Protection Officer - IDPs

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and stateless individuals. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees dedicated to providing protection and assistance to those in need. The organization focuses on finding durable solutions for displaced populations, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement. UNHCR is committed to promoting international protection standards and advocating for the rights of displaced individuals globally.

Job Overview:
The Protection Officer - IDPs position is crucial within the Division of International Protection and Solutions (DIPS) at UNHCR. The incumbent will report to the Head of the IDP Unit and will play a significant role in external engagement, inter-agency coordination, and advancing solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs). The IDP Unit is responsible for providing support and guidance to over 30 UNHCR IDP operations worldwide, engaging with governments and stakeholders to strengthen advocacy and policy efforts on IDP protection. The role involves developing guidance and tools, drafting and reviewing key documents, and providing logistical support for workshops and events. The incumbent will also engage in research and knowledge management to reinforce UNHCR's thought leadership on IDP protection areas, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of addressing the needs of IDPs globally.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including providing technical guidance and support to UNHCR and partners on protection-related issues, staying informed about legal and political developments impacting the protection environment, and engaging with national authorities to strengthen asylum and refugee status determination systems. The incumbent will facilitate consultative processes with government counterparts and affected populations to develop comprehensive protection strategies. They will also support the integration of protection strategies into country operations and humanitarian response plans, promote relevant international and national laws, and ensure that all sectors fulfill their responsibilities in mainstreaming protection. The role includes overseeing individual protection cases, providing legal advice, and managing eligibility and status determination processes. Additionally, the Protection Officer will contribute to the development of community-based protection strategies, monitor protection incidents, and coordinate capacity-building initiatives for national authorities and civil society.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience in refugee protection, internal displacement, human rights, or international law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">humanitarian law, with direct experience working with Field Offices. A strong understanding of International Refugee and Human Rights Law is essential, along with excellent legal research, analytical skills, and drafting abilities. The ideal candidate should have substantial field and inter-agency experience, particularly in internal displacement contexts, and demonstrate the ability to provide context-adapted guidance grounded in operational realities. Experience in capacity-building and designing learning activities is also crucial, as is a solid understanding of legal, policy, and institutional frameworks related to IDP protection.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a relevant undergraduate degree in fields such as Law, International Law, International Refugee Law, International Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law, Refugee and Forced Migration Studies, or Political Science. Candidates with a graduate degree or doctorate in these fields will be considered favorably, with a reduced experience requirement of 5 years for a graduate degree and 4 years for a doctorate.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in UNHCR IDP operations, including direct engagement with Field Offices and internally displaced persons. Candidates should have a strong knowledge of international humanitarian and human rights law and the ability to apply relevant legal principles effectively. Experience in diverse professional settings and good IT skills, including database management, are also desirable.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. A working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and operate effectively in various contexts.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time remote position with a commitment of 40 working hours per week. The successful candidate will be home-based, and the contract duration is from March 1, 2026, to December 31, 202

• Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete a written test, and only those shortlisted will be notified. UNHCR does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and all staff members are expected to contribute to a safe and inclusive work environment, demonstrating zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination.