Senior Protection Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) is an international organization dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and forcibly displaced people. Established in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, providing assistance to millions of individuals who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or violence. The organization works to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it strives to promote durable solutions for refugees, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement to a third country. UNHCR's mission is to safeguard the rights of refugees and to ensure that they can access essential services and support.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Assistant position at the UNHCR Izmir Field Unit is crucial for supporting the organization's mission to protect and assist forcibly displaced individuals. This role involves conducting voluntary return interviews, providing essential counseling and guidance to refugees and asylum-seekers, and facilitating their access to necessary services and understanding of legal procedures. The Senior Protection Assistant will also support the Field Office during field visits, ensuring effective communication with communities. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying the needs of vulnerable populations and advocating for their rights, while also maintaining a high level of confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions. The role is integral to the UNHCR's efforts to enhance the protection and well-being of displaced individuals in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions, where the organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and local communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Protection Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: conducting voluntary return interviews with displaced individuals to assess their needs and intentions; providing accurate and timely counseling to refugees and asylum-seekers regarding their rights and available services; assisting in the identification of specific vulnerabilities among persons of concern and ensuring appropriate referrals to relevant services; participating in field visits and community-based protection activities to engage with stakeholders and gather information; maintaining accurate records and documentation of all interactions and services provided; adhering to UNHCR's Code of Conduct and confidentiality standards; and actively participating in team meetings and training sessions to enhance skills and knowledge related to protection issues.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Protection Assistant position must possess 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. Preferred qualifications include a background in law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, Political Science, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong communication skills, organizational awareness, teamwork and collaboration abilities, and a commitment to continuous learning. Proficiency in MS Office applications and relevant data entry systems is desirable, along with advanced problem-solving skills and the ability to handle confidential information under pressure. Familiarity with UNHCR protection standards and refugee law is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a preference for candidates with degrees in International Law, Political Science, or related fields. While a High School Diploma is the minimum requirement, candidates with higher educational qualifications such as a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent will be given preference. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of refugee protection and the legal frameworks that govern asylum and displacement.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience if they hold a High School Diploma, or at least 1 year of relevant experience if they possess a Bachelor’s degree or higher. This experience should ideally be in a humanitarian or protection-related field, where candidates have demonstrated their ability to work effectively with displaced populations and understand the challenges they face.

Languages:
Candidates must have advanced proficiency in Arabic, English, and Turkish. These language skills are essential for effective communication with refugees and asylum-seekers, as well as for collaboration with local authorities and stakeholders. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
The Senior Protection Assistant position is classified as a local entry and mid-level support role, with a target start date of March 1, 202

• The contract duration is subject to operational needs and satisfactory performance, with no expectation of renewal beyond the initial contract period. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, which may include mandatory night shifts and work on weekends or official holidays as required. Leave entitlements include annual leave at the rate of two and a half working days per month and sick leave at the rate of two working days for each month of service. Medical coverage is provided through Cigna Health Insurance, with options available for eligible dependents. Candidates must comply with local legislation regarding taxation and work permits, and non-Turkish candidates will require clearance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before an offer can be made.