Protection Assistant

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, providing critical assistance and protection to millions of individuals worldwide. The organization is committed to ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and it strives to promote durable solutions for those in need.

Job Overview:
The Protection Assistant position is a vital role within the UNHCR framework, primarily focused on providing functional and administrative support to the protection unit. This role involves engaging with persons of concern (PoC) to ensure their rights are upheld and that they have access to necessary services. The Protection Assistant will work closely with local authorities and partners to facilitate effective communication and collaboration on protection issues. The incumbent will also be responsible for assisting in the development of a comprehensive protection strategy, ensuring timely and effective responses to the needs of PoC. This position requires a proactive approach to building relationships with communities and stakeholders, as well as a commitment to upholding the principles of protection and human rights.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Protection Assistant include: consistently applying international and national law, as well as UN/UNHCR policies and standards; observing and respecting protection-related Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); providing functional and administrative support in protection-related programming; assisting in participatory approaches, needs assessments, monitoring, reporting, and case management; supporting assessments on durable solutions; facilitating liaison with competent authorities for document issuance; drafting reports and routine correspondence; updating databases and compiling statistics; selecting PoC for preliminary interviews; enforcing integrity in the delivery of protection services; identifying and managing risks; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Protection Assistant position include a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent higher education. Candidates should possess functional skills related to protection guidelines, standards, and indicators, as well as refugee protection principles and frameworks. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate computer literacy and proficiency in relevant software applications.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have at least a High School Diploma or equivalent, with a Bachelor’s degree being preferred. While specific fields of education are not mandated, a background in social sciences, international relations, or a related field may be advantageous for understanding the complexities of protection work.

Experience:
The position requires at least 1 year of relevant experience in a similar role or field. Experience in professional interpretation, social services, or the humanitarian sector is preferred, particularly for candidates familiar with UNHCR operations and protocols.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and candidates must also have working-level proficiency in Dari, Farsi, or Pashto. Knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a UNOPS LICA4 role, with a target start date of April 1, 202

• The position is not remote and is based in Islamabad, Pakistan. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, reflecting the organization's commitment to gender equality and diversity in the workplace. The role is full-time and may involve interactions with various stakeholders, including local authorities and community members.