Senior 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 globally. 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 Senior Protection Associate position is crucial within the UNHCR framework, reporting directly to the Protection Officer or Senior Protection Officer. This role may involve supervisory responsibilities over protection staff, including areas such as community services, registration, resettlement, and education, depending on the office structure. The incumbent is responsible for monitoring protection standards and operational procedures, ensuring that protection delivery aligns with international standards. The Senior Protection Associate is expected to coordinate effective protection responses to the needs of populations of concern (PoC) and to integrate protection methodologies into operational responses across various sectors. This role also involves designing comprehensive protection strategies and representing the office externally on protection doctrine and policy. The incumbent must ensure that PoC are actively involved in decision-making processes that affect their rights and solutions to their problems, necessitating strong relationships with communities, local authorities, and partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Senior Protection Associate include staying informed about political, social, economic, and cultural developments affecting the protection environment. The incumbent must apply international and national law, provide guidance on protection issues, assist in eligibility and status determination for PoC, and contribute to measures aimed at preventing statelessness. The role also involves managing individual protection cases, monitoring incidents of refoulement and expulsion, and identifying durable solutions for PoC. The Senior Protection Associate will facilitate effective information management, participate in capacity-building initiatives for authorities and NGOs, and assist in enforcing compliance with protection policies and standards. Additionally, the incumbent will support risk management and decision-making processes related to protection objectives.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of four 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 strong understanding of international law, political science, or related fields, with specific certificates in International Law or Political Science being advantageous. The candidate should possess functional skills in IT literacy and knowledge of protection-related guidelines and refugee protection principles.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a university degree in International Law, Human Rights, or Refugee/Migration Studies. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of refugee and migration contexts and for effectively engaging with relevant legal frameworks.

Experience:
The role requires a minimum of four years of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma, or two years for those with a Bachelor’s degree. Experience in refugee, migration, or human rights contexts is crucial, along with a strong knowledge of international refugee and human rights law and familiarity with legal standards and mechanisms.

Languages:
Fluency in both Spanish and English is mandatory, with the ability to work professionally in both languages. Knowledge of the local language is also beneficial for effective communication within the duty station.

Additional Notes:
This is a temporary appointment for six months, covering the period from July 1 to December 31, 2026, with no possibility of extension. The position is classified at the GS7 grade level and is part of the General Service staff category. The role is family-type, indicating that it is suitable for staff members with families. The position is based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, which is part of the Multi-Country Office covering Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.