Senior Protection Assistant

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 dedicated 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 refugees and displaced persons.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Assistant plays a crucial role in monitoring and implementing protection standards and operational procedures in line with international guidelines. This position requires the incumbent to provide functional support to information management and program staff, ensuring that persons of concern (PoC) receive timely and effective protection services. The Senior Protection Assistant is expected to contribute to the development of a comprehensive protection strategy, engage with local authorities and partners, and ensure that PoC are actively involved in decision-making processes that affect their lives. The role demands strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work collaboratively in challenging environments, particularly in contexts involving refugees and host communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Protection Assistant include consistently applying international and national laws, providing counseling on protection issues, liaising with authorities for documentation issuance, supporting AGD-based programming, conducting interviews for eligibility and status determination, and contributing to child protection and education plans. The incumbent will monitor Standard Operating Procedures for protection activities, participate in individual case management, report on protection incidents, and assist in identifying durable solutions for PoC. Additionally, the Senior Protection Assistant will draft reports, maintain databases, and contribute to enhancing local protection capacities while ensuring integrity in service delivery by local partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates 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 higher. Essential qualifications include knowledge of protection-related guidelines, standards, and indicators, as well as familiarity with refugee protection principles and frameworks. Proficiency in IT and computer literacy is also required. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills, as well as the ability to work effectively in a multi-functional team.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma as a minimum, with a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law or Political Science being preferred. Additional certifications in international law or related fields are considered advantageous. The role does not specify any particular field of education as essential, but relevant academic qualifications will enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma, or 1 year of relevant experience for those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Experience in protection, prevention, and response with refugees in various settings is essential. Familiarity with case management standards and participatory approaches to engaging with refugees and host communities is also important. Candidates should have a proven track record of supporting and monitoring protection activities and be able to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in response to unplanned needs.

Languages:
Fluent proficiency in both English and Arabic is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with PoC and local authorities is critical. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, but the primary requirement is fluency in the two specified languages to ensure clear and effective interaction in the field.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA5 category and is not remote. The target start date for the role is April 1, 202

• The position is full-time and may involve working in challenging conditions, requiring a high degree of flexibility and adaptability. Candidates may undergo a written test as part of the selection process. The role is not subject to a functional clearance, and all UNHCR staff members are expected to uphold the organization's core values and contribute to a safe and respectful working environment.