Protection Associate

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

• Its mission is to safeguard 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. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and it strives to provide protection and assistance to those in need.

Job Overview:
The Protection Associate position is a critical role within UNHCR, primarily focused on monitoring and enhancing protection standards and operational procedures in line with international norms. The incumbent will report to the Protection Officer or Senior Protection Officer and will be responsible for coordinating effective protection responses to the needs of populations of concern (PoC). This role requires a deep understanding of international refugee law and the ability to apply relevant legal protection principles. The Protection Associate will also engage with local authorities and partners to ensure that protection methodologies are integrated into operational responses across various sectors. The position emphasizes the importance of community involvement in decision-making processes that affect PoC, ensuring that their rights are upheld and that they have access to appropriate solutions for their challenges. The role demands excellent legal research, analysis, and drafting skills, as well as strong communication abilities in both English and Arabic.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Associate will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: staying informed about political, social, economic, and cultural developments that impact the protection environment; applying international and national law, as well as UN/UNHCR and IASC policies; providing comments on existing and draft legislation related to PoC; advising PoC on protection issues and liaising with authorities for documentation issuance; conducting eligibility and status determination for PoC; contributing to measures to prevent and reduce statelessness; and assisting in the development of country-level child protection and education plans. The incumbent will also monitor Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for protection activities, manage individual protection cases, and assist in identifying durable solutions for PoC. Additionally, the Protection Associate will facilitate effective information management and participate in capacity-building initiatives for authorities and NGOs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess relevant professional experience in national and international law, particularly in areas such as international refugee protection, human rights, or international humanitarian law. A very good knowledge of International Refugee Law and the ability to apply legal protection principles is essential. Experience in organizing and facilitating capacity-building initiatives, including workshops and training for government counterparts, is also required. Strong legal research, analysis, and drafting skills are necessary, along with strategic thinking and stakeholder engagement capabilities. Excellent communication and presentation skills in both English and Arabic are mandatory, as well as drafting skills in these languages.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a High School Diploma with three years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree or equivalent with two years of relevant work experience. Candidates should have a background in International Law, Political Science, or a related field. Certifications in these areas are considered essential for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma, or two years for those with a Bachelor's degree or higher. The experience should be directly related to protection issues, legal frameworks, and working with populations of concern.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the populations served.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA6 category and is not remote. The target start date for the role is December 1, 202

• The position is full-time and involves working in a challenging environment, requiring a commitment to uphold the values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity. The role also emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and empowering work environment, free from harassment and discrimination.