Senior Protection Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNOPS, which is a part of the United Nations system. UNOPS was established to provide project management, infrastructure, and procurement services to help organizations deliver their projects effectively. The organization operates in over 80 countries and employs thousands of staff members, focusing on sustainable development and humanitarian assistance. UNOPS aims to support peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, human rights, and sustainable development through its various projects and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Assistant position is designed for a protection professional who has substantial experience in delivering protection activities within humanitarian or forced displacement contexts. The role requires a strong understanding of international protection principles and community-based approaches. The ideal candidate will be responsible for providing effective protection support to persons of concern (PoC), ensuring that their rights are upheld and that they are involved in decision-making processes that affect their lives. The Senior Protection Assistant will work closely with communities, local authorities, and humanitarian partners to enhance protection methodologies and contribute to national and local protection capacity-building initiatives. This position also involves monitoring protection standards and operational procedures to ensure compliance with international standards, thereby playing a crucial role in the protection framework of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Protection Assistant include consistently applying international and national law, providing counseling on protection issues to persons of concern, liaising with competent authorities for documentation issuance, and supporting activities related to age, gender, and diversity (AGD) based programming. The incumbent will conduct preliminary information gathering and interviews for eligibility and status determination, contribute to child protection and education plans, monitor standard operating procedures for protection activities, and participate in individual protection case management. Additionally, the Senior Protection Assistant will assist in identifying durable solutions for PoC, draft reports, update databases, and contribute to enhancing national and local protection capacities. The role also requires enforcing integrity in the delivery of protection services and managing risks effectively.

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 communication and counseling skills, the ability to work under pressure, and a commitment to upholding the rights of vulnerable populations. Experience in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams 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 or higher being advantageous. Relevant fields of study include International Law and Political Science. Certifications in these areas are considered essential for the role, as they provide the necessary theoretical foundation for the practical responsibilities of the position.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least 2 years of relevant experience if they hold a High School Diploma, or 1 year of relevant experience if they possess a Bachelor’s degree or higher. This experience should be in protection-related roles within humanitarian contexts, demonstrating the ability to work effectively with communities and stakeholders in challenging environments.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirements for this position include proficiency in English and Spanish, as these are the working languages of the duty station. Knowledge of additional languages is considered a desirable asset, enhancing communication with diverse populations and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered under a UNOPS contract for a duration of 5 months, with no possibility of extension. Only candidates who are Salvadorian or hold permanent residency in El Salvador will be considered eligible, and proof of residency must be attached at the time of application. The recruitment process may include a written test and/or oral interview, and only shortlisted candidates will be notified. UNHCR does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. The position offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including comprehensive medical insurance and pension plans.