Protection Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a global organization dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons. Established in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to provide assistance and advocate for the rights of those forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. The organization aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it strives to promote durable solutions for refugees, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement to a third country. UNHCR's mission is guided by the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, and it works closely with governments, NGOs, and other partners to fulfill its mandate.

Job Overview:
The Protection Associate plays a critical role in monitoring and implementing protection standards and operational procedures in line with international guidelines. Reporting to the Protection Officer or Senior Protection Officer, the incumbent is responsible for coordinating effective protection responses to the needs of populations of concern (PoC). This includes engaging with communities, local authorities, and partners to ensure that PoC are actively involved in decisions affecting their rights and access to solutions. The Protection Associate will contribute to the development of a comprehensive protection strategy, ensuring that protection methodologies are integrated into operational responses across various sectors. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying protection risks and opportunities, as well as a commitment to upholding UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Associate's duties include staying informed about political, social, economic, and cultural developments that impact the protection environment; applying international and national laws and UN/UNHCR policies; providing advice on protection issues to PoC; assisting in eligibility and status determination; contributing to measures to prevent statelessness; managing individual protection cases, including those related to gender-based violence (GBV) and child protection; and facilitating effective information management. The incumbent will also assist in prioritizing PoC for interviews and counseling, enforce compliance with protection policies, and submit payment requests for PoC. Additionally, the Protection Associate will support the identification and management of risks, ensuring that decision-making is informed by a thorough understanding of the functional area of work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma with three years of relevant experience, or a bachelor's degree with two years of relevant experience. 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, understanding of refugee protection principles, and familiarity with protection-related guidelines are also required. The ability to analyze context, frame protection risks, and propose strategic responses is crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a high school diploma or equivalent, with a preference for candidates holding a bachelor's degree in international law, political science, or a related field. Relevant certifications in international law or protection principles are considered advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience for candidates with a high school diploma, or two years for those with a bachelor's degree. Experience in protection-related work, particularly in the context of migration and asylum, is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of international and national laws, as well as UNHCR standards and policies.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, along with knowledge of the UN working language of the duty station, which is Czech. For General Service jobs, knowledge of English and/or the UN working language is required, while local language proficiency is also beneficial. Candidates should have at least a B2 level of overall ability in the required languages.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as GS6 and is a regular assignment with a target start date of June 22, 202

• The role is full-time and may involve working with international and national candidates. The monthly gross salary ranges from CZK 62,822 to CZK 77,480, depending on relevant experience and language proficiency. UNHCR offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including comprehensive medical insurance and pension plans. Candidates must have Czech citizenship or the legal status necessary to work in the Czech Republic, and applications will not be considered without the required residence/work permit for non-Czech candidates. UNHCR promotes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.