Senior Protection Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting is for a position within the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), an organization dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and forcibly displaced individuals. Established in 1950, UNHCR operates globally, with a mission to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country. The organization works in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members who are committed to providing assistance and protection to those in need. UNHCR's core values include professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity, and it aims to promote durable solutions for refugees, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Assistant plays a crucial role in monitoring and implementing protection standards and operational procedures in line with international guidelines. This position involves providing functional protection support to information management and program staff, ensuring that persons of concern (PoC) receive timely and effective assistance. The incumbent is expected to contribute to the development of a comprehensive protection strategy and engage with local authorities and partners on protection issues. A key aspect of the role is to ensure that PoC are actively involved in decision-making processes that affect their rights and access to solutions. The Senior Protection Assistant will also be responsible for building and maintaining effective relationships with communities, local authorities, and assistance partners, thereby enhancing the overall protection framework within the operational context.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Protection Assistant include: consistently applying international and national law, providing counseling on protection issues to PoC, liaising with authorities for documentation issuance, supporting AGD-based programming, conducting preliminary information gathering and interviews, contributing to child protection and education plans, monitoring Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), participating in individual protection case management, assisting in identifying durable solutions for PoC, drafting reports and updating databases, enhancing national protection capacities, selecting PoC for interviews, enforcing integrity in service delivery, and managing risks related to protection objectives. The incumbent is also expected to perform other related duties as required, ensuring that all actions align with UNHCR's core values and regulatory frameworks.

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 qualifications include knowledge of international law, political science, and protection-related guidelines. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills, effective communication abilities, and a commitment to inclusion and respect for diversity. Experience in refugee protection, case management, and community engagement is highly desirable, along with the ability to conduct training sessions on relevant topics.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma for candidates with 2 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree or higher for those with 1 year of relevant experience. While specific fields of education are not mandated, degrees in international law, political science, social sciences, or related disciplines are advantageous. Certifications in international law or protection principles are considered essential for this role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least 2 years of relevant experience for those with a High School Diploma, or 1 year of relevant experience for those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Experience in protection-related roles, particularly within humanitarian contexts, is essential. Familiarity with refugee protection principles, case management, and community engagement strategies is highly valued. Candidates should also have a proven track record of working effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government entities, civil society, and refugee communities.

Languages:
For this position, candidates must have a C1 level proficiency in Portuguese and a B2 level proficiency in English. Knowledge of Spanish at a B2 level is considered an asset. Proficiency in the local language is crucial for effective communication with PoC and local authorities, while English is necessary for internal communication and documentation within UNHCR.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporary, with a duration of 6 months, starting from January 1, 2026, to June 30, 2026, without expectations of renewal. The role is classified at the GS5 grade level within the General Service category. Candidates must be legally present in Brazil at the time of application and recruitment. The position is open to internal applicants and those with UNHCR experience. A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered, and UNHCR does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. All applications must be submitted online through Workday, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.