Protection Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Field Office Odesa. UNHCR is a global organization dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. Established in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, providing critical assistance and support to millions of individuals and families. The organization aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, as well as to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. The Odesa Field Office specifically covers the Odeska, Mykolayvska, and Khersonska Oblasts, focusing on delivering a full spectrum of protection activities.

Job Overview:
The Protection Assistant role is integral to the UNHCR's mission in the Odesa Field Office, which is responsible for a wide range of protection activities. The successful candidate will work closely with the Associate Protection Officer and will be part of a dedicated team that oversees various program activities aimed at providing legal assistance, case management, mental health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support, and emergency evacuations. The position requires a proactive approach to support the planning, coordination, and implementation of protection activities, ensuring that the needs of vulnerable populations are met effectively. The role also involves contributing to the delivery of program priorities, engaging with partners and stakeholders, and assisting in organizing workshops, trainings, and assessments. The Protection Assistant will play a key role in monitoring progress against objectives and ensuring that protection interventions are delivered smoothly across different partners and locations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Assistant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: supporting the Protection Unit in delivering program priorities; assisting with the organization and implementation of workshops, trainings, and assessments; monitoring community-based protection initiatives carried out by partners; providing technical and operational support to ensure timely implementation of activities; drafting inputs for reports and presentations; analyzing protection monitoring trends; participating in initiatives aimed at building the capacity of authorities and partners; monitoring Standard Operating Procedures for protection activities; facilitating information sharing among team members; contributing to problem-solving efforts; and participating in duty travel teams as required. The role may also involve performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Law, Political Science, Social Science, or a related field. A minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience is required, which can be with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Additionally, candidates should have good technical knowledge about construction in Ukraine, particularly in relation to Ukrainian construction legislation. Excellent communication skills, a proactive and flexible approach to problem-solving, and proficiency in MS Office applications (especially Excel) are essential. The ability to work effectively in a multi-task environment and contribute to a multinational team is also important.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as International Relations, Law, Political Science, or Social Science. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of protection work and the legal frameworks surrounding refugee and humanitarian issues.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience. This experience should ideally be in the humanitarian sector or related fields, providing candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively support protection activities and engage with various stakeholders in the field.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Ukrainian is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, but the primary requirement is fluency in these two languages to ensure effective communication within the team and with the communities served.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of six months, with the possibility of extension based on operational needs, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. The role is full-time, requiring 40 hours of work per week, from Monday to Friday. Candidates should be aware that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted, and they may need to complete a written test as part of the selection process. A competency-based interview will also be conducted for all shortlisted candidates.