Senior 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, providing assistance and support to millions of individuals who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or violence. The organization works closely with governments, NGOs, and other partners to ensure that refugees receive the protection and assistance they need, including access to education, healthcare, and livelihoods. UNHCR's mission is to safeguard the rights of refugees and to help them rebuild their lives in safety and dignity. In Turkey, UNHCR collaborates with the government and various stakeholders to implement national legislation and international legal frameworks related to asylum and protection.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Associate will play a crucial role in supporting the Protection Unit at UNHCR Türkiye. This position involves ensuring that protection standards and operational procedures align with international standards and UNHCR policies. The incumbent will monitor and analyze protection trends, risks, and needs, contributing to advocacy efforts across various protection areas, including child protection and gender-based violence. The role requires providing legal guidance to both UNHCR partners and internally within the organization. The Senior Protection Associate will also be responsible for identifying protection gaps, implementing monitoring activities, and drafting position papers and operational recommendations on legal and protection matters. This position is essential for consolidating observations and supporting evidence-based decision-making within the Protection Unit.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Protection Associate will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the Protection Unit in aligning operational procedures with international standards.
• Monitoring and analyzing protection trends, risks, and needs to inform advocacy efforts.
• Providing legal guidance to UNHCR partners and internal teams.
• Identifying protection gaps and areas requiring intervention.
• Drafting position papers, guidance notes, and operational recommendations.
• Systematically documenting developments related to protection activities.
• Compiling good practices and thematic reports on protection issues.
• Preparing guidance materials for national counterparts and stakeholders.
• Organizing capacity-building activities and training sessions for national and partner institutions. 1
• Representing the Office externally on protection policy and operational matters as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree or higher in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Social Sciences, or a related field. The position requires strong planning and organizing skills, stakeholder management abilities, and proficiency in data collection and reporting. Excellent drafting skills, accountability, client orientation, and a commitment to continuous learning are essential. Candidates should demonstrate good judgment, negotiation skills, and organizational awareness. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are necessary, along with the ability to work effectively in a team environment. Fluency in Turkish and English is mandatory, while knowledge of other UN languages is desirable.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as Law, Political Science, International Relations, or Social Sciences is required for this position. Higher educational qualifications may be considered an asset.

Experience:
A minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience in protection, asylum, migration management, or related areas is required. Candidates should have a proven track record in the field of protection and a strong understanding of the challenges faced by refugees and displaced persons.

Languages:
Fluency in Turkish is required, along with an excellent command of English. Knowledge of any other UN language is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a Local Senior Level Support role, with a target start date of July 1, 202

• The contract duration is subject to operational needs and satisfactory service, with no expectation of renewal beyond the expiry date. The working hours are 40 hours per week, which may include mandatory night shifts and work on weekends and official holidays. Leave entitlements include annual leave at the rate of two and a half working days per month and sick leave at the rate of two working days for each month of service. Medical coverage is provided through Cigna Health Insurance, with options available for eligible dependents. Remuneration will be based on the International Civil Services Commission (ICSC) salary scale. Non-Turkish candidates must obtain clearance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) before an offer can be made, and applications must include valid residence permits for non-Turkish nationals.