Senior Protection Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting is for a position within the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which is an international organization dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons. Established in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, providing assistance and support to millions of people worldwide. The organization aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and it works to promote durable solutions for refugees, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement. UNHCR is committed to upholding the principles of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and ensuring that the rights of refugees and displaced persons are respected and protected. The organization employs a diverse workforce and values inclusivity and equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Assistant position is designed for individuals who will provide essential protection support to persons of concern (PoC) in Lima, Peru. The incumbent will be responsible for monitoring protection standards and operational procedures in line with international standards, ensuring that the rights of refugees and displaced persons are upheld. This role involves providing functional protection support to information management and program staff, contributing to the design of comprehensive protection strategies, and liaising with local authorities and partners on protection issues. The Senior Protection Assistant will also engage with communities of concern to ensure that PoC are involved in decision-making processes that affect their rights and access to services. The position requires a sound understanding of the legal and public policy framework in Peru regarding refugee protection and access to state services, as well as proven experience in case management, particularly in cases related to gender-based violence and child protection. The role is crucial in enhancing the protection capacities at the national and local levels and ensuring that protection methodologies are mainstreamed in operational responses.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Protection Assistant include consistently applying international and national law, providing counseling on protection issues to PoC, and liaising with competent authorities to ensure the issuance of relevant documentation. The incumbent will support activities related to protection programming, conduct preliminary information gathering and interviews for eligibility and status determination, and contribute to measures aimed at preventing and reducing statelessness. Additionally, the Senior Protection Assistant will participate in individual protection case management, monitor and report on protection incidents, and assist in identifying durable solutions for PoC. The role also involves drafting reports, updating databases, and compiling statistics within the Area of Responsibility (AoR). The incumbent will enforce integrity in the delivery of protection services by local implementing partners and support the identification and management of risks impacting objectives in the area of responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Protection Assistant position must possess a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or 1 year of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Essential qualifications include a sound understanding of protection-related guidelines, standards, and indicators, as well as knowledge of refugee protection principles and frameworks. Candidates should demonstrate strong teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills, along with excellent drafting abilities. Fluency in Spanish is essential, and a good level of English (minimum B2) is required. The position also requires candidates to be legally present in Peru at the time of application, recruitment, and appointment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Senior Protection Assistant position includes a High School Diploma as a minimum, with a Bachelor’s degree or higher being advantageous. Relevant fields of study include International Law and Political Science. Certifications in these areas are considered essential for the role, as they provide the necessary theoretical foundation for understanding the legal frameworks governing refugee protection and assistance.

Experience:
The level of experience required for this position is at least 2 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or 1 year of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Candidates should have proven experience in case management, particularly in relation to gender-based violence and child protection, as well as a solid understanding of the legal and public policies surrounding refugee protection in Peru.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication in Peru. Additionally, a good level of English (minimum B2) is required, which will facilitate communication with international colleagues and stakeholders. Knowledge of other languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as a Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA) for a duration of six months, with the possibility of extension based on operational needs, budget, and performance. The role is based in Lima, Peru, and requires the incumbent to work on-site. Candidates must be legally present in the country during the application process and throughout their employment. The recruitment process will include reference checks to verify the information provided in applications, and only short-listed candidates will be notified. UNHCR does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and the organization is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce.