Senior Protection Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR (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, employing more than 18,000 staff members dedicated to providing protection and assistance to those in need. The organization focuses on 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 Senior Protection Officer position is a critical role within the Division of International Protection and Solutions (DIPS) at UNHCR. The primary function of this position is to advance the development and presentation of lawful policy options that strengthen responses to asylum and protection challenges, particularly in the context of mixed and onward movement. The officer will be responsible for conducting research, drafting policy options, and providing legal and policy advice to various stakeholders, including senior management. This role requires a deep understanding of international and regional law and policy, as well as the ability to engage with multiple internal and external partners. The Senior Protection Officer will also contribute to the ongoing discussions and reforms related to the international protection system, ensuring that UNHCR remains at the forefront of these critical conversations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Protection Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: conducting research and drafting internal analyses and policy options related to mixed and onward movement; providing verbal and written legal advice to various UNHCR personnel; liaising with bureau, country operations, and HQ staff on relevant issues; convening meetings and consultations related to the route-based approach; analyzing specific routes and asylum processes; speaking at internal and external meetings; tracking discussions on related issues; analyzing reform proposals for the international protection system; and contributing to the DIPS Handbook project. The officer will work closely with the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director and Chiefs of Sections within DIPS to ensure coordination and coherence in UNHCR's legal and policy positions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or an advanced degree (Masters or Doctorate/PhD) in law or a related field. Additionally, they should have substantial work experience in law and policy analysis, with a minimum of 8 years for those with a Bachelor’s degree, 6 years for those with a Master’s degree, or 5 years for those with a Doctorate/PhD. The position requires excellent analytical skills, familiarity with digital platforms and information management systems, strong organizational and coordination skills, and experience in partnership building and collaborative projects. Candidates should also have experience in fundraising and advocacy, as well as a demonstrated understanding of international refugee and human rights law.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in law or a related area, with advanced degrees (Masters or Doctorate/PhD) being preferred. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complex legal frameworks and policies that govern international protection and asylum processes.

Experience:
The level of experience required for the Senior Protection Officer position includes a minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree, 6 years for those with a Master’s degree, and 5 years for those with a Doctorate/PhD. Candidates should have a strong background in law and policy analysis, particularly in relation to mixed and onward movement, and should demonstrate excellent drafting and communication skills to effectively present legal advice to UNHCR and its stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, with proficiency in other UN languages being considered an asset. The ability to communicate effectively across different constituencies is crucial for the role, as the Senior Protection Officer will engage with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is home-based, allowing for remote work flexibility. The contract duration is from February 1, 2026, to December 31, 202

• The position is classified as ICA-3, indicating a mid-level professional role within UNHCR. The Senior Protection Officer will not require a functional clearance, and the position is open to candidates from various locations, promoting international recruitment.