Associate Community-Based Protection Officer

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

• Its mission is to protect the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless persons. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, providing assistance and support to millions of people worldwide. The organization focuses on ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it strives to promote durable solutions for refugees, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement.

Job Overview:
The Associate Community-Based Protection Officer plays a crucial role in monitoring protection standards and operational procedures in line with international standards. This position requires the incumbent to provide functional protection support to information management and program staff while working closely with communities of concern. The officer is expected to identify risks faced by these communities and leverage their capacities to protect themselves. The role involves direct supervision of protection and support staff, ensuring the application of community-based protection standards, and maintaining constructive relationships with the people served. The officer will also be responsible for designing and implementing community-based protection strategies based on consultations with the communities. The position demands a proactive approach to engage with the community, identify protection concerns, and advocate for solutions to improve the protection environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Community-Based Protection Officer include: monitoring and analyzing protection trends affecting asylum-seekers and refugees; developing protection advocacy strategies; engaging with communities to identify risks and capacities; building relationships with government and NGO partners; supporting the implementation of community-based protection strategies; conducting training and outreach with government officials; maintaining close working relationships with sister UN entities; contributing to comprehensive protection strategies; assisting in developing communication strategies; and participating in inter-agency coordination processes. The officer will also be responsible for drafting reports, monitoring ongoing activities related to return, and advocating for adequate resources for voluntary repatriation operations. Additionally, the officer will engage in conflict resolution and peace-building efforts, ensuring compliance with global protection policies and standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong drafting, communication, advocacy, and legal skills. A legal and social work background with solid experience in protection principles and Rwandan law is required. The ability to work independently, make sound decisions, and engage with various stakeholders is essential. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work in a multifunctional team and possess negotiation and conflict resolution skills. Experience in a fast-paced environment and dealing with emergency cases is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an undergraduate degree with three years of relevant experience, a graduate degree with two years of relevant experience, or a doctorate degree with one year of relevant experience. Fields of education may include International Development, Cultural Studies, Human Rights, International Social Work, Social Science, Political Science, Anthropology, International Law, or other relevant fields.

Experience:
Relevant professional experience is required, particularly in community-based protection, community services, social work, and human rights. Desirable experience includes proven communication skills, knowledge of community engagement approaches, and competencies in forced displacement and protection, particularly in areas such as GBV prevention and response, child protection, and education.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda is mandatory, along with a very good working knowledge of regional languages. Knowledge of French is considered an added advantage.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Karongi, Rwanda, and is expected to last from November 2025 to December 2026, with the possibility of renewal. The role is classified at the LICA8 level (UNOPS), corresponding to NOB. The position is not remote and requires the incumbent to engage directly with communities and stakeholders in the field. The job entails a family-type staff member or affiliate type, and the hardship level is classified as C.