Senior Protection Assistant

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 challenges of migration and refugee movements in Europe, particularly through the Central and Eastern Mediterranean routes. The MCO is dedicated to ensuring the protection of persons of concern (PoC) and operates within a framework that emphasizes professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity. The organization is committed to providing effective support to national authorities and partners in implementing protection-sensitive policies and practices. The MCO has a significant presence in the region, reflecting its commitment to addressing the complex protection needs of refugees and migrants. It operates in a challenging environment characterized by fluctuating numbers of arrivals and varying capacities for refugee protection across the countries it serves.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Assistant is responsible for monitoring protection standards and operational procedures in line with international standards. This role involves providing functional protection support to information management and program staff, ensuring that persons of concern (PoC) receive timely and effective protection assistance. The incumbent will contribute to the design of a comprehensive protection strategy and engage with local authorities and partners on protection issues. A key aspect of this position is to ensure that PoC are actively involved in decision-making processes that affect their rights and access to solutions. The Senior Protection Assistant will build and maintain effective relationships with communities, local authorities, and protection partners to enhance the delivery of protection services. This role requires a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for mainstreaming protection methodologies in operational responses and ensuring compliance with UNHCR's regulatory framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Protection Assistant will perform a variety of duties, including but not limited to: consistently applying international and national law, providing counseling on protection issues, liaising with authorities for documentation issuance, supporting protection-related programming, conducting preliminary information gathering and interviews, contributing to measures against statelessness, and participating in individual protection case management. The incumbent will monitor Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for protection activities, assist in identifying durable solutions for PoC, draft reports and correspondence, and contribute to enhancing national protection capacities. Additionally, the Senior Protection Assistant will enforce integrity in service delivery, manage risks, and perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess 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 qualifications include knowledge of international law, protection-related guidelines, and refugee protection principles. Candidates should demonstrate strong IT skills, particularly in computer literacy, and have a solid understanding of protection frameworks and standards. The ability to work effectively in a team and communicate clearly is also essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma as a minimum, with a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as International Law or Political Science being preferred. Certifications in related areas are considered advantageous and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least 2 years of relevant experience for those with a High School Diploma, or 1 year of relevant experience for those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Experience in administrative roles, protection activities, and familiarity with the asylum system in Italy will be beneficial. Previous work with UNHCR or similar organizations is highly desirable.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Italian is mandatory, with a minimum expected overall ability of at least B2 level in both languages. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset, particularly local languages relevant to the duty station.

Additional Notes:
This is a temporary position with a target start date of May 1, 2026, and a target end date of December 31, 202

• The role is classified at the GS5 grade level and is intended for family-type assignments. The recruitment process is subject to funding availability. The position requires a proactive candidate with strong organizational and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with UNHCR policies.