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 and employs approximately 7,000 personnel worldwide. UNOPS focuses on project management, infrastructure, and procurement services, ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. Its mission is to support the implementation of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development efforts in various regions, particularly in challenging environments.

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. This position is primarily focused on providing functional protection support to information management and program staff, ensuring that refugees and asylum seekers receive timely and effective assistance. The incumbent is responsible for identifying opportunities to integrate protection methodologies into operational responses and is expected to contribute to the development of a comprehensive protection strategy. The role involves liaising with local authorities and partners on protection issues, ensuring that the voices of refugees and asylum seekers are heard in decision-making processes that affect their rights and solutions to their problems. The Senior Protection Assistant is also tasked with performing child protection and gender-based violence (GBV) case management activities, in addition to general protection responsibilities, thereby ensuring a holistic approach to protection services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Protection Assistant include but are not limited to: consistently applying International and National Law along with applicable UN/UNHCR and IASC policies; providing counseling on protection issues to forcibly displaced and stateless people; liaising with competent authorities for documentation issuance; supporting AGD-based programming with partners; conducting preliminary information gathering and interviews for eligibility and needs assessments; contributing to child protection plans; monitoring Standard Operating Procedures for protection activities; participating in individual protection case management focusing on GBV and child protection; ensuring compliance with UNHCR’s child protection policies; conducting GBV prevention and response activities; facilitating age, gender, and diversity-sensitive outreach; strengthening referral pathways for GBV survivors; consulting with children and communities on child protection issues; conducting Best Interest Procedures for at-risk children; identifying durable solutions for forcibly displaced persons; monitoring and reporting on protection incidents; drafting reports and updating databases; and contributing to initiatives that enhance local protection capacities.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Senior Protection Assistant position include a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or 1 year of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Candidates should possess functional skills in IT and computer literacy, as well as knowledge of protection-related guidelines, standards, and indicators. Familiarity with refugee protection principles and frameworks is also essential. Core competencies such as accountability, communication, organizational awareness, teamwork, commitment to continuous learning, and client orientation are critical for success in this role. Additionally, cross-functional competencies including analytical thinking, political awareness, and stakeholder management are desired.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have at least a High School Diploma, with a Bachelor’s degree being preferred. The educational background should ideally include coursework or training related to protection, social work, or a related field that equips the candidate with the necessary skills to handle protection issues effectively.

Experience:
The position requires relevant experience in protection monitoring and outreach, preferably with UNHCR, international NGOs, or local NGOs. Experience in protection case management, particularly focusing on child protection and GBV, is advantageous. Candidates with experience in psychological first aid and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support within child protection contexts will be viewed favorably. Understanding UNHCR reporting and assistance systems, such as RAIS and V4, is also considered a valuable asset.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is proficiency in English and Arabic. Knowledge of additional languages is considered a desirable asset, enhancing communication with diverse populations and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA5 category 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 is categorized under a non-family residential location with a hardship level of E, indicating a challenging working environment. A written test will be part of the selection process, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.