Protection Associate

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

• The UNHCR's mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless persons. The organization operates in over 130 countries, providing protection and assistance to millions of people worldwide. The UNHCR works closely with governments, NGOs, and other partners to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state. The organization is committed to promoting durable solutions for refugees, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement. UNHCR's work is guided by law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and humanitarian principles, and it aims to ensure that refugees and displaced persons can lead dignified lives and rebuild their futures.

Job Overview:
The Protection Associate position is a critical role within the UNHCR Rwanda Protection Unit, specifically based in the Rubavu Field Unit. The incumbent will report directly to the Associate Protection Officer and will be responsible for monitoring protection standards and operational procedures in line with international standards. The Protection Associate will provide functional protection support to information management and program staff, ensuring that protection responses are timely, effective, and of high quality. The role requires the incumbent to engage with communities of concern, local authorities, and protection partners to ensure that the needs of refugees, displaced persons, and stateless individuals are met. The Protection Associate will also contribute to the development of a comprehensive protection strategy and will be involved in various protection-related activities, including registration, refugee status determination, and the identification of durable solutions for individuals in need.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Associate will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: staying informed about political, social, economic, and cultural developments that impact the protection environment; applying international and national law, as well as UN/UNHCR policies and standards; providing advice on protection issues to the people served; assisting in eligibility and status determination processes; contributing to measures aimed at preventing and reducing statelessness; managing individual protection cases, including those related to gender-based violence (GBV) and child protection; monitoring and intervening in cases of refoulement and other protection incidents; and assisting in identifying durable solutions for refugees through voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement. The incumbent will also facilitate effective information management and participate in initiatives to strengthen national protection legislation and procedures.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or 2 years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor's degree or higher. Essential qualifications include experience working with UNHCR in protection and solutions, as well as training in the basic principles of international protection. Functional skills required for the role include computer literacy, awareness of protection and solutions, and knowledge of refugee protection principles and frameworks. Experience in an international organization, such as the United Nations or similar, is also desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a High School Diploma with 3 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree or equivalent with 2 years of relevant work experience. Fields of education that are relevant to this position include International Development, Cultural Studies, Human Rights, International Social Work, Social Science, Political Science, Anthropology, International Law, or other related fields.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least 3 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or 2 years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor's degree or higher. Relevant job experience should include work in protection and solutions, particularly in contexts similar to that of UNHCR's operations in Rwanda.

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, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a Local Target Start Date, with a duration from November 2025 to December 2026, and is renewable based on performance and organizational needs. The position is not remote and requires the incumbent to work on-site in Rubavu, Rwanda. The role is categorized under the LICA 6 level (UNOPS), corresponding to G6, and is part of the UNHCR's ongoing efforts to provide protection and assistance to refugees and displaced persons in the region.