Senior Protection Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a global organization dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons. Established in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, employing more than 18,000 staff members. The organization’s mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR works to safeguard the rights of refugees and other displaced persons, providing them with essential support and assistance, and advocating for their protection and inclusion in host communities. The organization is committed to upholding law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and humanitarian principles, and it collaborates with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to enhance the protection of vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Assistant plays a crucial role in monitoring and implementing protection standards and operational procedures in line with international guidelines. This position requires the incumbent to provide functional protection support to information management and program staff, ensuring that persons of concern (PoC) receive timely and effective assistance. The Senior Protection Assistant is expected to contribute to the development of a comprehensive protection strategy, engage with local authorities and partners on protection issues, and ensure that PoC are actively involved in decision-making processes that affect their rights and well-being. The role demands strong interpersonal skills to build effective relationships with communities, local authorities, and protection partners, as well as a commitment to uphold UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Protection Assistant is responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: consistently applying international and national law, providing counseling on protection issues to PoC, liaising with authorities for documentation issuance, supporting AGD-based programming, conducting preliminary information gathering and interviews, contributing to child protection and education plans, monitoring Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), participating in individual protection case management, assisting in identifying durable solutions for PoC, drafting reports and routine correspondence, and contributing to initiatives that enhance national and local protection capacities. The incumbent will also enforce integrity in the delivery of protection services, 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, political science, and protection-related guidelines. Candidates should demonstrate strong IT skills, particularly in computer literacy, and have a solid understanding of refugee protection principles and frameworks. The ability to apply these skills in a practical context is crucial for success in 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 foundational knowledge necessary for effective performance in protection-related tasks.

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 protection or refugee status determination (RSD) activities, particularly within the Italian context, is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a proactive approach and a positive attitude, along with proven knowledge of international and EU refugee law, particularly the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Italian is mandatory, with an 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. Strong drafting skills in both English and Italian are essential for effective communication and reporting.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a General Service role at the GS5 grade level and is temporary in nature, 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 may be deployed part-time or full-time to the premises where the Coordination Body on legal counseling will be located. The recruitment is subject to funding availability, and candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that may involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including UN agencies, EU agencies, and civil society organizations.