Senior Protection Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS, which stands for the United Nations Office for Project Services. Established in 1973, UNOPS is dedicated to helping people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development. The organization operates in over 80 countries, providing project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to various UN agencies, governments, and other partners. UNOPS aims to deliver quality services that meet the needs of its partners while adhering to international standards and best practices. The organization employs thousands of staff members and affiliates worldwide, working collaboratively to implement projects that have a positive impact on communities and promote peace and stability.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Assistant plays a crucial role in monitoring and ensuring the adherence to protection standards and operational procedures in line with international guidelines. Reporting to a more senior Protection colleague, the incumbent is responsible for providing functional protection support to information management and program staff. This position is vital in delivering timely and effective protection assistance to refugees and asylum seekers, ensuring their involvement in decision-making processes that affect their rights and solutions to their challenges. The Senior Protection Assistant is expected to contribute to the development of a comprehensive protection strategy and engage with local authorities and partners on protection matters. The role also encompasses child protection and gender-based violence (GBV) case management activities, highlighting the importance of safeguarding vulnerable populations in various operational contexts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Protection Assistant include participating in rescue at sea interventions, monitoring protection standards, and identifying vulnerable persons of concern (PoC) for referral to technical units or partners. The incumbent ensures that life-saving assistance is provided to refugees at disembarkation points promptly and that UNHCR and its partners respond effectively to the needs of rescued individuals. The role involves applying international and national laws, providing counseling on protection issues, and liaising with authorities for documentation issuance. The Senior Protection Assistant will also support activities related to age, gender, and diversity (AGD) programming, monitor standard operating procedures for protection activities, and conduct GBV prevention and response initiatives. Additionally, the incumbent will facilitate community engagement, conduct consultations with children and youth, and monitor cases of refoulement and other protection incidents. The position requires drafting reports, updating databases, and contributing to enhancing local protection capacities.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the Senior Protection Assistant position, candidates must possess a high school diploma with at least two years of relevant experience, or a bachelor's degree with one year of relevant work experience. Functional skills required include computer literacy, knowledge of protection-related guidelines and standards, and an understanding of refugee protection principles. Core competencies such as accountability, communication, organizational awareness, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous learning are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate analytical thinking, political awareness, and stakeholder management skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a high school diploma as a minimum, with a bachelor's degree being preferred. The educational qualifications should be complemented by relevant training or certifications in protection, social work, or related fields to enhance the candidate's ability to perform effectively in this role.

Experience:
Candidates are expected to have a minimum of two years of relevant experience in protection monitoring and outreach, preferably with UNHCR, international NGOs, or local NGOs. Experience in protection activities related to rescue at sea and disembarkation is advantageous, as is experience in child protection, particularly in Best Interest Procedures. Familiarity with psychological first aid and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support within child protection contexts is also beneficial. Additionally, experience in protection case management, especially concerning child protection and GBV, is highly desirable. Understanding UNHCR reporting and assistance systems, such as RAIS and V4, is considered a valuable asset.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are Arabic and English. Proficiency in both languages is essential for effective communication and interaction with diverse stakeholders. Additional languages may be considered an asset but are not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as UNOPS LICA5 and is not remote. The target start date for the role is February 1, 2026, and the application deadline is February 3, 202

• The position does not require a functional clearance, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The role is full-time and involves working in a challenging environment, requiring a commitment to the principles of humanitarian assistance and protection.