Senior Protection Associate

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, asylum seekers, and stateless persons. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to providing protection and assistance to those in need. The organization works closely with governments, civil society, and other partners to ensure that individuals can access their rights and find durable solutions to their situations.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Associate is a vital member of the Protection Unit at UNHCR, reporting directly to the Head of National Office. This position plays a crucial role in advancing UNHCR's protection agenda in the Philippines, a country that is a State Party to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol. The Senior Protection Associate is responsible for leading efforts to expand complementary pathways for refugees and asylum seekers, including education and labor mobility, family reunification, and humanitarian admissions. The role also involves supporting the Cities with Refugees initiative, which aims to promote inclusive municipal policies and enhance access to essential services for refugees. The incumbent will engage with various stakeholders, including government partners, local authorities, and civil society, to ensure that protection mechanisms are effective and accessible. Additionally, the Senior Protection Associate will contribute to the integration of climate action into protection programming and support the development of policies that enhance the socio-economic inclusion of refugees and stateless persons.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Protection Associate will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including staying informed about political, social, economic, and cultural developments that impact the protection environment. They will apply international and national laws, provide guidance on protection issues, and assist in eligibility and status determination for persons of concern (PoC). The role includes managing individual protection cases, monitoring protection incidents, and identifying durable solutions for PoC. The Senior Protection Associate will also contribute to the design and implementation of protection-related programming, facilitate effective information management, and assist in capacity-building initiatives for authorities and NGOs. They will provide technical advice on local integration pathways and engage in advocacy efforts to strengthen national protection legislation and procedures. The incumbent will also be involved in training and developing guidance materials to enhance the capacity of partners and promote community participation in decision-making processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Protection Associate position must possess a strong understanding of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, particularly in relation to refugee protection and human rights. Essential qualifications include excellent computer skills, particularly in MS Office, and strong oral and written communication abilities. Desirable qualifications include advanced coursework in relevant fields such as law, social sciences, or international relations, as well as experience in refugee protection, asylum systems, and local government engagement. Familiarity with financial inclusion frameworks and knowledge of data management processes are also advantageous. The ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and to facilitate community participation is crucial for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma with four years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with two years of relevant work experience. Candidates should have certifications or licenses in fields such as International Law or Political Science, which are relevant to the responsibilities of the role.

Experience:
The Senior Protection Associate position requires a minimum of four years of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma, or two years of relevant experience for those with a Bachelor's degree or higher. Experience in refugee protection, asylum systems, and working with local governments on urban inclusion and service access is highly desirable. Hands-on experience with complementary pathways and knowledge of financial inclusion frameworks will be beneficial for candidates.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of other UN working languages is desirable. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a family staff member role and is not remote. The deadline for applications is March 16, 202

• The role is full-time, and UNHCR offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. The organization encourages qualified female applicants and is committed to achieving workforce diversity. All applications will be treated confidentially, and UNHCR has a zero-tolerance policy against sexual exploitation and abuse.