Protection Associate

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

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, providing assistance and protection to millions of people worldwide. The organization is committed to ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it strives to promote durable solutions for displaced populations.

Job Overview:
The Protection Associate position is focused on monitoring and implementing protection standards and operational procedures in line with international standards. The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating effective protection responses to the needs of populations of concern (PoC) and will play a crucial role in integrating protection methodologies into operational responses across various sectors. This role requires a strong understanding of international protection principles, particularly in relation to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention and response, as well as child protection. The candidate will engage with communities to identify protection risks and service gaps, ensuring that PoC are involved in decision-making processes that affect their rights and access to solutions. The position demands strong interpersonal skills, the ability to handle sensitive information confidentially, and the capacity to work effectively in fast-paced, multicultural environments with limited supervision.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Protection Associate include staying informed about political, social, economic, and cultural developments that impact the protection environment. The incumbent will apply international and national laws, as well as UN/UNHCR and IASC policies, to provide advice on protection issues to PoC and liaise with authorities for documentation issuance. They will assist in eligibility and status determination for PoC, contribute to identifying and reducing statelessness, and support the development of country-level child protection and education plans. The Protection Associate will manage individual protection cases, monitor incidents of refoulement and other protection issues, and assist in identifying durable solutions for PoC. They will also facilitate effective information management, participate in capacity-building initiatives for authorities and NGOs, and ensure compliance with protection policies and standards. Additionally, the incumbent will support risk management and decision-making processes related to protection objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or 2 years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Essential qualifications include knowledge of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, Political Science, or related fields. Relevant job experience in protection programming, particularly in GBV and child protection, is highly desirable. Candidates should also have functional skills in IT, computer literacy, and familiarity with refugee protection principles and frameworks.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma for candidates with 3 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree or higher for those with 2 years of relevant experience. Certificates in International Law or Political Science are considered essential qualifications. Relevant training in GBV case management and protection is highly desirable, indicating a strong foundation in the principles and practices of protection work.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the Protection Associate position includes at least 3 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or 2 years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in protection programming, particularly in GBV prevention and response, and foundational exposure to child protection in various contexts, including displacement and emergencies. Experience in community-based protection approaches and inter-agency coordination is also essential.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, along with the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. For national professional jobs, knowledge of the local language is also required. Proficiency in additional languages is considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse populations of concern.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA6 category and is not home-based. The target start date for the position is April 1, 202

• The role is categorized under a hardship level of E, indicating a challenging working environment. The position is non-family, meaning that staff members are not permitted to bring family members to the duty station. UNHCR encourages qualified female applicants to apply, and no late applications will be accepted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo a written test and/or oral interview as part of the selection process. Importantly, UNHCR does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.