Senior Protection Assistant (Arabic-speaking)

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), an organization dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons worldwide. Established in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, providing assistance and support to millions of people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or violence. The organization aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it works to promote durable solutions for refugees, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement. UNHCR is committed to upholding international protection standards and advocating for the rights of refugees and displaced persons, ensuring their safety and dignity.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Assistant (Arabic-speaking) position is crucial for supporting UNHCR’s protection activities, particularly in the context of voluntary repatriation and individual case management for Arabic-speaking persons of concern (PoCs). The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Assistant Protection Officer and will be responsible for conducting voluntary return interviews, ensuring that individuals are informed of their rights and options in a language they understand. This role requires strong communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and a solid understanding of protection principles and UNHCR’s mandate. The position is based in Ankara, Türkiye, which is a stable environment for conducting these essential activities. The incumbent will also be involved in broader protection case management, supporting communication with partners, local authorities, and UNHCR units, and may require travel within the Area of Responsibility (AoR) to conduct interviews or follow up on protection concerns.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Protection Assistant will have a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: conducting voluntary return interviews with Arabic-speaking individuals, ensuring that they are fully informed of their rights and options; documenting the interview process in accordance with UNHCR standards; contributing to protection case management by identifying and following up on cases with urgent protection needs; preparing case summaries and updating the protection database; supporting referrals to relevant services or UNHCR units; participating in counselling sessions; preparing weekly follow-up lists; contributing to protection reporting; sharing field observations with the team; interpreting during field visits and interviews; providing written translations of relevant documents; and participating in trainings, workshops, and inter-agency coordination meetings as required. The role demands strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships with stakeholders, as well as a commitment to UNHCR’s protection principles and standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience with a High School diploma, or 1 year with a university degree in law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, Political Science, or a related field. Required language skills include an excellent command of Turkish, Arabic, and English, both spoken and written. Desirable qualifications include additional knowledge of Farsi, proficiency in MS Office applications, advanced problem-solving skills, strong organizational capabilities, and familiarity with UNHCR protection standards and refugee law. Core competencies required for this position include accountability, communication, organizational awareness, teamwork and collaboration, commitment to continuous learning, and client and result orientation. Cross-functional competencies such as analytical thinking, political awareness, and stakeholder management are also essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School diploma as a minimum, with a preference for candidates holding a university degree in International Law, Political Science, or a related field. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of refugee law and the protection needs of displaced persons.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in a similar role, or 1 year of experience if the candidate holds a university degree. This experience should ideally be in the field of refugee protection, humanitarian assistance, or related areas, demonstrating the candidate's ability to handle sensitive situations and provide support to vulnerable populations.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are Turkish, Arabic, and English, with an excellent command required in both spoken and written forms. Additionally, knowledge of Farsi is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate with a broader range of individuals within the refugee population.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a local entry and mid-level support role, with a target start date of February 9, 202

• The contract duration is subject to operational needs and satisfactory service, with no expectation of renewal beyond its expiry date. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, which may include mandatory night shifts and the possibility of work on weekends and official holidays. The position offers annual leave at the rate of two and a half working days per month, sick leave at the rate of two working days for each month of service, and medical coverage through Cigna Health Insurance. Remuneration will be based on the International Civil Services Commission (ICSC) salary scale at the G4 or G5 level, depending on qualifications and experience. Non-Turkish candidates must obtain clearance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) before any offer can be made, and they are required to upload valid residence permits as part of their application.