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 can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to promote durable solutions for the millions of people who are displaced by conflict and persecution. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, employing more than 18,000 staff members worldwide. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, and it works tirelessly to provide protection and assistance to those in need.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Associate position is a critical role within UNHCR, focusing on supporting the protection determination systems in Ireland. This role is part of a quality initiative project that involves conducting regular quality assurance reviews and developing and delivering training programs. The successful candidate will also assist with specialized training related to international protection and other relevant duties. A strong understanding of the Irish asylum system is advantageous, as is experience in refugee status determination and conducting quality assurance activities. The Senior Protection Associate will be responsible for coordinating effective protection responses to the needs of populations of concern (PoC) and will play a key role in integrating protection methodologies into operational responses across various sectors. The position requires building and maintaining effective relationships with communities, local authorities, and partners to ensure that PoC are involved in decision-making processes that affect their rights and solutions to their problems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Protection Associate include staying informed about political, social, economic, and cultural developments that impact the protection environment. The incumbent will consistently apply international and national law, as well as UN/UNHCR and IASC policies and standards. They will provide advice and guidance on protection issues to PoC, liaise with authorities for documentation issuance, and assist in eligibility and status determination for PoC in compliance with UNHCR standards. The role also involves contributing to measures to prevent and reduce statelessness, developing child protection and education plans, managing individual protection cases, and identifying durable solutions for PoC. The Senior Protection Associate will assist in implementing and monitoring Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for protection activities, facilitate information management, and participate in capacity-building initiatives for authorities and NGOs. Additionally, they will support the supervisor in prioritizing reception and counseling for individuals and groups, ensuring compliance with global protection policies, and preparing payments for individual cases.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or 2 years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Essential qualifications include knowledge of international law, political science, or a related field. Functional skills required for this position include computer literacy, familiarity with protection-related guidelines, standards, and indicators, and an understanding of refugee protection principles and frameworks. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma for candidates with 4 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree or higher for those with 2 years of relevant experience. Relevant fields of education include International Law, Political Science, or other related disciplines. Certifications in these areas are considered essential for the role.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the Senior Protection Associate position includes 4 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or 2 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Candidates should have experience in protection-related roles, particularly in refugee status determination and quality assurance activities. Familiarity with the Irish asylum system is considered an asset, as is experience in conducting training and capacity-building initiatives.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English is mandatory, as well as proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. For National Professional jobs, knowledge of the local language is also required. Candidates should demonstrate strong communication skills in English and any additional languages that may be relevant to the local context.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a local senior level support role with a target start date of November 1, 202

• The initial contract will be for 2 months, with the possibility of a one-year extension based on performance and funding availability. The working modalities will likely involve a mix of on-site and remote work. The remuneration will align with the net annual salary scale established by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) for G7 grade staff in Ireland. It is essential that contractors have legal residence in Ireland and comply with local legislation regarding taxation and social security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security.