Senior 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 and displaced persons worldwide. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees. Its mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, 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 assistance and protection, and advocating for durable solutions to their plight.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Assistant position is crucial for providing case management services to refugees and other complex protection cases in the Azraq district of Jordan. The role requires a sound knowledge of protection case management guidelines and the ability to engage effectively with the refugee population in a camp setting. The incumbent will be responsible for monitoring protection standards and operational procedures, ensuring that the rights of persons of concern (PoC) are upheld. The Senior Protection Assistant will also contribute to the development of protection strategies and liaise with local authorities and partners on protection issues. This position demands excellent communication skills, particularly in conducting interviews and drafting reports in English, as well as a strong understanding of the challenges faced by refugees in a semi-desert environment. The role is designed for individuals who are committed to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable populations and who can work effectively in a challenging and remote setting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Protection Assistant include: consistently applying international and national law, providing counseling on protection issues to PoC, liaising with authorities for documentation issuance, supporting protection-related programming, conducting interviews for eligibility and status determination, contributing to child protection and education plans, monitoring Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), participating in individual protection case management, assisting in identifying durable solutions for PoC, drafting reports and updating databases, enhancing national and local protection capacities, selecting PoC for interviews, enforcing integrity in service delivery, managing risks, and performing other related duties as required. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying and addressing protection issues and ensuring that PoC are involved in decision-making processes that affect their lives.

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 international law, protection-related guidelines, and refugee protection principles. Candidates should also demonstrate strong IT skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment. The role requires a commitment to upholding the values of UNHCR and contributing to a safe and respectful workplace.

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 International Law or Political Science being preferred. Relevant certifications in international law or protection principles are considered essential for this role. Candidates should have a solid understanding of the legal frameworks governing refugee protection and the operational context in which UNHCR operates.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the Senior Protection Assistant position includes at least 2 years of relevant experience in a protection-related role, particularly in a humanitarian or refugee context. Experience in case management, counseling, and working with vulnerable populations is highly desirable. Candidates should have a proven track record of effectively engaging with communities and addressing protection issues in a sensitive and culturally appropriate manner.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic is mandatory for this position, as candidates must be able to communicate effectively with the refugee population. Proficiency in English is also required, particularly for drafting reports and conducting interviews. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, but Arabic and English are the primary languages needed for this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA5 category and is not remote. The target start date for the position is April 1, 2026, and the application deadline is February 16, 202

• Candidates must be Jordanian nationals to be considered for this role. The position is full-time and involves working in a challenging environment with a focus on providing protection and support to refugees in the Azraq camp.