Assistant Protection Officer (Hub Manager)

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 Assistant Protection Officer (Hub Manager) plays a crucial role in overseeing the protection operations within the Regional Support Hub for Asia and the Pacific. This position reports to the Senior Protection Officer and is responsible for managing a multidisciplinary team that includes protection staff, community-based protection, registration, resettlement, and education. The incumbent is expected to provide functional protection guidance on various legal matters, including statelessness, gender-based violence, child protection, and human rights standards. The role involves coordinating timely and effective protection responses to the needs of populations of concern, ensuring that operational responses mainstream protection methodologies and integrate safeguards. The Assistant Protection Officer will also contribute to the design of comprehensive protection strategies and represent the organization externally on protection policies. The position requires building effective relationships with communities, authorities, and partners to enhance protection delivery and ensure that the voices of affected populations are heard in decision-making processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Protection Officer (Hub Manager) include staying informed about political, social, and economic developments that impact the protection environment, applying international and national law, and providing legal advice to populations of concern. The incumbent will conduct eligibility and status determinations, promote measures to prevent statelessness, and contribute to child protection and education plans. They will implement and monitor standard operating procedures for protection activities, manage individual protection cases, and recommend durable solutions for refugees. The role also involves capacity-building initiatives, intervening with authorities on protection issues, and ensuring compliance with global protection policies. The Assistant Protection Officer will oversee daily operations of the Hub, monitor performance against key performance indicators, facilitate onboarding and training of team members, and ensure compliance with organizational policies and audit requirements.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of one year of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree, or no experience with a graduate degree or doctorate. Essential qualifications include knowledge of international refugee and human rights law, the ability to apply relevant legal principles, and familiarity with protection-related guidelines and standards. The candidate should possess functional skills in project management, drafting and documentation, and understanding of age, gender, and diversity issues. Desirable qualifications include experience in climate change and disaster-related displacement and gender-based violence coordination.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a degree in Law, International Law, Political Science, or a related field. A Bachelor of Arts in International Law, Law, or Political Science is preferred. Additional certifications related to protection and humanitarian law may be beneficial.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of relevant experience for candidates with an undergraduate degree. For those with a graduate degree or doctorate, no prior experience is necessary. Experience in protection-related roles, particularly within UNHCR or similar organizations, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, and proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station is required. For national professional jobs, knowledge of the local language is also necessary. Candidates should demonstrate an overall ability of at least B2 level in the required languages.

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

• The position is classified as a National Professional Officer role, and UNHCR does not sponsor work visas. Applicants who are not Malaysian nationals must already have their work visa status confirmed 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.