Assistant Protection Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Assistant Protection Officer position is part of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), an organization established to protect the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons. UNHCR was founded in 1950 and operates in over 130 countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to providing assistance and protection to those in need. The organization's 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's work is guided by law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and humanitarian principles, focusing on the protection of vulnerable populations and advocating for their rights.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Protection Officer plays a crucial role in the protection of populations of concern (PoC) by reporting to the Protection Officer or Senior Protection Officer. This position involves providing functional protection guidance to various staff members on legal matters and accountabilities related to statelessness, refugee status determination, and community-based protection. The incumbent is expected to coordinate effective protection responses, ensuring that operational responses in all sectors integrate protection methodologies and safeguards. The Assistant Protection Officer will also contribute to the design of comprehensive protection strategies and represent the organization externally on protection policies. Engaging with communities of concern and stakeholders is essential to ensure that PoC are involved in decisions affecting them, and that their needs and capacities are considered in program design and adaptations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Assistant Protection Officer include staying informed about political, social, and economic developments that impact the protection environment, applying international and national law, and providing legal advice to PoC. The incumbent will conduct eligibility and status determinations, promote measures to prevent statelessness, and contribute to child protection and education plans. Responsibilities also include managing individual protection cases, recommending durable solutions, and facilitating effective information management. The Assistant Protection Officer will assist in capacity-building initiatives, intervene with authorities on protection issues, and ensure compliance with global protection policies. Additionally, the incumbent will support the identification and management of risks and perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of International Refugee and Human Rights Law, with the ability to apply relevant legal principles. Essential functional skills include knowledge of protection-related guidelines, project management, and gender-based violence coordination. The role requires a commitment to uphold UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical and drafting skills, attention to detail, and a client-service mindset, particularly in high-volume, fast-paced environments.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an undergraduate degree in Law, International Law, Political Science, or a related field. Candidates with a graduate or doctorate degree may also be considered, particularly if they have relevant experience in the field.

Experience:
For the P1/NOA level, candidates should have at least one year of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree, or no experience with a graduate or doctorate degree. Experience in protection-related roles, particularly within the context of refugee and human rights law, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, and proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station (if not English) is also required. For National Professional jobs, knowledge of the local language is essential. Candidates should demonstrate an overall ability of at least B2 level in the required languages.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role and is temporary in nature, with a target start date of June 1, 2026, and a target end date of December 31, 202

• The position is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and UNHCR does not sponsor work visas or permits. Applicants who are not Malaysian nationals must already have their status confirmed to secure a work visa at the time of application. The organization is committed to diversity and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital status, race, or sexual orientation. UNHCR does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.