UNOPS Senior Protection Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, which is dedicated to delivering protection, assistance, and solutions to displaced people, including asylum-seekers and refugees. Established to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, UNHCR operates in numerous countries worldwide, with a significant presence in Ecuador, where it has been active in addressing the needs of over 78,000 recognized refugees, primarily from Colombia. The organization collaborates closely with national authorities, NGOs, and local communities to ensure effective protection and assistance. UNHCR's mission is to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and it works tirelessly to promote durable solutions for those in need.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Assistant position is crucial within the UNHCR Protection Unit in Esmeraldas, Ecuador. The incumbent will report to a more senior Protection colleague and will be responsible for monitoring protection standards and operational procedures in line with international standards. This role involves providing functional protection support to information management and program staff, ensuring quality and timely protection support to persons of concern (PoC). The Senior Protection Assistant will also play a vital role in designing comprehensive protection strategies and liaising with local authorities and partners on protection issues. A key aspect of this position is to ensure that PoC are actively involved in decisions that affect their rights and solutions to their problems, necessitating strong relationships with communities of concern and local stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Protection Assistant include consistently applying international and national law, providing counseling on protection issues, liaising with authorities for documentation issuance, supporting AGD-based programming, conducting information gathering and interviews for eligibility and needs assessments, contributing to child protection and education plans, monitoring SOPs for protection activities, participating in individual case management, assisting in identifying durable solutions for PoC, drafting reports and updating databases, and enhancing local protection capacities. The role also involves selecting PoC for interviews, enforcing integrity in service delivery, managing risks, and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or 1 year of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Essential functional skills include IT literacy, knowledge of protection-related guidelines, and an understanding of refugee protection principles. Candidates should demonstrate accountability, communication skills, organizational awareness, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous learning. Analytical thinking and stakeholder management are also important competencies for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma as a minimum, with a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as International Law or Political Science being advantageous. While specific certifications are not mandatory, they can enhance a candidate's profile, particularly those related to international law and protection frameworks.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma, or 1 year of relevant work experience for those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. This experience should ideally be in protection, humanitarian assistance, or related fields, demonstrating a solid understanding of the challenges faced by displaced populations and the operational context in which UNHCR operates.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is desirable for this position. Candidates should also be proficient in the local language of the duty station, which is Spanish, to effectively communicate with PoC and local authorities. Familiarity with additional languages can be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as a Local Support role at the LICA 5 level, with a contract duration from February 1, 2026, to April 30, 202

• Candidates must have temporary or permanent residence in Ecuador to be eligible for this position. The salary offered is in net terms, and candidates are required to submit a current RUC Unique Taxpayer Registry and a voluntary contribution certificate to the Ecuadorian Institute of Social security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security (IESS). The position is not remote and requires on-site presence in Esmeraldas.