Protection Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 194

• Its primary mission is to provide assistance and protection to approximately 5.8 million registered Palestine refugees across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. UNRWA aims to help these refugees achieve their full potential in human development while awaiting a just resolution to their situation. The agency operates the largest UN operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff members and relying almost entirely on voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, and individual donors. UNRWA's services include education, healthcare, relief and social services, camp infrastructure improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. The organization is committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, and it encourages individuals who share this vision to apply for positions within the agency.

Job Overview:
The Protection Officer position at UNRWA involves supporting the integration of protection principles and standards into the agency's service delivery and programs. This includes conducting protection alignment reviews and coordinating area protection working groups to enhance protection responses. The role requires regular field missions to gather data on protection issues faced by Palestine refugees, analyzing this information to inform programmatic and advocacy responses. The Protection Officer will also contribute to the development of a comprehensive area-level protection strategy, ensuring effective responses to protection issues, particularly in areas such as general protection, gender-based violence, child protection, and disability inclusion. Building and maintaining relationships with various stakeholders, including government entities, NGOs, and local authorities, is crucial for addressing protection issues and enhancing collaboration. The position also involves delivering training to UNRWA personnel on protection and humanitarian principles, preparing reports and training materials, and conducting translations as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the mainstreaming of protection principles in UNRWA services and programs, including conducting protection alignment reviews and coordinating area protection working groups.
• Conduct field missions to gather information on protection issues faced by Palestine refugees, analyze data, and report on the protection context.
• Design a comprehensive area-level protection strategy, providing technical support to ensure effective program responses.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, enhancing collaboration to address protection issues.
• Undertake integrated assessments of humanitarian principles issues, coordinating with senior staff for effective implementation.
• Deliver training to UNRWA personnel on protection and humanitarian principles.
• Prepare reports, briefings, and training materials, and conduct translations as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree from a recognized institution, preferably in social sciences, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related field. A minimum of four years of relevant experience in protection, human rights, humanitarian operations, or a related discipline is required. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of humanitarian protection policies and approaches. Additionally, candidates must indicate their current involvement in outside activities, including employment, consulting, teaching, or voluntary work, as this information is required for consideration.

Educational Background:
A university degree from a recognized academic institution is required, with a preference for fields such as social sciences, political affairs, international relations, or law. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of protection issues and humanitarian principles.

Experience:
At least four years of relevant experience is required, preferably in areas related to protection, human rights, or humanitarian operations. Candidates should have demonstrable knowledge of humanitarian protection policies and approaches, as well as experience in conducting assessments and working with vulnerable populations.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also recognized as a working language of the United Nations, but English is the primary language required for this job opening.

Additional Notes:
This position is a daily paid assignment for up to three months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The daily rate is $35.97 USD, and employees are entitled to one day of annual leave and one day of sick leave for each completed month of service. The vacancy is open to both internal and external candidates, but only those residing in Syria and authorized to work in the country at the time of application are eligible. UNRWA will not facilitate work permits, and candidates must have valid authorization to work in Syria. Preference will be given to registered Palestine refugees and candidates from underrepresented genders to promote gender parity. UNRWA encourages applications from qualified individuals with disabilities. A roster may be created from this selection process for future vacancies. All applications must be submitted through UNRWA's online recruitment system, and late applications will not be accepted. Candidates must provide accurate information regarding their qualifications and work experience, as misrepresentation may lead to disqualification.