Associate Protection Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The UNHCR Office in Malaysia is dedicated to enhancing the national asylum system and promoting a more inclusive refugee policy. The organization collaborates closely with the Malaysian government to ensure that the asylum system meets international protection standards. The office is part of a larger global network that operates in multiple countries, focusing on refugee protection and human rights advocacy. UNHCR aims to provide support and guidance to governments and communities to foster environments where refugees can thrive and integrate into society. The organization has a strong commitment to capacity building and works to ensure that national policies align with international norms and standards.

Job Overview:
The Associate Protection Officer will play a pivotal role in supporting UNHCR Malaysia's mission to strengthen national asylum systems and enhance the protection space for refugees. This position involves providing technical expertise and strategic guidance to government counterparts as part of the Capacity Sharing Programme. The incumbent will be responsible for advising authorities on Registration and Refugee Status Determination (RSD) processes, planning and coordinating activities to achieve key milestones, and fostering constructive dialogue on sensitive asylum issues. The role also includes oversight of INTPA-funded initiatives, ensuring effective advocacy and coordination with various stakeholders, including government, civil society, and donors. The Associate Protection Officer will be expected to demonstrate strong leadership, technical expertise, and excellent communication skills to advance UNHCR's objectives in Malaysia.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The core responsibilities of the Associate Protection Officer include leading initiatives aimed at developing or strengthening national institutional capacities and asylum systems. This involves designing and delivering training for government officials on critical topics such as Registration and RSD, international humanitarian and human rights law, and interviewing techniques. The officer will engage with national authorities and key stakeholders to identify and expand collaboration opportunities that strengthen refugee protection and promote inclusion. Additionally, the role requires coordinating policy dialogue and advocacy initiatives with national and regional actors, ensuring alignment with international standards while addressing sensitive protection issues. The officer will also oversee the strategic planning and execution of INTPA-funded initiatives, ensuring effective monitoring and reporting on performance and outcomes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong educational background in relevant fields such as Law, International Law, International Refugee Law, International Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law, Refugee and Forced Migration Studies, or Political Sciences. A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in refugee protection, internal displacement, human rights, or international humanitarian law is essential. Candidates should have a good understanding of International Refugee and Human Rights Law, excellent legal research and analytical skills, and experience in Registration and RSD processes. Exposure to national asylum systems and advocacy, including legislative reform and stakeholder engagement, is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a degree in Law, International Law, International Refugee Law, International Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law, Refugee and Forced Migration Studies, Political Sciences, or a related field. Candidates with an undergraduate degree must have at least three years of relevant experience, while those with a graduate degree require two years, and those with a doctorate need one year of relevant experience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in areas such as refugee protection, internal displacement, human rights, or international humanitarian law. Candidates should have experience working directly with Field Offices and possess a good knowledge of International Refugee and Human Rights Law. RSD experience and exposure to national asylum systems are critical assets for this role, as is a background in advocacy and legislative reform.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, and proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station (if not English) is also required. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS IICA1 level and is a regular contract type. The target start date for this role is January 1, 2026, and the application deadline is January 12, 202

• The position is not remote and is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The role is categorized under the least hardship level (A) and is suitable for family staff members or affiliates.