Protection Associate

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 and displaced persons worldwide. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and employs more than 18,000 staff members. Its mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR's work is guided by the principles of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and humanitarian action, focusing on providing protection and assistance to those in need, advocating for their rights, and finding durable solutions to their plight.

Job Overview:
The Protection Associate position is crucial for monitoring and implementing protection standards and operational procedures in line with international guidelines. The incumbent will report to the Protection Officer or Senior Protection Officer and is expected to coordinate effective protection responses to the needs of populations of concern (PoC). This role involves integrating protection methodologies into operational responses across various sectors and ensuring that PoC are actively involved in decisions affecting their rights and solutions to their issues. The Protection Associate will also contribute to the design of comprehensive protection strategies and liaise with external authorities and partners to uphold protection policies. The position requires a proactive approach to building relationships with communities, local authorities, and assistance partners, ensuring that the protection needs of vulnerable populations are met effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Protection Associate include staying informed about political, social, economic, and cultural developments that impact the protection environment. The incumbent will apply international and national laws, provide comments on legislation affecting PoC, and advise them on protection issues. Responsibilities also include conducting eligibility and status determinations, contributing to child protection and education plans, monitoring Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), managing individual protection cases, and identifying durable solutions for PoC. The Protection Associate will facilitate information management by providing disaggregated data on PoC and their challenges, assist in prioritizing PoC for interviews and counseling, and ensure compliance with global protection policies. Additionally, the incumbent will support risk management and decision-making processes within the functional area of work.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires 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 International Law, Political Science, or related fields. Functional skills such as IT literacy and familiarity with refugee protection principles and guidelines are also required. The candidate should demonstrate strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, as well as the ability to engage with various stakeholders effectively.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a High School Diploma or equivalent, with a preference for those holding a Bachelor’s degree in International Law, Political Science, or a related field. Relevant certifications in these areas are also beneficial and may be required for certain aspects of the role.

Experience:
The Protection Associate role requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in protection-related work, particularly in field-based and policy-driven contexts. Experience in engaging with government officials, NGOs, and other stakeholders is essential, as is familiarity with international, EU, and national laws pertaining to refugee protection.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, with a required proficiency level of at least B

• Additionally, proficiency in Slovak at a C1 level is required, as it is the UN working language of the duty station. Familiarity with other languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
This is a temporary position with a target start date of April 1, 2026, and an end date of September 30, 202

• The role is classified at the GS6 grade level within the General Service category. The position is family-friendly and does not involve hardship conditions. The incumbent will be expected to work flexibly across different locations, primarily between Bratislava and Košice, and will report to the Deputy Representative of MCO Poland. The role may involve a high degree of mobility and independent work, requiring the incumbent to adapt to various tasks and responsibilities as needed.