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, providing assistance and protection to millions of people worldwide. The organization focuses on ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it strives to promote durable solutions for those who have been forced to flee their homes.

Job Overview:
The Protection Associate position is crucial within UNHCR, focusing on the protection of populations of concern (PoC). The incumbent will be responsible for monitoring protection standards and operational procedures, ensuring that they align with international standards. This role requires a proactive approach to coordinating effective protection responses to the needs of PoC, integrating protection methodologies into operational responses across various sectors. The Protection Associate will also engage with communities to ensure their involvement in decision-making processes that affect their rights and access to services. This position demands a strong understanding of the protection environment, including legal frameworks and policies, and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including local authorities and NGOs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Protection Associate include staying informed about political, social, economic, and cultural developments that impact the protection environment. The incumbent will apply international and national laws, provide advice on protection issues, assist in eligibility and status determination for PoC, and contribute to measures aimed at preventing statelessness. Additionally, the Protection Associate will monitor Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for protection activities, manage individual protection cases, and assist in identifying durable solutions for PoC. The role also involves facilitating effective information management, participating in capacity-building initiatives, and ensuring compliance with global protection policies. The Protection Associate will support the supervisor in prioritizing cases for interviews and counseling, and will be responsible for submitting individual payment requests for PoC.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of three years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or two years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Essential qualifications include knowledge of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, Political Science, or related fields. Functional skills required for this position include IT literacy and familiarity with refugee protection principles and frameworks. Candidates should also have experience with protection-related guidelines, standards, and indicators.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma as a minimum, with a preference for candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree or higher in relevant fields such as International Law, Political Science, or Social Sciences. Certifications in these areas are considered essential for the role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least three years of relevant experience for those with a High School Diploma, or two years of relevant experience for those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Experience in protection-related roles, particularly in contexts involving vulnerable populations such as refugees, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station, which in this case is Arabic. Familiarity with local languages is also beneficial, particularly for enhancing communication with PoC and local authorities.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA6 category and is not home-based. The target start date for the role is December 1, 202

• The position is full-time and does not require a functional clearance. UNHCR emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination, and encourages a safe and respectful working environment for all staff members. Applications must be submitted before the deadline of November 12, 2025, and late applications will not be accepted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo a written test and/or oral interview as part of the selection process.