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, ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to providing protection and assistance to millions of refugees and displaced persons worldwide, focusing on their safety, dignity, and the ability to rebuild their lives.

Job Overview:
The Protection Associate position is a critical role within the UNHCR Mafraq Sub-Office, which oversees the Zaatari Refugee Camp and surrounding host communities. The Protection Associate will work under the supervision of an Assistant Protection Officer or Senior Protection Associate, primarily from the UNHCR Basecamp office located within Zaatari Camp. The role involves supporting the protection programs across the Mafraq governorate, which serves approximately 105,000 registered refugees, and will expand to include additional camps and communities in the Irbid, Ajloun, and Jerash governorates. The Protection Associate is expected to conduct protection case management for refugees in various contexts, ensuring adherence to UNHCR’s protection strategy and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The position requires strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work effectively in a multi-functional team under challenging conditions. The Protection Associate will be responsible for delivering protection services, including counseling, assistance, and referrals on protection issues, while also monitoring and reporting on protection concerns.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Associate will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including: staying informed about political, social, economic, and cultural developments affecting the protection environment; applying international and national law, UN/UNHCR policies, and codes of conduct; providing advice on protection issues to persons of concern (PoC); assisting in eligibility and status determination for PoC; contributing to measures to identify and prevent statelessness; managing individual protection cases, including those related to gender-based violence (GBV) and child protection; monitoring compliance with Standard Operating Procedures for protection activities; facilitating effective information management; and participating in initiatives to strengthen national protection legislation. The Protection Associate will also assist in prioritizing PoC for interviews and counseling, enforce compliance with global protection policies, and support the identification and management of risks impacting objectives in the area of responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess substantial protection experience working with refugees in both camp and out-of-camp settings. They should have strong knowledge and experience with protection case management standards and interview techniques, particularly in legal, gender-based violence, and child protection areas. The ideal candidate will also have experience in participatory approaches to engage with refugees and host communities, as well as the ability to work effectively with government authorities to advocate for positive protection outcomes. Strong drafting skills for reports and analysis on protection needs are essential, along with a high degree of flexibility to respond to unplanned needs in a collaborative manner.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a High School Diploma with three years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with two years of relevant work experience. Candidates should have a background in International Law, Political Science, or a related field. Certifications in these areas are considered essential for the role.

Experience:
Candidates are expected to have a minimum of three years of relevant experience for those with a High School Diploma, or two years for those with a Bachelor’s degree. Experience in protection-related roles, particularly in refugee contexts, is highly desirable. Familiarity with inter-agency protection coordination and working with various stakeholders, including UN agencies and NGOs, is also beneficial.

Languages:
Proficiency in both English and Arabic is essential for this position. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively in both spoken and written forms. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA6 category and is not remote. The target start date for the role is April 1, 2026, and the application deadline is February 17, 202

• The position is full-time and involves working in a challenging operational environment, requiring strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity. Candidates may undergo a written test as part of the selection process.