Protection Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which has been operational for over 60 years. UNHCR's mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. The organization works in over 130 countries, providing assistance and protection to millions of people worldwide. In Turkey, UNHCR collaborates closely with the government and various stakeholders to enhance the national asylum system and ensure the protection of individuals in need. The organization operates through a central office in Ankara and several sub-offices and field units across the country, including in Gaziantep, Istanbul, and Izmir, focusing on providing comprehensive support to the Turkish authorities in managing migration and asylum processes.

Job Overview:
The Protection Associate position is integral to the implementation of the 'Support to the National Asylum System and the Protection Response in Türkiye' Project, which is part of the Regional Migration Governance Programme funded by Denmark. The primary goal of this project is to improve access to registration and protection for asylum seekers in Turkey. The Protection Associate will work under the supervision of the Associate Protection Officer and will contribute to enhancing the quality and timeliness of registration and documentation processes. This role involves supporting the identification and referral of individuals with specific needs, ensuring that the processes align with national legislation and international standards. The incumbent will also engage in monitoring and quality assurance activities, assist in capacity-building initiatives for personnel involved in protection services, and contribute to data collection and analysis to inform project implementation and advocacy efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Associate will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: monitoring and ensuring the quality of registration and Protection Desk processes; consolidating findings from field missions and following up on recommendations; planning and organizing capacity-building activities for PMM/PDMM personnel; preparing training materials and drafting reports; collecting and verifying data related to project indicators; conducting qualitative and quantitative analyses on the performance of Protection Desks; organizing Focus Group Discussions with asylum seekers to gather feedback; contributing to participatory assessments and satisfaction surveys; undertaking field missions for monitoring and data collection; assisting in drafting narrative inputs for donor reporting; and coordinating with PMM counterparts regarding project implementation and monitoring findings. The Protection Associate will also perform other related duties necessary for the effective implementation of the project.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree or higher in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Social Sciences, or a related field. They should have strong research and analytical skills, planning and organizing abilities, stakeholder management experience, and proficiency in data collection and reporting. Excellent drafting skills are essential, along with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. A solid understanding of UNHCR's access to registration and documentation processes is considered an asset. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to the principles of protection and human rights, particularly in the context of asylum and migration management.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree or higher in relevant fields such as Law, Political Science, International Relations, or Social Sciences. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the legal and social frameworks surrounding refugee protection and migration management, as well as for effectively engaging with stakeholders and conducting research and analysis related to the project.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in protection, asylum, migration management, or related areas. This experience should ideally include direct involvement in UNHCR operations or similar contexts, providing candidates with the necessary skills and insights to navigate the complexities of refugee protection and support systems. Familiarity with UNHCR's operational guidelines and procedures will be advantageous.

Languages:
The position requires fluency in Turkish as a mother tongue and excellent command of English. Knowledge of additional UN languages is desirable and considered an asset, particularly for enhancing communication and collaboration within the international context of UNHCR's work.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as a Local Entry and Mid-Level Support role, with a target start date of April 1, 202

• The contract duration is subject to operational needs and satisfactory performance, with no expectation of renewal beyond the initial contract period. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, which may include mandatory night shifts and work on weekends or official holidays as required. The remuneration for this position is set at 3,521 USD per month, payable in Turkish Lira at the applicable United Nations exchange rate. Candidates must comply with local legislation regarding taxation and social security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and non-Turkish candidates will require clearance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before an offer can be made. Additionally, applicants must ensure timely submission of their applications and provide valid residence permits if applicable.