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 and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members dedicated to providing protection and assistance to those in need. The organization aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it works to promote durable solutions for displaced populations.

Job Overview:
The Protection Associate position is crucial within the UNHCR framework, primarily reporting to the Protection Officer or Senior Protection Officer. The incumbent is responsible for monitoring protection standards and operational procedures, ensuring that protection delivery aligns with international standards. The role involves coordinating timely and effective protection responses to the needs of populations of concern (PoC), integrating protection methodologies into operational responses across various sectors. The Protection Associate plays a vital role in designing comprehensive protection strategies and liaising with external authorities and partners on protection policies. Additionally, the incumbent ensures that PoC are actively involved in decision-making processes that affect their rights and solutions to their issues, necessitating strong relationships with communities, local authorities, and assistance partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Protection Associate include staying informed about political, social, economic, and cultural developments that impact the protection environment. The incumbent must consistently apply international and national laws, as well as UN/UNHCR policies and standards. Responsibilities also include providing comments on legislation affecting PoC, advising PoC on protection issues, and liaising with authorities for necessary documentation. The Protection Associate will assist in eligibility and status determination for PoC, contribute to child protection and education plans, and monitor Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for protection activities. Managing individual protection cases, particularly those involving gender-based violence (GBV) and child protection, is also a key responsibility. The incumbent will assist in identifying durable solutions for PoC and contribute to the design and evaluation of protection-related programming. Furthermore, the Protection Associate will facilitate effective information management and participate in capacity-building initiatives for local authorities and NGOs.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires 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 knowledge of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, Political Science, or related fields. Functional skills such as IT literacy and familiarity with refugee protection principles and guidelines are also required. The candidate must demonstrate accountability, client orientation, commitment to continuous learning, and strong communication skills. Negotiation, conflict resolution, organizational awareness, stakeholder management, and teamwork are critical competencies for this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations or a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in Law. These educational qualifications are essential for understanding the legal frameworks and international standards relevant to the protection of displaced populations.

Experience:
The Protection Associate role requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in protection or related fields. This experience should demonstrate the ability to apply legal principles and engage effectively with communities and authorities. Experience in humanitarian settings or with international organizations is highly desirable.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position include Kyrgyz, Russian, and English, with an expected overall ability of at least B2 level in these languages. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset, particularly in enhancing communication with diverse populations.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a General Service role at the GS6 grade level. The target start date for the position is July 1, 202

• The role is full-time and involves regular assignments. The position is based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and may involve interactions with various stakeholders, including local authorities and NGOs. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a written test, and those with the highest scores will proceed to the interview stage. The position does not require functional clearance.