UNOPS Senior Protection Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, which is dedicated to delivering protection, assistance, and solutions to forcibly displaced populations, including asylum-seekers and refugees. Established to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, UNHCR operates in numerous countries worldwide, with a significant presence in Ecuador, where it coordinates efforts to assist over 78,000 recognized refugees and a growing number of Venezuelan migrants. The organization works closely with national authorities, civil society, and local communities to address the challenges faced by these populations, particularly in urban areas like Guayaquil, which has one of the largest concentrations of refugees and migrants in the country. UNHCR's mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it strives to promote durable solutions for those in need.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Assistant position is crucial for monitoring and ensuring adherence to protection standards and operational procedures in line with international guidelines. The incumbent will provide functional protection support to information management and program staff, ensuring that persons of concern (PoC) receive timely and effective protection services. This role involves engaging with local authorities and partners to enhance protection methodologies and safeguards in operational responses. The Senior Protection Assistant will also be responsible for ensuring that PoC are actively involved in decision-making processes that affect their rights and access to solutions. This includes building effective relationships with communities, local authorities, and assistance partners to foster a collaborative approach to protection.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Senior Protection Assistant include consistently applying international and national laws, providing counseling on protection issues, liaising with authorities for documentation issuance, and supporting protection-related programming. The incumbent will conduct preliminary information gathering and interviews to assess eligibility and social needs, contribute to child protection and education plans, monitor Standard Operating Procedures for protection activities, and participate in individual case management for vulnerable populations. Additionally, the Senior Protection Assistant will assist in identifying durable solutions for PoC, draft reports, update databases, and contribute to enhancing local protection capacities. The role also involves enforcing integrity in service delivery and managing risks related to protection objectives.

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 law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, political science, or related fields. Functional skills required for this position include IT literacy, awareness of protection and solutions guidelines, and understanding of refugee protection principles and frameworks. Candidates should demonstrate core competencies such as accountability, communication, teamwork, and client orientation, as well as cross-functional competencies like analytical thinking and stakeholder management.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma as a minimum, with a preference for candidates holding a Bachelor's degree or higher in relevant fields such as International Law or Political Science. While specific certifications are not mandatory, they are considered beneficial for the role.

Experience:
The position requires at least 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. This experience should be in areas related to protection, humanitarian assistance, or similar fields, demonstrating the ability to work effectively in challenging environments and with diverse populations.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is desirable for this position, particularly for international professional roles. Candidates should also be familiar with the UN working language of the duty station, which is Spanish in Ecuador. Proficiency in local languages may be advantageous but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a Local Support role at the LICA 5 level, with a contract duration from April 1 to June 30, 202

• Candidates must have temporary or permanent residency in Ecuador to be eligible for this position. The salary offered is in net terms, and candidates are required to submit a current RUC Unique Taxpayer Registry and a voluntary contribution certificate to the Ecuadorian Institute of Social security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security (IESS). The position does not require a functional clearance and is not remote.