Senior Protection Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a global organization dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons. Established in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, providing assistance and support to millions of people worldwide. The organization works closely with governments and partners to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country. UNHCR's mission is to safeguard the rights of refugees, promote durable solutions, and ensure that displaced individuals can rebuild their lives with dignity and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. In Turkey, UNHCR collaborates with local authorities and institutions to enhance the national asylum system and improve the quality of protection services for refugees and asylum seekers.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Associate position is a critical role within UNHCR's Protection Unit in Ankara, Turkey. This position is focused on the implementation of a project aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of national asylum procedures in Turkey, particularly under the EU-funded initiative 'Supporting Türkiye’s International and Temporary Protection Processes.' The Senior Protection Associate will engage in various activities designed to enhance the technical capacity of the Turkish Presidency of Migration Management (PMM) staff. This includes developing training materials, facilitating workshops, and providing technical support through field visits. The role requires a proactive approach to ensure that the project objectives align with international protection standards, and the incumbent will work closely with PMM and other stakeholders to achieve these goals. The Senior Protection Associate will also be responsible for conducting desk reviews and analyses to inform project outputs, ensuring that the work is evidence-based and responsive to the needs of the asylum system in Turkey.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Protection Associate will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Supporting the implementation of capacity-building activities by preparing training and workshop materials, facilitating sessions, and drafting related reports.
• Contributing to the development of materials and tools that align with international protection standards and project objectives.
• Acting as the focal point for Country of Origin Information (COI)-related activities, maintaining coordination with PMM and experts involved in these activities.
• Planning, organizing, and following up on COI-related activities to ensure effective execution.
• Undertaking missions to support project implementation, monitoring, and follow-up as required.
• Conducting desk reviews and analyses to inform training content, COI products, and other project outputs.
• Performing other duties as required by the Senior Protection Officer and the Associate Protection Officer, ensuring compliance with UNHCR's operational guidelines and financial regulations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree or higher in Political Science, Law, or a related field. For those with a High School Diploma, a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience is required, while candidates with a Bachelor's degree must have at least 2 years of relevant work experience. The role demands strong research and analytical skills, excellent planning and organizational abilities, and effective stakeholder management. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate proficiency in managing resources and possess strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively within a team environment.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Political Science, Law, or a related field. Candidates with a High School Diploma must have significant relevant experience to qualify for the role. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in legal principles, international relations, and the workings of asylum systems.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience for candidates with a Bachelor's degree or higher. Those with a High School Diploma must have at least 4 years of relevant experience. Experience in the field of international protection, refugee law, or humanitarian assistance is highly desirable. Familiarity with UNHCR operations and procedures will be considered an asset, as will prior exposure to refugee operations and functions related to office administration and program activities.

Languages:
Fluency in Turkish and English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of any other UN language is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's application. Proficiency in additional languages can be beneficial in a multicultural work environment and may facilitate communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a Local Senior Level Support role, with a target start date of January 1, 202

• The position is not remote and requires the incumbent to be based in Ankara, Turkey. Candidates must be legally present in Turkey at the time of application and must provide valid residence permits if they are non-Turkish citizens. The recruitment process may include a written test and/or oral interview, and only shortlisted candidates will be notified. UNHCR does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and all applications must be submitted by the deadline of January 4, 2026.