Assistant Social Protection Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a global organization dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. Established in 1950, UNHCR's mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country. The organization works in over 130 countries, employing more than 18,000 staff members who are committed to providing life-saving assistance and advocating for the rights of displaced individuals. UNHCR's efforts are guided by law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and humanitarian principles, focusing on providing protection, assistance, and durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Social Protection Officer plays a crucial role in supporting the UNHCR's advocacy efforts with the Mauritanian government to ensure the inclusion of refugees in national social protection schemes. This position is vital for developing strategic roadmaps that facilitate the integration of refugees into social assistance and insurance programs. The incumbent will actively participate in socioeconomic inclusion initiatives, including financial inclusion, and will work closely with various stakeholders, including the government and the World Bank, to ensure that refugees are adequately represented in the national Social Registry. This role also involves contributing to policy development and providing analytical input to senior management, ensuring that the needs and rights of refugees are prioritized in national dialogues on social protection and economic inclusion.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Social Protection Officer is responsible for a wide range of duties, including staying informed about political, social, economic, and cultural developments that impact the protection environment for refugees. The incumbent will apply international and national laws, providing legal advice and guidance on protection issues to persons of concern (PoC). Responsibilities include conducting eligibility and status determinations, promoting measures to prevent statelessness, and contributing to child protection and education plans. The officer will manage individual protection cases, recommend durable solutions for refugees, and facilitate effective information management. Additionally, the incumbent will assist in capacity-building initiatives for communities and authorities, ensuring compliance with global protection policies and standards. The role requires proactive engagement with various stakeholders to enhance protection and support for refugees.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of International Refugee and Human Rights Law, with the ability to apply relevant legal principles effectively. Essential functional skills include knowledge of protection-related guidelines, project management, and gender-based violence coordination. The role demands excellent drafting and documentation skills, as well as the ability to assess the status and rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to age, gender, and diversity considerations in their work.

Educational Background:
A minimum of an undergraduate degree in Law, International Law, Political Science, or a related field is required. Candidates with a graduate degree or doctorate in these fields will be considered favorably, particularly if they have relevant experience in the field of refugee protection or social inclusion.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of relevant experience for candidates with an undergraduate degree. Those with a graduate degree or doctorate may be considered without prior experience. Experience in protection-related roles, particularly within the context of refugee assistance and social protection, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, as it is the working language of the duty station. Knowledge of English and Arabic is considered an asset, particularly for candidates applying for international professional roles. Proficiency in local languages may also be beneficial for effective communication with communities of concern.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA8 category and is not remote. The target start date for this role is March 1, 202

• The position is full-time and involves working closely with various stakeholders, including government entities and international organizations. The role is critical for enhancing the resilience and sustainable inclusion of refugees in Mauritania's national systems.