Community-Based 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. 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 Community-Based Protection Associate plays a crucial role within the Protection Unit of UNHCR. This position involves working closely with communities of concern to identify the risks they face and to empower them to protect themselves and their families. The incumbent will report to the Protection Officer or Community-Based Protection Officer and will be responsible for building and maintaining networks within communities of Persons of Concern (PoC). A significant portion of the work will be conducted outside the office, engaging directly with communities to enhance protection planning and programming. The role requires the development of a community-based protection strategy that is informed by consultations with PoC, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed. The Community-Based Protection Associate is expected to uphold UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity while performing their duties.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Community-Based Protection Associate include assisting functional units and senior management in integrating community-based approaches into protection strategies. The incumbent will maintain relationships with PoC and partners to stay informed about developments affecting the protection environment. They will work with host communities to enhance civil society involvement in protecting PoC and develop community-owned activities addressing various concerns such as education, health, and child protection. The Associate will support participatory assessments, assist in program planning and monitoring, and build office capacity for community-based protection through training. They will also ensure community understanding of UNHCR's accountability commitments, act as an interpreter, and contribute to the enforcement of participatory analysis. The role involves identifying individuals or groups for counseling, intervening with authorities on protection issues, and ensuring compliance with global protection policies. The Associate will also manage risks and opportunities impacting objectives in their area of responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or 2 years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Essential functional skills include IT literacy, knowledge of UNHCR administrative rules, and community-based protection principles. The candidate should possess strong communication skills and the ability to manage stakeholder relationships effectively. Familiarity with community mobilization and capacity building is also essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a High School Diploma or a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Development, Human Rights, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, Social Work, or Political Science. Certifications in community development or social work are also beneficial. The educational background should align with the responsibilities of the position, emphasizing the importance of understanding community dynamics and protection principles.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have substantial experience in conducting protection assessments, supporting community development, and working as a community mobilizer or counselor. Experience in Community-Based Protection, Child Protection, and Gender-Based Violence is highly desirable. The candidate should have a proven track record of collecting and analyzing data related to protection gaps and providing training on community outreach and protection issues.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, and proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station is required. For General Service jobs, knowledge of English and/or the UN working language is necessary. Familiarity with local languages is advantageous, especially in enhancing communication with the community.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the General Service category and is a regular assignment with a target start date of June 1, 202

• The position is based in a residential location in Tindouf, Algeria, which is classified as a hardship area (Level E). The role is non-family, meaning that the incumbent will not be accompanied by family members. The position is advertised internally, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process.