Community-Based 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, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of approximately 25 people in Chile, including both national and international staff. The organization aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and it works to provide protection and assistance to those in need.

Job Overview:
The Community-Based Protection Associate plays a crucial role within the Protection Unit of UNHCR, reporting to the Protection Officer or Community-Based Protection Officer. This position involves direct engagement with communities of concern to identify risks and leverage their capacities for self-protection. The incumbent is expected to spend a significant portion of their workday outside the office, building relationships with persons of concern (PoC) and ensuring that community-based protection standards are applied effectively. The role requires the design and implementation of a community-based protection strategy that is informed by consultations with PoC, ensuring that their voices and needs are prioritized in protection planning and programming. The Community-Based Protection Associate must also uphold UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity while performing their duties.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Community-Based Protection Associate include assisting functional units and senior management in integrating community-based approaches into protection strategies, staying informed about political and social developments affecting the protection environment, and advising the protection team based on the perspectives and needs of PoC. The incumbent will work with host communities to enhance national civil society involvement in protection efforts, develop community-owned activities addressing various concerns, and support participatory assessments and ongoing consultations with PoC. Additionally, the Associate will assist in planning and monitoring programs, build office capacity for community-based protection, support the establishment of community representation structures, and ensure community understanding of UNHCR's accountability commitments. The role also involves acting as an interpreter, contributing to liaison activities, and enforcing compliance with global protection policies.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or 2 years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Essential functional skills include proficiency in IT systems, knowledge of UNHCR administrative rules, and community-based protection principles. The candidate should possess strong communication skills, stakeholder management abilities, and capacity-building experience. A commitment to gender-sensitive approaches and community empowerment is also essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a background in fields such as Development, Human Rights, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, International Social Work, Social Science, or Political Science. Relevant certifications in these areas are considered essential for the role, and knowledge of UNHCR's operational context is highly desirable.

Experience:
The position requires relevant experience in community-based protection, participatory processes, and engagement with migrant and refugee-led organizations. Experience in working with diverse communities and understanding the complexities of human mobility is crucial. Previous involvement in humanitarian or development contexts is advantageous.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Spanish is mandatory, with an expected overall ability of at least B2 level. Knowledge of additional languages is considered a plus, particularly those relevant to the local context.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a General Service role at the GS6 level, with a target start date of November 4, 202

• The role is full-time and involves regular assignments. The operational context in Chile presents unique challenges, including the need for sensitivity to the perceptions of human mobility among local populations. The Community-Based Protection Associate will be expected to navigate these complexities while promoting peaceful coexistence and protection for displaced individuals.