Protection Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established on December 14, 1950, by the UN General Assembly. Its mission is to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. UNHCR's primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees and other forcibly displaced people, ensuring that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State. The organization operates in multiple countries, providing support to governments and communities to create an enabling protection environment for asylum seekers, refugees, and former refugees. UNHCR has a significant presence in Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, where it collaborates with local authorities and partners to implement comprehensive refugee response strategies. As of September 30, 2025, Zambia hosts over 113,000 forcibly displaced persons, including refugees and asylum seekers, and UNHCR plays a crucial role in supporting their protection and integration into society.

Job Overview:
The Protection Associate position is critical within the UNHCR framework, focusing on monitoring protection standards and operational procedures in line with international standards. The incumbent will report to the Protection Officer or Senior Protection Officer and will be responsible for coordinating timely and effective protection responses to the needs of populations of concern (PoC). This role involves designing comprehensive protection strategies, liaising with external authorities and partners, and ensuring that PoC are actively involved in decision-making processes that affect their rights and solutions to their problems. The Protection Associate will work closely with communities, local authorities, and protection partners to enhance the protection environment and ensure that all operational responses integrate protection safeguards across various sectors. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying protection gaps and needs, conducting assessments, and implementing tailored protection interventions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Associate will have a wide range of duties, including: staying informed about political, social, economic, and cultural developments affecting the protection environment; applying international and national law and UN/UNHCR policies; providing advice on protection issues to PoC; assisting in eligibility and status determination; contributing to child protection and education plans; monitoring Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for protection activities; managing individual protection cases, including those related to gender-based violence (GBV) and child protection; identifying durable solutions for PoC; facilitating effective information management; participating in capacity-building initiatives for authorities and NGOs; prioritizing PoC for interviews and counseling; enforcing compliance with protection policies; submitting payment requests for PoC; and supporting risk management efforts. The Protection Associate will also be responsible for reporting any suspicions of fraud or exploitation and ensuring adherence to ethical standards in all operations.

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 equivalent. Essential qualifications include knowledge of international law, political science, or related fields. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in humanitarian or development work, particularly with vulnerable communities, and should be familiar with protection principles and frameworks. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, along with the ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment. Candidates should also have strong ICT skills and be proficient in using digital tools and Microsoft Excel.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma for candidates with three years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree or higher for those with two years of relevant experience. Relevant fields of education include International Law, Political Science, or other related disciplines. Certifications in these areas are considered essential for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma, or two years of relevant experience for those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Experience in humanitarian or development work, particularly in field settings with vulnerable populations, is highly desirable. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with government authorities, NGOs, and development actors, as well as experience in child protection and gender-based violence.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, and proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station is required if it is not English. For General Service jobs, knowledge of English and/or the UN working language is necessary. Familiarity with local languages is considered an asset, particularly in enhancing communication with communities of concern.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a General Service role at the GS6 grade level. The target start date for the position is January 1, 202

• The role is full-time and involves working in a challenging environment that requires adherence to UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity. The incumbent will be expected to contribute to a safe and empowering work environment, demonstrating zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination. The position may involve travel within Zambia and collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations.