Protection Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. UNHCR strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR has been operational in Poland for 30 years, working closely with national authorities on refugee-related matters, especially in light of the ongoing refugee crisis due to the war in Ukraine. The organization currently has a Country Office with a workforce of about 40 national and international staff, focusing on building the human capital of Ukrainian refugees and ensuring their effective access to asylum and social protection systems.

Job Overview:
The Protection Assistant will work under the supervision of the Assistant Protection Officer and will be responsible for providing technical support on the inclusion of Ukrainian refugees in national social protection programmes. This role involves liaising with local authorities to align UNHCR assistance with government-led social protection initiatives, monitoring partnerships with local NGOs, and updating relevant documentation. The Protection Assistant will also engage with academic institutions to strengthen the evidence base regarding the inclusion of Ukrainian refugees in social protection programmes. Additionally, the role includes organizing knowledge management and capacity-building activities, supporting advocacy efforts for inclusive social protection systems, and assisting in the organization of donor visits related to social protection.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Assistant will have a range of duties including: providing technical support on the inclusion of Ukrainian refugees in national social protection programmes; liaising with local authorities to advance the alignment of assistance with government-led programmes; monitoring activities and field visits related to UNHCR social protection partnerships with local NGOs; updating social protection roadmaps, fact sheets, and guidance notes; engaging with academic institutions to strengthen the evidence base; organizing knowledge management and capacity-building activities; supporting advocacy efforts for inclusive social protection systems; and performing any other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate a strong understanding of operations relevant to UNHCR, possess technical capabilities or knowledge relevant to UNHCR procedures, and exhibit discretion, political sensitivity, and diplomacy. They should have the ability to liaise and coordinate with various actors, especially in senior positions, and show a high degree of autonomy and personal initiative. Resourcefulness and the ability to manage information objectively and confidentially are essential. Candidates should also be responsive and client-oriented, demonstrating integrity and ethical standards in their daily activities.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required, typically including a degree in social sciences, international relations, or a related field. Advanced degrees may be preferred, particularly for roles involving complex social protection systems and refugee issues.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in social protection, refugee assistance, or related fields. Experience working with governmental and non-governmental organizations, particularly in the context of refugee assistance, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the Polish social protection system and experience in advocacy or policy development will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in Polish is highly desirable. Knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian would be considered an asset, given the context of the refugee population in Poland.

Additional Notes:
This position is a national UN Volunteer assignment, meaning the volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The monthly living allowance is PLN 8096.66, with an entry lump sum payment of USD 40

• Medical and life insurance is provided through Cigna Private Insurance. Leave entitlements include 2.5 days of annual leave accrued per calendar month, 30 days of certified sick leave, 7 days of uncertified sick leave, 10 days of learning leave per consecutive 12 months, 16 weeks of maternity leave, and 10 days of paternity leave. The position is full-time and may require travel within the area of operations.