Community-Based 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, including Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to humanitarian efforts. UNHCR strives to provide durable solutions for refugees, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement to a third country. The agency emphasizes a comprehensive refugee response approach, as outlined in the New York Declaration of 2016 and the Global Compact on Refugees of 2018, which guides its operations and strategies.

Job Overview:
The Community-Based Protection Associate is a vital member of the Protection Unit within UNHCR, reporting to senior staff members such as the Protection Officer or Community-Based Protection Officer. This role involves working closely with communities of concern to identify risks they face and leveraging their capacities to protect themselves and their families. The incumbent is expected to spend a significant amount of time outside the office, building relationships within communities of persons of concern (PoC) and contributing to the development of community-based protection strategies. The position requires a strong commitment to community engagement and the ability to facilitate participatory assessments and consultations with PoC. The Community-Based Protection Associate will also support the implementation of community-based protection standards and operational procedures, ensuring that the needs of vulnerable groups are addressed effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Community-Based Protection Associate will assist functional units and senior management in integrating participatory and community-based approaches into the overall protection strategy. Key responsibilities include maintaining relationships with PoC and partners to stay informed about political, social, and economic developments affecting the protection environment. The incumbent will work with host communities to identify opportunities for national civil society involvement, develop community-owned activities, and assist in analyzing the capacities and risks faced by communities. The role also involves supporting participatory assessments, planning and monitoring programs and budgets, building office capacity for community-based protection, and ensuring compliance with global protection policies. The Community-Based Protection Associate will act as an interpreter, contribute to inter-agency coordination, and perform other related duties as required.

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 functional skills include proficiency in IT-Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), computer literacy, and knowledge of UN/UNHCR administrative rules and procedures. Candidates should also demonstrate skills in community-based protection principles and methodologies, multi-stakeholder communications, and capacity building. Strong stakeholder management and coordination skills with implementing partners are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma or a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Development, Human Rights, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, International Social Work, Social Science, or Political Science. Certifications in these areas are also desirable, as they enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires relevant experience in humanitarian or development work, particularly in conducting assessments, community development, individual counseling, and community outreach. Candidates should have a strong understanding of child protection and gender-based violence issues, as well as experience in data collection, analysis, and reporting related to protection concerns. Familiarity with online and digital tools is essential, and candidates should have experience in managing data related to community-based protection and development actions.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. For General Service jobs, knowledge of English and/or the UN working language is required. Local language proficiency is also beneficial, 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 closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies and NGOs, to provide effective protection and assistance to refugees and asylum seekers. The Community-Based Protection Associate will be expected to uphold the highest ethical standards and contribute to a safe and empowering work environment, demonstrating a commitment to preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct.