Protection Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the UNHCR, established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly, is dedicated to leading and coordinating international efforts to protect refugees and resolve refugee-related issues globally. The agency's primary mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, ensuring that individuals can seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country. UNHCR also supports the Republic of Uganda in protecting asylum seekers and those at risk of statelessness, providing direct assistance through various implementing partners. The organization is committed to identifying durable solutions for refugees and reducing the risk of statelessness in Uganda.

Job Overview:
The Protection Officer will oversee and coordinate the implementation of UNHCR's protection mandate for refugees in Obongi and Moyo districts, particularly focusing on those in the Palorinya refugee settlement. This role requires expertise in crisis and emergency response, protection, displacement, legal, and human rights. The incumbent will be expected to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders to promote the well-being and rights of refugees. The position involves ensuring the consistent application of UNHCR protection policies and standards, monitoring protection risks, conducting field visits, and providing leadership in identifying interventions for persons with specific needs. The Protection Officer will also be responsible for overseeing case management and ensuring timely referrals to appropriate services, while promoting community participation in protection planning and response.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Officer's duties include ensuring the consistent application of UNHCR protection policies, working with partners to ensure the safe reception of refugees, monitoring protection risks, conducting field assessments, providing leadership in identifying interventions for persons with specific needs, overseeing case management, ensuring timely referrals to services, promoting community participation, and facilitating awareness-raising activities. The officer will also cultivate strategic relationships with local authorities, UN agencies, and NGOs to enhance the effectiveness of protection programs, coordinate with partners for a unified approach to refugee protection, and provide leadership to the Protection team, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of UNHCR protection policies and standards, as well as experience in crisis and emergency response, legal frameworks, and human rights. The role requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, and a commitment to promoting the rights and well-being of refugees. The candidate should demonstrate leadership capabilities and a participatory approach to team management.

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in law, social sciences, international relations, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in protection, human rights, or refugee law will be considered an asset.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience in protection, humanitarian assistance, or related fields. Experience working with refugees or in a similar context is highly desirable, along with a proven track record of managing protection programs and engaging with various stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Uganda, such as Luganda or Arabic, would be considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Moyo Town, which is a family duty station with a three-month rest and recuperation cycle for international staff. UNHCR provides accommodation, but staff may also rent housing in the town with the endorsement of UNDSS for compliance. The living conditions include access to basic amenities, but the lack of schools and social services may require staff to have their families living elsewhere. The security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security situation is generally calm, with petty crime being the main concern.