resettlement missions and related activities. The candidate will be responsible for developing and managing a consortium of HEIs, promoting the programme, providing guidance on local contexts for refugees, and liaising with UNHCR colleagues in countries of asylum. The position demands a proactive approach to building relationships with HEIs, government counterparts, and overseas partners to ensure the successful implementation of educational pathways for refugees.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Protection Associate include: staying informed about political, social, economic, and cultural developments affecting the protection environment; applying international and national law, UN/UNHCR policies, and codes of conduct; providing advice and guidance on protection issues to persons of concern (PoC); assisting in eligibility and status determination for PoC; contributing to measures to prevent and reduce statelessness; managing individual protection cases, including those related to gender-based violence (GBV) and child protection; and facilitating effective information management. The incumbent will also assist in implementing and monitoring Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for protection activities, contribute to advocacy efforts, and support the identification of durable solutions for PoC. Additionally, the Senior Protection Associate will be responsible for ensuring compliance with global protection policies and standards, managing risks, and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Senior Protection Associate position include a minimum of four years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or two years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor's degree or higher. Candidates should possess knowledge and experience in complementary pathways, resettlement, and integration practices and policies in Ireland. A good understanding of displacement and protection issues, as well as experience in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with a wide network of stakeholders, is essential. Functional skills in computer literacy and knowledge of protection-related guidelines and standards are also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a High School Diploma or a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as International Law, Political Science, or another related discipline. Certificates and licenses in International Law or Political Science are considered essential for this position. The educational background should align with the responsibilities of the role, particularly in understanding legal frameworks and protection principles.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma, or two years of relevant work experience for those with a Bachelor's degree or higher. Experience in protection-related roles, particularly in the context of refugees and displaced persons, is highly desirable. Familiarity with resettlement processes and complementary pathways is also beneficial.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, and proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station is required if it is not English. For national professional jobs, knowledge of the local language is also necessary. Candidates should demonstrate strong communication skills in English, and additional language skills may be advantageous.

Additional Notes:
This position is a two-month assignment with the potential for a one-year extension based on performance and funding availability. The working modalities are likely to involve a mix of on-site and remote work. The remuneration will be equivalent to the net annual salary scale established by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) for staff at the G7 grade in Ireland. Contractors must comply with local legislation, including taxation and social security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security requirements, and must have legal residence in Ireland.