Senior Protection Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• The organization is dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, employing more than 18,000 staff members globally. Its mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily. UNHCR also works to safeguard the rights of those who are unable to return home and to help them rebuild their lives in dignity and peace.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Assistant plays a crucial role in monitoring and implementing protection standards and operational procedures in line with international guidelines. This position is responsible for providing functional protection support to information management and program staff, ensuring that persons of concern (PoC) receive timely and effective assistance. The incumbent will engage with local authorities and partners to address protection issues, contributing to the development of a comprehensive protection strategy. A key aspect of this role is to ensure that PoC are actively involved in decision-making processes that affect their lives, thereby empowering them to access their rights and identify solutions to their challenges. The Senior Protection Assistant must build and maintain effective relationships with communities, local authorities, and protection partners to facilitate a collaborative approach to protection delivery.

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 authorities for documentation issuance. The incumbent will support activities related to age, gender, and diversity (AGD) programming, conduct preliminary information gathering and interviews for eligibility and status determination, and contribute to measures aimed at preventing statelessness. Additionally, the Senior Protection Assistant will participate in individual protection case management, monitor and report on protection incidents, assist in identifying durable solutions for PoC, and draft reports and maintain relevant databases. The role also involves enhancing national and local protection capacities and ensuring integrity in the delivery of protection services.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires 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 higher. Essential functional skills include IT literacy, knowledge of protection-related guidelines, and familiarity with refugee protection principles. The candidate should demonstrate accountability, analytical thinking, client orientation, and effective communication skills. A commitment to continuous learning and teamwork is also essential for this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a High School Diploma as a minimum requirement, with a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as International Law or Political Science being advantageous. Certifications in International Law or related fields are considered essential for this position, as they provide the necessary theoretical foundation for understanding protection issues.

Experience:
The Senior Protection Assistant should have at least 2 years of relevant experience in protection or related fields. Experience working with vulnerable populations, particularly refugees and displaced persons, is highly desirable. The role may also require familiarity with UNHCR policies and operational procedures, as well as experience in community engagement and advocacy.

Languages:
Proficiency in Spanish and English is mandatory, with an expected overall ability of at least B2 level in both languages. Knowledge of the local language may also be beneficial, depending on the duty station. For General Service jobs, knowledge of English and/or the UN working language of the duty station is required.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a General Service role at the GS5 level, with a regular assignment type. The target start date for this position is May 1, 202

• The role is family-friendly, and the organization emphasizes a safe and empowering work environment for all staff members. UNHCR is committed to preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, including harassment and discrimination, and encourages all employees to engage in ongoing dialogue regarding these issues.