Senior Community-Based Protection Assistant

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, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members dedicated to providing protection and assistance to those in need. The organization aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it works to promote durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons.

Job Overview:
The Senior Community-Based Protection Assistant plays a crucial role within the Protection Unit of UNHCR. This position involves direct engagement with communities of concern, focusing on identifying risks and leveraging community capacities for self-protection. The incumbent is expected to spend a significant amount of time outside the office, fostering relationships with persons of concern (PoC) to enhance protection planning and programming. The role requires the development of a community-based protection strategy that is informed by consultations with PoC, ensuring that their voices and needs are central to the protection efforts. The Senior Community-Based Protection Assistant will also support the application of community-based protection standards and operational procedures, working collaboratively with various stakeholders, including government entities and NGOs, to deliver effective protection services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Community-Based Protection Assistant include assisting functional units and senior management in integrating community-based approaches into the protection strategy. The incumbent will maintain relationships with PoC and partners to stay informed about the socio-political landscape affecting protection environments. They will support initiatives that involve national civil society in protecting PoC and help implement community-owned activities addressing various concerns such as health, education, and child protection. The role also involves conducting participatory assessments, supporting community representation structures, and ensuring compliance with UNHCR's accountability standards. The Assistant will collect data for monitoring programs, draft correspondence and reports, and act as an interpreter when necessary. Additionally, they will identify individuals or groups for prioritization in counseling and field visits, enforce compliance with protection policies, and manage risks impacting objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess 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 higher. Essential qualifications include knowledge of UNHCR administrative rules and procedures, computer literacy, and familiarity with community-based protection principles. Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders are also required. Desirable qualifications include completion of UNHCR learning programs and knowledge of the Management and Reporting System (MSRP).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma as a minimum, with a Bachelor’s degree or higher being advantageous. Relevant fields of study include Development, Human Rights, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, Social Work, Social Science, and Political Science. Certifications in these areas are considered essential for the role.

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 in community and social work, particularly in a humanitarian context, is highly valued. Familiarity with UNHCR operations or similar international organizations is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station, which in this case includes Romanian and Russian. Candidates should demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills in these languages. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is a temporary assignment with a target start date of July 1, 2026, and an end date of December 31, 202

• It is classified as a General Service position at the GS5 level. The role is open to both internal and external candidates, provided they meet the essential requirements. Candidates must have Moldovan citizenship or the legal status necessary to work in Moldova. The position offers a competitive salary range between MDL 328,620 and MDL 383,390, depending on relevant experience, along with mandatory medical insurance and pension fund enrollment. UNHCR promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates without discrimination.