Protection Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The UNHCR Multi-Country Office (MCO) based in Italy oversees operations in Italy, the Holy See, Malta, and San Marino. This organization plays a crucial role in addressing the needs of refugees and asylum seekers in a region characterized by diverse asylum systems and varying capacities for refugee protection. The MCO is dedicated to ensuring the safety and rights of populations of concern (PoC) and operates in a context where migration and refugee movements are significant due to the geographic proximity to North Africa and the Mediterranean routes. The office is committed to upholding international protection standards and advocating for the rights of individuals seeking asylum.

Job Overview:
The Protection Associate position is integral to the UNHCR's mission of providing protection and assistance to refugees and asylum seekers. The incumbent will report to the Protection Officer or Senior Protection Officer and will be responsible for monitoring protection standards and operational procedures in line with international guidelines. The role requires coordinating timely and effective protection responses to the needs of PoC, ensuring their involvement in decision-making processes that affect their rights and solutions to their problems. The Protection Associate will also contribute to the design of comprehensive protection strategies and liaise with external authorities and partners to advocate for effective protection policies. This position demands a proactive approach to building relationships with communities, local authorities, and partners to enhance the protection environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Associate will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including: staying informed about political, social, economic, and cultural developments affecting the protection environment; applying international and national laws and UN/UNHCR policies; providing advice on protection issues to PoC; assisting in eligibility and status determination; contributing to measures to prevent statelessness; managing individual protection cases, including those related to gender-based violence (GBV) and child protection; and facilitating effective information management through disaggregated data collection. The incumbent will also assist in identifying durable solutions for PoC, monitor compliance with protection standards, and support the identification and management of risks impacting objectives in the area of responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess 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 a background in law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, Political Science, or a related field. Candidates should demonstrate strong functional skills in IT and computer literacy, as well as knowledge of refugee protection principles and frameworks. Experience in protection-related guidelines, standards, and indicators is also essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma as a minimum, with a preference for candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree or higher in relevant fields such as International Law or Political Science. Certifications in these areas are considered essential for the role, as they provide the necessary theoretical foundation for the practical responsibilities of the Protection Associate.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least three years of relevant experience in protection or related fields. This experience should ideally include work with refugee populations, knowledge of international and national protection laws, and familiarity with the operational context of asylum systems. Experience in managing protection cases and working with local authorities and NGOs is highly desirable, as it will enhance the candidate's ability to navigate the complexities of the protection environment effectively.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Italian is mandatory for this position, with an expected overall ability of at least B2 level in both languages. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset, particularly those relevant to the populations served by the UNHCR in Italy. Effective communication skills in both written and spoken forms are crucial for the role, as the Protection Associate will be required to draft reports, provide legal counseling, and liaise with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a General Service role at the GS6 grade level and is temporary, with a target start date of May 1, 2026, and an end date of December 31, 202

• The role is family-friendly, and the incumbent will be expected to work full-time. The recruitment process is subject to funding availability, and candidates should be prepared for potential international recruitment, as the UNHCR values a diverse workforce and encourages applications from individuals with varied backgrounds.