Protection Associate

Job Posting Organization:
UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, was established on December 14, 1950, by the UN General Assembly. The agency's mission is to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. UNHCR aims to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, ensuring that everyone forced to flee can seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state. The organization operates in numerous countries, working closely with governments and partners to provide protection and assistance to forcibly displaced individuals. UNHCR's approach emphasizes sustainable solutions that integrate economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection, ensuring that present needs are met without compromising future generations' well-being. In Zambia, UNHCR supports the government in creating an enabling protection environment for asylum-seekers, refugees, and former refugees, promoting self-reliance and durable solutions in line with international commitments.

Job Overview:
The Protection Associate position is integral to the UNHCR's mission in Zambia, focusing on the protection of populations of concern (PoC). The incumbent will report to the Protection Officer or Senior Protection Officer and is responsible for monitoring protection standards and operational procedures in line with international standards. The role involves coordinating timely and effective protection responses to the needs of PoC, ensuring their involvement in decision-making processes that affect their rights and solutions to their problems. The Protection Associate will also contribute to the design of comprehensive protection strategies and liaise with external authorities and partners on protection policies. This position requires building effective relationships with communities, local authorities, and assistance partners to enhance the protection environment for forcibly displaced individuals. The incumbent will engage in various operational activities, including conducting assessments, facilitating consultations, and intervening in protection incidents, thereby playing a crucial role in promoting the rights and well-being of refugees and other vulnerable populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Associate will have a wide range of responsibilities, including: staying informed about political, social, economic, and cultural developments affecting the protection environment; applying international and national laws and UN/UNHCR policies; providing advice on protection issues to PoC; assisting in eligibility and status determination; contributing to measures to prevent statelessness; managing individual protection cases, including those related to gender-based violence (GBV) and child protection; monitoring standard operating procedures for protection activities; identifying durable solutions for PoC; facilitating effective information management; participating in capacity-building initiatives for authorities and NGOs; and ensuring compliance with global protection policies. The incumbent will also support the identification and management of risks, perform other related duties as required, and ensure that protection standards are upheld in all operational sectors.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess relevant qualifications, including a minimum of three years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or two years 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. Candidates should also have strong functional skills, including IT literacy and familiarity with refugee protection principles and guidelines. Experience in humanitarian or development work, particularly with vulnerable communities, is highly desirable. The ability to collect, analyze, and report on protection data, as well as experience in community outreach and protection issues, is also important.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma for candidates with three years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree or higher for those with two years of relevant experience. Relevant fields of education include International Law, Political Science, or other related disciplines. Certifications in these areas are considered essential for the role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of three years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or two years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor's degree or higher. Experience in humanitarian or development work, particularly in field settings with vulnerable and marginalized communities, is essential. Familiarity with child protection and gender-based violence issues is viewed favorably, as is experience in conducting assessments and supporting community protection interventions.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. For General Service jobs, knowledge of English and/or the UN working language is required. Familiarity with local languages is also beneficial, particularly in enhancing communication with the communities served.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a General Service role at the GS6 level, with a family type designation. The contract is regular and the target start date is May 1, 202

• The role is based in Zambia, where the incumbent will work closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and local communities. The position may involve travel to different locations within Zambia to fulfill the responsibilities effectively. Candidates should be prepared for a demanding work environment that requires adherence to high ethical standards and a commitment to promoting a safe and inclusive workplace.