Senior Protection Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• The organization is dedicated to saving lives and protecting the rights of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR works in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members. The mission of UNHCR is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily. The organization also strives to help integrate refugees into their host communities and to find durable solutions to their plight.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Assistant plays a crucial role in monitoring and implementing protection standards and operational procedures in line with international guidelines. This position involves providing functional protection support to information management and program staff, ensuring that persons of concern (PoC) receive timely and effective protection assistance. The incumbent is expected to contribute to the design of a comprehensive protection strategy and engage with local authorities and partners on protection issues. The role requires building trust with various humanitarian actors and local communities, ensuring that PoC are actively involved in decisions affecting their rights and solutions to their problems. The candidate should have a strong understanding of Child Protection, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and community mobilization, as well as experience in protection monitoring and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Protection Assistant is responsible for a wide range of duties, including applying international and national law, providing counseling on protection issues, and liaising with authorities for documentation issuance. The role involves supporting protection-related programming, conducting interviews for eligibility and needs assessments, and contributing to child protection and education plans. The incumbent will monitor Standard Operating Procedures for protection activities, participate in case management for GBV and child protection cases, and assist in identifying durable solutions for PoC. Additionally, the Senior Protection Assistant will draft reports, maintain databases, and enhance local protection capacities, while ensuring integrity in service delivery and managing risks effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or 1 year of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Essential qualifications include knowledge of international law, protection-related guidelines, and refugee protection principles. Candidates should demonstrate competencies in communication, teamwork, planning, analytical thinking, and reporting. Familiarity with protection methodologies and community mobilization initiatives is also required.

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 in relevant fields such as International Law or Political Science. Certifications in these areas are considered essential for the role.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma, or 1 year of relevant experience for those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Experience in protection-related roles, particularly in humanitarian contexts, is highly desirable. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with vulnerable populations and understanding the complexities of protection issues.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, along with the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. For national professional jobs, proficiency in the local language is also required. Additional language skills may be advantageous but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA5 category and is not remote. The target start date for the role is November 4, 2025, and the application deadline is December 2, 202

• The position is categorized under a hardship level E, indicating a challenging working environment. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, and shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo a written test or oral interview as part of the selection process.