Senior Protection Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), which was established in 1950 with the mission to protect the rights and well-being of refugees. UNHCR works to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state. The organization is dedicated to saving lives and building better futures for refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, employing more than 18,000 staff members worldwide, and is committed to providing assistance and protection to millions of people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or violence. UNHCR's work is guided by the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, and it collaborates with governments, NGOs, and other partners to deliver effective humanitarian assistance and advocate for the rights of displaced individuals.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Assistant position is crucial within the UNHCR Rwanda framework, specifically under the PRM-funded 'DRC–Rwanda Voluntary Returns' project. The role involves facilitating the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of Rwandan refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and supporting the repatriation of Congolese refugees from Rwanda. The incumbent will work closely with government counterparts and partners to ensure that returnees receive adequate protection, transportation, reception, and reintegration assistance. This position requires a strong understanding of international and national law, as well as UN/UNHCR policies and standards. The Senior Protection Assistant will be responsible for providing counseling on protection issues, conducting interviews for eligibility and status determination, and contributing to the development of protection strategies that enhance the well-being of persons of concern (PoC). The role also emphasizes the importance of monitoring and reporting on protection incidents, ensuring compliance with UNHCR standards, and contributing to the overall protection framework in Rwanda, which is evolving to address both protracted and new refugee situations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Protection Assistant will undertake a variety of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: consistently applying international and national law as well as UN/UNHCR policies; providing counseling on protection issues to persons of concern; liaising with authorities for documentation issuance; supporting AGD-based programming; conducting preliminary information gathering and interviews; contributing to child protection and education plans; monitoring Standard Operating Procedures for protection activities; participating in individual protection case management; monitoring and reporting on protection incidents; assisting in identifying durable solutions for PoC; drafting reports and updating databases; and contributing to initiatives that enhance local protection capacities. The incumbent will also be responsible for enforcing integrity in the delivery of protection services by local partners and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience with a high school diploma or 1 year of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent higher education. Candidates must possess computer literacy and knowledge of refugee protection frameworks, international protection principles, and human rights law. Strong drafting and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work effectively in multicultural teams and under pressure. A commitment to UN values, including integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity, is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a high school diploma as a minimum requirement. A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent higher education is preferred, particularly for those with 1 year of relevant experience. The educational background should ideally include studies related to international relations, law, social sciences, or a related field that provides a solid foundation for understanding refugee protection and humanitarian principles.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of relevant experience for candidates with a high school diploma, or 1 year of relevant experience for those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. This experience should be in a field related to protection, humanitarian assistance, or refugee support, demonstrating the ability to apply relevant laws and policies effectively in a practical context.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of the UN. Knowledge of additional UN languages is considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the diverse environment of UNHCR.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a Local Target Start Date, with a duration from November 2025 to December 31, 2026, and is renewable based on performance and funding. The position is not home-based and is subject to the hardship level classification of U (unclassified). The role is full-time and does not require functional clearance. The Senior Protection Assistant will be supervised by the Assistant Protection Officer and will be accountable for meeting performance indicators and deliverables as outlined in the work plan.