Senior Protection Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is the UN agency mandated to protect and assist refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons. Established in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to ensuring the rights and well-being of displaced individuals. The organization works closely with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to provide humanitarian assistance and advocate for durable solutions for those in need. UNHCR's mission is to safeguard the rights of refugees and ensure their access to protection and assistance, enabling them to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Assistant plays a crucial role in providing timely and effective protection support to refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, and internally displaced persons (IDPs). This position involves identifying opportunities to integrate protection methodologies into operational responses and supporting the development of a comprehensive protection strategy. The incumbent will liaise with local authorities and partners on protection issues, particularly concerning access to asylum at ports of entry and detention facilities. The role requires fostering strong relationships with communities and ensuring that persons of concern are actively involved in decisions affecting their rights and solutions to their challenges. The Senior Protection Assistant will also monitor protection standards and operational practices to ensure compliance with international norms, while providing functional support to information management and program staff.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Protection Assistant is responsible for a wide range of duties, including: ensuring consistent application of international and national laws, providing protection counseling to refugees and asylum seekers, monitoring protection concerns at ports of entry and detention facilities, referring cases to relevant agencies, supporting Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) programming, conducting interviews for eligibility assessments, contributing to efforts to prevent and reduce statelessness, monitoring and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), engaging in individual case management, assisting in identifying durable solutions, drafting reports and updating databases, maintaining regular contact with local authorities and project partners, and participating in advocacy activities to ensure the inclusion of populations served.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least 1-2 years of relevant experience in protection-related work, particularly with refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons. Prior experience with the United Nations or other international humanitarian organizations is highly desirable. Knowledge of Philippine law, especially in areas related to asylum, immigration, or human rights, is also beneficial. The position requires strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, and a commitment to upholding the rights of vulnerable populations.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a High School Diploma, with a preference for candidates holding a Bachelor's degree or higher in relevant fields such as International Law, Political Science, or related disciplines. Additional certifications in international law or refugee protection principles are advantageous and may enhance a candidate's application.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 1-2 years of relevant work experience in protection-related roles, particularly in contexts involving refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons. Experience working with UNHCR or its partners is considered a strong asset. Familiarity with the operational context in the Philippines and the legal framework surrounding asylum and human rights is also important.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of the local language is preferred. For national professional jobs, candidates should have a good command of the UN working language of the duty station, which is English in this case. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a UNOPS LICA5 role, with a target start date of March 1, 202

• The application deadline is March 10, 202
• The role is based in Manila, Philippines, and is not remote. The position is open only to Filipino citizens or permanent residents with full legal authorization to work in the Philippines. A competitive compensation and benefits package will be offered, and candidates should be aware that UNHCR does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. The organization encourages qualified female applicants and is committed to workforce diversity.