Protection Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is 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 to safeguard the rights of refugees and other displaced persons, providing them with essential services and support.

Job Overview:
The Protection Assistant position is crucial within the UNHCR framework, focusing on providing functional and administrative support to the protection unit. The role involves engaging with persons of concern (PoC) and ensuring their rights are upheld through effective case management and protection strategies. The candidate is expected to have a solid understanding of protection principles and operational procedures, acting as the first point of entry for case referrals. The position requires strong communication skills in both Arabic and English, as well as familiarity with the protection environment in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and specifically in Saudi Arabia. The Protection Assistant will also be responsible for liaising with local authorities and partners, facilitating the involvement of PoC in decision-making processes, and ensuring that protection responses are timely and effective.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Protection Assistant include consistently applying international and national law, as well as UN/UNHCR policies and standards. The incumbent will provide functional and administrative support in protection-related programming, including needs assessments, monitoring, reporting, and case management. The Protection Assistant will assist in drafting reports, updating databases, and compiling statistics. They will also facilitate liaison with competent authorities for the issuance of relevant documents and support assessments on durable solutions for PoC. The role requires the identification and management of risks, ensuring integrity in the delivery of protection services, and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of one year of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma, or a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Essential functional skills include knowledge of protection-related guidelines, standards, and indicators, as well as refugee protection principles and frameworks. Computer literacy is also required. The candidate should demonstrate a commitment to upholding the values of UNHCR and contribute to a safe and empowering work environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess at least a High School Diploma, with a preference for those holding a Bachelor’s degree or higher. An associate diploma or certificate in International Law is required, along with relevant certifications in International Law or Political Science. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of protection and case management within the UNHCR framework.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of relevant experience in a similar role, particularly in protection and case management. Experience working with UNHCR or similar organizations is highly desirable, as it provides the necessary context and understanding of the operational environment in which the Protection Assistant will function.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are Arabic and English. Candidates must have a strong command of both languages, as they will be required to communicate effectively with PoC and other stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset but is not mandatory.

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

• The role is full-time and involves working within a family-type environment, with a hardship level classified as A, indicating the least hardship. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity, contributing to a positive and inclusive workplace.