Protection Analyst

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is a collaborative initiative between UNHCR and DRC, known as Project 21 (P21). This initiative is focused on regional protection monitoring across West and Central Africa, aiming to enhance evidence-based protection responses in displacement-affected contexts. The organization mobilizes humanitarian partners to collect and analyze protection data using standardized tools and collaborative data collection methods. P21 is a strategic initiative that emphasizes the importance of accurate, timely, and actionable insights derived from large and diverse datasets to address complex humanitarian, peacebuilding, and development challenges. The organization operates in multiple countries across the West and Central African region, working with a variety of stakeholders to improve protection outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Protection Analyst position is designed for an experienced professional with a strong background in protection and analytical skills. The individual will work closely with the Project Coordinator and the P21 regional team, providing technical expertise throughout all phases of the Humanitarian Program Cycle (HPC) and the Development Programming Cycle. The role involves delivering qualitative and contextual analyses of protection risks, trends, and capacity gaps that affect displaced populations and other persons of concern. The Protection Analyst is expected to ensure that evidence-based recommendations are made for programming, advocacy, and policy development. Additionally, the role includes monitoring protection developments, identifying emerging risks, and providing actionable insights to inform protection strategies and interventions. The analyst will also support partner coordination, donor reporting, and contribute to the strategic development of P21, ensuring that data and analyses are effectively utilized in humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding programming.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Analyst will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: supporting partner coordination and donor reporting; mapping key events and milestones for the use of P21 data; leading the design and implementation of capacity-building initiatives on protection analysis; coordinating analyses at the country level to produce Protection Analysis Updates (PAUs); contributing to the contextualization of inter-agency protection analysis guidelines; monitoring protection developments and identifying emerging risks; assisting in the strategic use of Project 21 analysis; supporting the development and revision of reports and project proposals; gathering requirements from key stakeholders; organizing workshops and meetings; identifying capacity gaps and enhancing partners' analytical skills; and developing training materials on protection monitoring and data analysis.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a university degree in Laws, Politics, International Relations, Journalism, or a similar field, or an equivalent professional qualification. Additionally, candidates must have at least 5 years of experience as an analyst, protection specialist, policy advisor, or in similar roles, preferably within humanitarian or development settings. Experience in the West and Central Africa region, particularly in the Central Sahel and Bassin of Lake Chad, is essential. Previous work with international NGOs and within protection or protection monitoring contexts is advantageous. Knowledge of gender-based violence (GBV), child protection, housing, land and property issues, mine action, and other areas of responsibility within the Protection Cluster is also required. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to formulate actionable policy recommendations to support durable solutions.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in a relevant field such as Laws, Politics, International Relations, or Journalism. Equivalent professional qualifications may also be considered acceptable. The educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of protection issues and the humanitarian landscape in which the analyst will operate.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in roles such as analyst, protection specialist, or policy advisor. This experience should ideally be in humanitarian or development contexts, with a strong preference for candidates who have worked in the West and Central Africa region. Familiarity with the specific challenges and dynamics of the Central Sahel and Bassin of Lake Chad is particularly valuable. Experience in international NGOs and within protection monitoring contexts will be considered an asset, as will a proven track record of formulating actionable policy recommendations.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and French is mandatory, particularly in writing. Candidates should be skilled in producing analytical reports and advocating for policy changes in both languages. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered beneficial but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS IICA2 staff member type and is not remote. The target start date for the position is January 1, 202

• The role is full-time and involves working in a family-type environment, with a hardship level classified as A (least hardship). The deadline for applications is December 17, 2025.