UNOPS Community-Based Protection Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, which is dedicated to providing protection, assistance, and solutions to displaced individuals, including asylum-seekers and refugees. Established to safeguard the rights and well-being of those forced to flee their homes, UNHCR operates in numerous countries worldwide, including Ecuador, where it has a significant presence. The organization collaborates closely with national authorities, NGOs, and local communities to address the needs of displaced populations. UNHCR's mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it strives to promote durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons. The organization employs thousands of staff members globally, working in various capacities to fulfill its mission and support vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Community-Based Protection Assistant position is integral to the Protection Unit of UNHCR in Ecuador. The role involves direct engagement with communities of concern, focusing on identifying the risks they face and leveraging their capacities for self-protection. The assistant will work under the guidance of the Protection Officer and collaborate with various stakeholders, including government entities and NGOs. A significant aspect of this role is to spend considerable time outside the office, building relationships within communities to enhance protection planning and programming. The assistant will support the implementation of community-based protection standards and operational procedures, ensuring that the strategies developed are informed by consultations with the communities. This position is crucial in addressing the challenges faced by refugees and other forcibly displaced persons in Ecuador, particularly in the context of increasing insecurity and social challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Community-Based Protection Assistant will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Maintaining relationships with persons of concern (PoC) and partners to stay informed about political, social, economic, and cultural developments affecting the protection environment.
• Advising the protection team on the perspectives, capacities, needs, and resources of PoC, with a focus on the specific protection needs of various demographic groups.
• Supporting the development of community-owned activities that address social, educational, psycho-social, cultural, health, organizational, and livelihood concerns, including child protection and GBV prevention.
• Assisting in engaging national civil society groups to improve the protection of PoC.
• Conducting participatory assessments and ongoing consultations with PoC to identify their capacities and risks.
• Supporting communities in establishing representation and coordination structures.
• Ensuring community understanding of UNHCR's commitment to accountability and quality assurance.
• Collecting data for monitoring programs and budgets from an Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) perspective.
• Drafting routine correspondence, documents, and reports while maintaining organized filing systems. 1
• Acting as an interpreter and responding to routine queries. 1
• Enforcing compliance with global protection policies and standards. 1
• Identifying individuals or groups for prioritization in counseling and field visits. 1
• Supporting risk management and decision-making processes in the area of responsibility. 1
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Essential qualifications include knowledge of community-based protection principles and methodologies, as well as familiarity with UNHCR's administrative rules and regulations. Candidates should also demonstrate proficiency in IT applications, particularly MS Office and ERP systems. Strong communication skills, particularly in multi-stakeholder environments, are essential. Additionally, candidates should have a commitment to continuous learning and a client-oriented approach.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma as a minimum, with a preference for candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree in fields such as Development Studies, Human Rights, Community Development, Social Work, Social Science, Political Science, or law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law. Relevant certifications in these areas are also beneficial and may enhance a candidate's application.

Experience:
The position requires at least 1 year of relevant experience in a related field. While specific prior experience is not detailed, candidates with experience in community engagement, protection work, or roles within humanitarian organizations will be viewed favorably. Familiarity with UNHCR learning programs is desirable, indicating a preference for candidates who have engaged with UNHCR's training and development initiatives.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is desirable for this position, particularly for international professional roles. Candidates should also be familiar with the UN working language of the duty station, which is Spanish in Ecuador. Proficiency in local languages may also be advantageous, enhancing communication with communities of concern.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a Local Support role at the LICA 4 level, with a contract duration from February 1, 2026, to April 30, 202

• The position is not remote and requires candidates to have temporary or permanent residence in Ecuador to be eligible for employment. The salary offered is in net terms, and candidates must 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 organization emphasizes diversity and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, or other factors.