Senior Protection Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services), which was established in 197

• UNOPS is dedicated to helping people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development. The organization operates in over 80 countries, providing project management, procurement, and infrastructure services. UNOPS aims to support the implementation of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects, ensuring that they are delivered effectively and efficiently. With a workforce of thousands of employees, UNOPS focuses on enhancing the capacity of governments and organizations to deliver results that improve the lives of people in need.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Assistant position is crucial for the effective implementation of protection activities at both field and community levels. The incumbent will be responsible for maintaining regular contact with refugee communities, which is essential for understanding their needs and challenges. This role involves coordinating with outreach volunteers and supporting community structures to enhance accountability, participation, and communication with the communities served. The Senior Protection Assistant will organize and conduct regular community consultations to gather feedback and identify protection risks faced by the community. Additionally, the role requires ensuring timely referrals and follow-ups in collaboration with relevant units and partners. The position also includes providing operational support for assistance interventions, which encompasses verification and distributions, as well as being the first responder in case of referrals. Monitoring and follow-up are also key components of this role, ensuring that the protection needs of the community are met effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Protection Assistant include:

• Maintaining regular contact with refugee communities to understand their needs and concerns.
• Coordinating with outreach volunteers to ensure effective communication and support for community structures.
• Organizing and conducting regular community consultations to gather input and feedback from community members.
• Identifying protection risks within the community and ensuring timely referrals to appropriate services.
• Collaborating with relevant units and partners to facilitate follow-up on referrals.
• Providing operational support for assistance interventions, including verification processes and distribution of aid.
• Acting as the first responder in case of referrals, ensuring that urgent needs are addressed promptly.
• Monitoring and following up on protection activities to ensure they are implemented effectively and meet the community's needs.
• Promoting accountability and participation within the community to foster trust and cooperation.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Senior Protection Assistant position include strong interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups, and a solid understanding of protection principles and practices. The candidate should demonstrate a commitment to promoting accountability and participation within communities. Additionally, proficiency in relevant software and tools for data management and reporting is essential. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances in the field.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position typically includes a degree in social sciences, international relations, human rights, or a related field. A background in protection, humanitarian assistance, or community development is highly desirable. Relevant certifications in protection or humanitarian response may also be beneficial and enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
Candidates for the Senior Protection Assistant position should have a minimum of two years of relevant experience in protection, humanitarian assistance, or community development. Experience working with refugee populations or in a similar context is highly valued. The ability to demonstrate practical experience in implementing protection activities and engaging with communities is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
While the job posting does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in Arabic and French is likely essential given the location in Tunisia. Knowledge of English may also be beneficial, particularly for communication with international partners and stakeholders. Additional languages relevant to the refugee populations served could be advantageous.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA5 category, indicating a level of seniority and responsibility. The target start date for this role is January 1, 202

• The position is not remote and requires the incumbent to work on-site in Zarzis, Tunisia. The job does not require a functional clearance, which may simplify the hiring process. The position is full-time and may involve working with families, as indicated by the family type classification.