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, ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and employs more than 18,000 staff members worldwide, working tirelessly to protect and assist millions of people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or violence. The organization is committed to promoting durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement. UNHCR also advocates for the rights of stateless individuals and works to prevent and reduce statelessness globally.

Job Overview:
The Protection Associate position is a critical role within UNHCR, focusing on the protection of populations of concern (PoC). The incumbent will report to the Protection Officer or Senior Protection Officer and is responsible for monitoring protection standards and operational procedures in line with international standards. The role involves coordinating effective protection responses to the needs of PoC, ensuring that their voices are heard in decision-making processes that affect their lives. The Protection Associate will engage with local authorities, community networks, and implementing partners to facilitate the implementation of protection interventions, including identifying individuals with specific protection needs and providing necessary support. This position requires a proactive approach to building relationships with communities and stakeholders, ensuring that protection methodologies are integrated into operational responses across various sectors.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Protection Associate include staying informed about political, social, economic, and cultural developments that impact the protection environment. The incumbent will apply international and national law, as well as UN/UNHCR policies and standards, to provide advice on protection issues to PoC. They will assist in conducting eligibility and status determinations, contribute to child protection and education plans, and monitor Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for protection activities. The Protection Associate will manage individual protection cases, including those related to gender-based violence (GBV) and child protection, and will work to identify durable solutions for PoC. Additionally, the role involves facilitating effective information management, participating in capacity-building initiatives for local authorities and NGOs, and ensuring compliance with global protection policies and standards.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Protection Associate position include 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. Candidates should possess knowledge of international law, political science, or a related field. Essential functional skills include IT literacy and familiarity with refugee protection principles and frameworks. The position also requires the ability to apply protection-related guidelines, standards, and indicators effectively.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have at least a High School Diploma to qualify for the Protection Associate position. A Bachelor’s degree in International Law, Political Science, or a related field is preferred and can substitute for some work experience. Relevant certifications in international law or protection-related fields are also advantageous and may enhance a candidate's application.

Experience:
The level of experience required for this position is three years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or two years with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. This experience should be in protection-related roles, ideally within humanitarian or development contexts, where the candidate has demonstrated the ability to manage protection cases and engage with vulnerable populations effectively.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are Spanish and English. Candidates must have a strong command of both languages, as they will be required to communicate effectively with local stakeholders and populations of concern. Knowledge of additional languages is desirable and may enhance a candidate's profile, particularly in regions with diverse linguistic communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA6 category and is not remote. The target start date for the position is June 1, 2026, and the application deadline is June 4, 202

• The role is full-time and involves working in a family-type environment, with a hardship level classified as A, indicating the least hardship. The Protection Associate will be expected to adhere to UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity while contributing to a safe and empowering work environment.