Protection Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS, which operates under the United Nations framework. UNOPS is dedicated to helping partners implement peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects in a sustainable and efficient manner. Established in 1973, UNOPS has grown to employ thousands of staff members across various countries, providing support in over 80 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on delivering high-quality project management, infrastructure, and procurement services, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget while adhering to the highest standards of quality and accountability.

Job Overview:
The Protection Assistant position is crucial for enhancing the protection environment for refugees residing in camps along the Thai-Myanmar border. This role serves as a vital link between UNHCR and the refugee community, camp leadership, community-based organizations (CBOs), NGOs, and Thai authorities. The incumbent will work closely with these stakeholders to implement the newly established 'Right to Work' policy, which aims to promote refugee self-reliance and inclusion in state services. The Protection Assistant will engage proactively with communities to identify protection risks and vulnerabilities, ensuring that effective protection interventions are in place. This position requires a strong commitment to supporting the rights of refugees and facilitating their access to essential services and opportunities for durable solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Assistant will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including: providing technical guidance and support for capacity-building activities; developing training materials and conducting training sessions for CBOs, NGOs, and authorities involved in protection-related activities; monitoring and collecting accurate, age, gender, and diversity (AGD)-sensitive data on the implementation of the 'Right to Work' policy; preparing statistical and analytical reports to maintain timely information on protection trends; identifying individuals with specific protection needs and managing their cases; conducting regular field visits to interview and counsel persons of concern; distributing Core Relief Items; accompanying senior staff during meetings with refugees and camp authorities; entering and updating data in ProGres and dashboards; drafting routine correspondence and maintaining organized filing systems; and monitoring developments in Myanmar and Thailand that may impact UNHCR's work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a high school diploma with at least one year of relevant experience, or a bachelor's degree in a related field. Proficiency in computer skills, particularly MS Office applications such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access, is essential. Fluency in English is mandatory, along with proficiency in Karen and/or Burmese and/or Karreni. A working knowledge of Thai is also required. Familiarity with UNHCR's administrative and financial rules, procedures, and processes is considered an asset, as is knowledge of ProGres and completion of UNHCR-specific training activities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes the completion of secondary education as a minimum requirement, with a preference for candidates holding a bachelor's degree. This educational foundation should ideally be complemented by relevant training or certifications in protection, humanitarian assistance, or related fields.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of relevant experience in a protection-related role, preferably within a humanitarian or development context. Experience working with refugees or displaced populations is highly desirable, as is familiarity with protection principles and frameworks. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of the challenges faced by refugees and the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, along with proficiency in Karen and/or Burmese and/or Karreni. A working knowledge of Thai is essential for effective communication in the local context. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in enhancing communication with the refugee community and local authorities.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as LICA4, corresponding to G4 level, and is expected to last from March 1, 2026, to December 31, 202

• The role is based in Bangkok, Thailand, and is not remote. The position is full-time and involves regular field visits to refugee camps. The successful candidate will be expected to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including local authorities and NGOs, to ensure the effective implementation of protection strategies and policies.