Assistant Protection Officer

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

• The organization is dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons worldwide. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, providing assistance and support to millions of people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or violence. The mission of UNHCR is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. In Turkey, UNHCR has been working closely with the Turkish government and various stakeholders to enhance the protection and assistance provided to refugees and asylum seekers, particularly in light of the ongoing humanitarian challenges in the region.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Protection Officer position is a critical role within UNHCR's operations in Turkey, specifically aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of national asylum procedures. This position is part of a project funded by the European Union, titled 'Supporting Türkiye’s International and Temporary Protection Processes.' The Assistant Protection Officer will engage in various activities designed to enhance the technical capacity of the Turkish authorities responsible for asylum procedures. This includes providing training, developing guidelines, and conducting field visits to ensure that the asylum process is efficient and meets international standards. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including national authorities and experts, to ensure effective communication and implementation of project activities. The Assistant Protection Officer will also be responsible for monitoring project implementation, identifying challenges, and proposing solutions to improve the overall quality of protection services provided to asylum seekers and refugees in Turkey.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Protection Officer will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: acting as the focal point for quality assurance in international protection status determination procedures; contributing to desk reviews, legal analyses, and thematic research; providing support in the design and delivery of capacity-development activities; drafting, reviewing, and refining legal and analytical documents; undertaking missions as required and delivering reports on project implementation; monitoring project activities and identifying challenges; supporting strategic planning and prioritization of activities; ensuring effective communication with national authorities and stakeholders; and performing other duties as required by the Senior Protection Officer. The role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to enhancing the protection framework for refugees and asylum seekers in Turkey.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Assistant Protection Officer position must possess a Bachelor's degree or higher in Political Science, Law, or a related field. For those with an undergraduate degree, a minimum of one year of relevant experience is required. Candidates with a graduate degree or doctorate are not required to have prior experience. The position requires strong research and analytical skills, planning and organizing abilities, stakeholder management capabilities, and resource management skills. Excellent knowledge of Turkish and fluency in English are mandatory, while knowledge of other UN languages is considered an asset. Candidates should also have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Political Science, Law, or a related field. Higher degrees such as a Master's or Doctorate are also acceptable, with varying experience requirements based on the level of education. The educational qualifications should provide a solid foundation in legal principles, international relations, and human rights, which are essential for the role of Assistant Protection Officer.

Experience:
The level of experience required for the Assistant Protection Officer position varies based on educational qualifications. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree must have at least one year of relevant experience, while those with a Master's degree or Doctorate are not required to have prior experience. Relevant experience may include work in international protection, refugee law, human rights, or related fields, particularly in a humanitarian or governmental context. Familiarity with UNHCR operations and procedures is highly desirable.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are Turkish and English. Candidates must demonstrate excellent proficiency in both languages to effectively communicate and perform their duties. Additionally, knowledge of other UN languages is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's application, as it reflects the ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders and resources.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a local professional level role within UNHCR and is not remote. The target start date for the position is January 1, 2026, and the deadline for applications is January 4, 202

• The role is subject to successful reference checks and integrity clearance, and UNHCR does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. Candidates must be legally present in Turkey at the time of application and must provide relevant documentation 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.