Associate Protection Officer

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

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, employing more than 18,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to providing protection and assistance to refugees and displaced persons, working closely with governments and partners to find durable solutions for those in need.

Job Overview:
The Associate Protection Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Protection Officer and will be responsible for providing legal advice and guidance on protection issues to returnees, refugees, and asylum seekers. This role involves promoting community-based protection approaches and supporting capacity-building initiatives for communities and individuals to assert their rights. The incumbent will monitor political, social, and economic developments that impact protection, conduct RSD interviews, assess individual cases for durable solutions, and intervene in cases of refoulement and deportation. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government authorities and partners, to ensure effective protection strategies are implemented. The Associate Protection Officer will also contribute to the design and evaluation of protection-related programming and draft funding proposals and reports.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Protection Officer include providing legal advice on protection issues, promoting community-based protection approaches, monitoring developments affecting protection, conducting RSD interviews, assessing individual cases, intervening in protection incidents, contributing to programming design and evaluation, drafting reports, mapping leadership structures within refugee communities, organizing meetings with refugee leaders, conducting outreach to identify protection issues, supporting vulnerable populations, participating in planning meetings, and ensuring compliance with UNHCR protection standards. The role also involves risk management related to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), fraud, and human rights due diligence, as well as performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Associate Protection Officer position include a university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in Law, Political Science, International Human Rights Law, Social Sciences, or a related field. An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) is desirable and may substitute for some years of experience. Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in refugee protection, human rights, or humanitarian work, with demonstrated experience in casework or case management, preferably in a refugee or returnee context. Field experience working with displaced populations is highly desirable, and familiarity with UNHCR's mandate and regional context is an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Law, Political Science, International Human Rights Law, or Social Sciences. An advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) is preferred and can substitute for some years of required experience, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience for candidates with a Master’s degree, or 3 years for those with a Bachelor’s degree. Experience should be in refugee protection, human rights, or humanitarian work, with a strong ability to apply relevant legal principles. Field experience working with displaced populations, refugees, returnees, or asylum seekers is highly desirable, indicating a practical understanding of the challenges faced by these groups.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is essential for communication and documentation. Knowledge of French is considered an asset, which may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) framework, specifically at the IICA1 level corresponding to P

• The contract duration is from November 1, 2025, to November-December 2026, with the possibility of renewal. The position is based in Kigali, Rwanda, and is not remote. The role is full-time and involves working closely with various partners and stakeholders in the refugee response context.