Senior Protection Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• The organization is dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons worldwide. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees. Its mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR is committed to providing international protection and assistance to those in need, advocating for their rights, and finding durable solutions to their plight.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Assistant position is crucial for the effective delivery of protection services to persons of concern (PoC). The incumbent will be responsible for monitoring protection standards and operational procedures in line with international standards. This role involves providing functional protection support to information management and program staff, ensuring that PoC receive timely and effective assistance. The Senior Protection Assistant will conduct initial protection assessments, identify urgent needs, and support case management processes, all while working closely with the supervisor. The candidate is expected to demonstrate strong communication skills in both Arabic and English and possess a solid understanding of the protection environment in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, particularly in the UAE. The position requires coordination with various stakeholders, including UNHCR units, government entities, and partners, to ensure comprehensive protection strategies are implemented effectively.

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 PoC, and liaising with competent authorities for documentation issuance. The incumbent will support protection-related programming, conduct preliminary information gathering and interviews for eligibility and status determination, and contribute to measures aimed at preventing statelessness. The role also involves monitoring Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for protection activities, participating in individual protection case management, and assisting in identifying durable solutions for PoC. The Senior Protection Assistant will draft reports, update databases, and compile statistics, while also contributing to initiatives that enhance national and local protection capacities. The position requires the selection of PoC for preliminary interviews and ensuring integrity in the delivery of protection services by local partners.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Senior Protection Assistant position include 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 equivalent. Candidates should possess knowledge of international law, political science, and protection-related guidelines and standards. Essential functional skills include IT literacy and familiarity with refugee protection principles and frameworks. The role demands strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a High School Diploma as a minimum requirement, with a Bachelor’s degree or higher being advantageous. Relevant fields of education include International Law and Political Science. Certifications in these areas are considered essential for the role, as they provide the necessary theoretical foundation for understanding the complexities of protection and case management in a humanitarian context.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma, or 1 year of relevant experience for those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Experience working with UNHCR or in similar protection roles is highly desirable, particularly in areas related to case management and counseling.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are Arabic and English, with proficiency in both being essential for effective communication and counseling. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the local context may be considered an asset, enhancing the ability to engage with a diverse population of PoC.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA5 category and is open to Emirati nationals and candidates with valid UAE residency at the time of application. The target start date for the position is June 22, 202

• The role is full-time and is not remote, requiring the incumbent to work on-site in Dubai. The position is categorized under a hardship level of A, indicating a low hardship environment. All UNHCR staff members are expected to uphold the organization's core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity, contributing to a safe and empowering work environment.