Community-Based 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 people. The organization operates in over 130 countries, providing assistance and protection to millions of individuals worldwide. The UNHCR aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. The organization is committed to promoting durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons, advocating for their rights, and working towards their self-reliance and integration into host communities. In Rwanda, UNHCR works closely with the government and various partners to address the needs of refugees and asylum seekers, particularly in light of the ongoing refugee situation stemming from instability in neighboring countries.

Job Overview:
The Community-Based Protection Associate position is a critical role within the Protection Unit of UNHCR Rwanda, specifically stationed at the Karongi Field Office. The incumbent will report directly to the Associate Protection Officer and will be responsible for engaging with communities of concern to identify risks and leverage their capacities for self-protection. This role requires a significant amount of time spent outside the office, building relationships with the communities served. The Community-Based Protection Associate will support the development and implementation of community-based protection strategies, ensuring that they are informed by consultations with the people served. The position emphasizes the importance of participatory approaches and community involvement in protection efforts, aligning with UNHCR's commitment to accountability and quality assurance in its response to the needs of refugees and displaced persons. The incumbent will also work closely with various stakeholders, including government entities, NGOs, and community members, to foster social cohesion and improve protection mechanisms for vulnerable populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Community-Based Protection Associate will undertake a variety of tasks, including assisting functional units and senior management in integrating community-based approaches into protection strategies. The incumbent will maintain relationships with the people served and partners to stay informed about political, social, and economic developments that impact the protection environment. Key responsibilities include identifying opportunities for national civil society involvement, conducting participatory assessments, supporting the planning and monitoring of programs, building office capacity for community-based protection, and ensuring community understanding of UNHCR's commitments. The Associate will also act as an interpreter, contribute to participatory analysis, and enforce compliance with global protection policies. Additionally, the incumbent will prioritize individuals or groups for counseling, intervene with authorities on protection matters, and support ongoing activities related to return and durable solutions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Community-Based Protection Associate position must possess a strong educational background and relevant work experience. Essential qualifications include a High School Diploma with three years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree with two years of relevant experience. Candidates should have experience working with UNHCR in protection and solutions, and training in international protection principles is desirable. Functional skills required for this role include proficiency in MS Office applications, computer literacy, and experience in community-based protection methodologies. Strong communication skills and the ability to coordinate with various stakeholders are also essential for success in this position.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma with three years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree in fields such as International Development, Cultural Studies, Human Rights, International Social Work, Social Science, Political Science, Anthropology, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, or other relevant disciplines. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of refugee protection and community engagement.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of three years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or two years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree or higher. Essential experience includes working with UNHCR in protection and solutions, which provides the necessary context and understanding of the challenges faced by refugees and displaced communities. Candidates should also have experience in community engagement and participatory approaches to protection.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda is mandatory for this position, as these languages are essential for effective communication with the communities served. Additionally, a very good working knowledge of regional languages is required, and knowledge of French will be considered an added advantage. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for building relationships and facilitating communication within diverse communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a Local Target Start Date, with a duration from November 2025 to December 2026, and it is renewable based on performance and organizational needs. The role is not remote and is based in Karongi, Rwanda. The Community-Based Protection Associate will be expected to work full-time and engage directly with communities, requiring a commitment to the principles of protection and humanitarian assistance. The position emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and inclusive working environment, where all staff members are accountable for upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.