Associate Protection Cluster Coordination Officer

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 and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and it strives to provide durable solutions for those who are displaced.

Job Overview:
The Associate Protection coordination-officer" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Cluster Coordination Officer plays a critical role in leading the Protection Cluster in Niger, where the humanitarian context is characterized by political volatility and restricted access. This position is essential for ensuring that protection strategies are effectively implemented and that inter-agency collaboration is maintained. The officer is responsible for day-to-day coordination, leading advocacy efforts, and engaging with various partners to ensure a coherent response to protection challenges. The role requires a strong understanding of humanitarian principles and the ability to navigate complex operational environments. The officer will facilitate meetings, coordinate assessments, and support the development of protection policies and standards, ensuring that the protection response is integrated into the broader humanitarian action plan.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Protection Cluster Coordination Officer include:

• Ensuring that protection informs and shapes the overall humanitarian response.
• Organizing and facilitating cluster meetings that are consultative and results-oriented.
• Coordinating with government counterparts and relevant authorities.
• Conducting protection needs assessments and participatory assessments of affected populations.
• Providing inputs for common funding criteria and resource mobilization within the Protection Cluster.
• Assisting in the delivery of protection training for cluster members and local partners.
• Building the protection capacity of national and local governments and civil society.
• Supporting reporting and information sharing within the Protection Cluster and at the inter-cluster level.
• Ensuring the production of regular updates and briefing notes on protection concerns. 1
• Promoting adherence to international human rights instruments and supporting local interventions when violations occur. 1
• Drafting reports and advocacy notes for senior management clearance. 1
• Facilitating negotiations on project proposals and funding criteria for inter-agency appeals. 1
• Identifying and managing risks related to protection objectives.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for this position include:

• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree, 2 years with a graduate degree, or 1 year with a doctorate.
• A background in Law, International Law, Political Sciences, or a related field is essential.
• Excellent computer skills, particularly in data management, and technical expertise in registration and operational data management.
• Knowledge of SQL or Microsoft Dynamics CRM and UNHCR data standards.
• Proven experience working with diverse humanitarian partners in challenging environments.
• Strong skills in coordination, advocacy, and negotiation.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an undergraduate degree in Law, International Law, Political Sciences, or a relevant field. Advanced degrees are preferred, and specific training in UNHCR coordination programs is highly desirable. Relevant certifications in coordination skills and knowledge of protection frameworks are also beneficial.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least three years of relevant experience in humanitarian coordination, protection analysis, and reporting. Experience in engaging with government counterparts and supporting coordination with national structures is essential. Previous exposure to protection areas of responsibility, such as Child Protection or Gender-Based Violence, is an asset. Experience in advocacy and negotiation in contexts with access constraints is also valuable.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station, which is French in Niger. Familiarity with local languages is advantageous but not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time role with an initial contract duration of nine months, extendable up to December 31, 202

• The role is classified as a non-family position with residential location requirements. Candidates should be prepared for potential travel within the region as part of their duties. The position does not require functional clearance and is not remote.