Protection Officer

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

• The organization is dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members. Its mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR works closely with governments, NGOs, and other partners to provide assistance and protection to those in need, particularly in regions facing significant refugee crises, such as Jordan, which hosts a large number of Syrian refugees.

Job Overview:
The Protection Officer position is crucial for overseeing the general protection unit within UNHCR Jordan, focusing on community-based protection (CBP), communication with communities (CwC), accountability to affected populations (AAP), child protection (CP), and gender-based violence (GBV). The officer will support the Senior Protection Officer (SPO) in managing protection issues and activities in both urban areas and refugee camps. This role requires regular travel to various field locations to provide protection support and to supervise a team of up to six protection staff in Amman. The Protection Officer will also coordinate thematic protection working groups and may serve as the focal point for protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) and anti-fraud initiatives. The position demands strong collaboration with legal and durable solutions units to manage GBV and CP cases effectively, particularly concerning return scenarios. The officer will be responsible for drafting routine reports and ensuring that protection strategies are implemented effectively across all operational areas.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Officer will provide technical guidance and support on all protection-related issues, ensuring that the needs of populations of concern are met. Key responsibilities include staying informed about legal, political, social, economic, and cultural developments affecting the protection environment, engaging with national authorities to enhance asylum systems, and facilitating consultative processes with stakeholders. The officer will develop and implement comprehensive protection strategies, promote international and national laws, and ensure that protection measures are integrated into all operational plans. Additionally, the officer will oversee individual protection cases, provide legal advice, manage eligibility determinations, and contribute to the development of education and child protection plans. The role also involves monitoring protection incidents, coordinating with various partners, and building the capacity of local authorities and civil society to uphold the rights of persons of concern.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate a strong background in refugee protection, human rights, or international law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">humanitarian law, with a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience. Essential qualifications include a thorough understanding of international refugee and human rights law, excellent legal research and analytical skills, and the ability to apply legal principles effectively. The candidate should have experience in working directly with field offices and possess good IT skills, including database management. Strong coordination skills with diverse stakeholders, including authorities, UN agencies, and NGOs, are also required. The ability to lead working groups and develop standard operating procedures for protection matters is essential.

Educational Background:
The position requires a minimum of an 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. A graduate degree or doctorate in a relevant field is preferred and may reduce the required years of experience. Candidates should have a solid academic foundation that supports their understanding of the complexities of refugee protection and human rights.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least four years of relevant professional experience in refugee protection, internal displacement, human rights, or international humanitarian law. Experience working directly with field offices is crucial, as is a good knowledge of international refugee and human rights law. Candidates should also demonstrate strong legal research and analytical skills, along with the ability to draft reports and documents effectively. Diverse field experience is desirable, as it enhances the candidate's understanding of the challenges faced in various operational contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic is essential for this position, given the operational context in Jordan. Additionally, knowledge of English is required, as it is the working language of UNHCR. Familiarity with other languages relevant to the local context may be considered an asset, but Arabic and English are mandatory for effective communication within the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under UNOPS IICA2 and is expected to start on April 1, 202

• The role is based in Amman, Jordan, but requires regular travel to field locations. The position is not remote and is subject to the standard job description for UNHCR roles. Candidates may undergo a written test as part of the selection process. The position does not require a functional clearance, and the hardship level is classified as A, indicating the least hardship for staff members.