Senior 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, employing 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 works to safeguard the rights of refugees and displaced persons, providing them with essential services and support, and advocating for their protection and assistance.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Associate position is a critical role within UNHCR, focusing on the protection of populations of concern (PoC). The incumbent will report to the Protection Officer or Senior Protection Officer and may have supervisory responsibilities over protection staff, including those involved in community services, registration, resettlement, and education. The role requires a deep understanding of international refugee law and the ability to apply relevant legal principles effectively. The Senior Protection Associate is expected to monitor protection standards and operational procedures, ensuring that they align with international standards. This position also involves coordinating timely and effective protection responses to the needs of PoC, integrating protection methodologies into operational responses across various sectors. The incumbent will contribute to the development of a comprehensive protection strategy and represent the office externally on protection doctrine and policy. Engaging with communities of concern and local authorities is essential to ensure that PoC are involved in decision-making processes that affect their rights and solutions to their problems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Senior Protection Associate include staying informed about political, social, economic, and cultural developments that impact the protection environment. The incumbent will apply international and national law, as well as UN/UNHCR and IASC policies and standards, consistently. They will provide guidance on protection issues to PoC, liaise with authorities for documentation issuance, and assist in eligibility and status determination for PoC. The role also involves contributing to measures to prevent and reduce statelessness, developing country-level child protection and education plans, and managing individual protection cases, including those related to gender-based violence (GBV) and child protection. The Senior Protection Associate will assist in identifying durable solutions for PoC and contribute to advocacy efforts with partners. Effective information management is crucial, requiring the provision of disaggregated data on PoC and their issues. The incumbent will also participate in capacity-building initiatives for authorities and NGOs, enforce compliance with global protection policies, and recommend payments for individual cases. Overall, the role demands a proactive approach to risk management and decision-making in the area of responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or 2 years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Essential qualifications include a strong understanding of international law, political science, or a related field. The candidate must possess excellent legal research, analysis, and drafting skills, along with strategic thinking and stakeholder engagement capabilities. Communication and presentation skills are crucial, and fluency in both English and Arabic is mandatory. Familiarity with UNHCR’s protection standards and policies, particularly regarding Registration and Refugee Status Determination (RSD), is also required. Previous experience in organizing capacity-building initiatives, such as workshops and training for government counterparts, is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a relevant educational background, with a focus on international law, political science, or other related fields. While specific certificates and licenses are not mandatory, they are considered essential for the role. A High School Diploma is the minimum requirement, but a Bachelor’s degree or higher is preferred. The educational qualifications should align with the responsibilities of the position, emphasizing the importance of understanding legal frameworks and protection principles.

Experience:
The role requires a significant level of experience, specifically 4 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or 2 years with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. This experience should be in areas related to international refugee protection, human rights, or international humanitarian law. The candidate should have a proven track record of managing teams and working at the country operation level, demonstrating the ability to navigate complex protection environments and engage effectively with various stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, along with proficiency in Arabic, as these are the primary languages of communication within the duty station. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset but is not required. The ability to communicate effectively in both English and Arabic is essential for engaging with PoC and local authorities, as well as for drafting reports and documentation.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA7 category and is not remote. The target start date for the role is November 6, 2025, and the application deadline is April 10, 202

• The position is full-time and may involve supervisory responsibilities. The role is categorized under a hardship level A, indicating a low hardship environment. All UNHCR staff members are expected to contribute to a safe and respectful working environment, adhering to the organization's core values and standards of conduct.