Protection Associate

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, asylum seekers, and stateless persons. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it strives to promote durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons.

Job Overview:
The Protection Associate position is a critical role within the UNHCR's Protection Unit, reporting to the Protection Officer or Senior Protection Officer. The incumbent is responsible for monitoring protection standards and operational procedures in line with international standards, providing functional protection support to information management and program staff. The Protection Associate will coordinate effective protection responses to the needs of populations of concern (PoC) and will be involved in designing comprehensive protection strategies. This role requires building effective relationships with communities, local authorities, and partners to ensure that PoC are actively involved in decisions affecting their rights and solutions to their problems. The Protection Associate will also be accountable for performing duties in accordance with UNHCR's regulatory framework and core values, which include professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Protection Associate include staying informed about political, social, economic, and cultural developments that impact the protection environment. The incumbent will apply International and National Law, assist in providing comments on legislation related to PoC, and provide advice on protection issues. They will conduct eligibility and status determination for PoC, contribute to measures to prevent statelessness, and assist in developing child protection and education plans. The Protection Associate will monitor Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for protection activities, manage individual protection cases, and assist in identifying durable solutions for PoC. Additionally, the incumbent will facilitate effective information management, participate in capacity-building initiatives, and ensure compliance with global protection policies and standards.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Protection Associate position include a minimum of three years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or two years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor's degree or higher. Candidates should possess knowledge of International Law, Political Science, or related fields. Essential functional skills include IT literacy and familiarity with refugee protection principles and guidelines. Candidates should also demonstrate strong analytical and drafting skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a High School Diploma or equivalent, with a preference for those holding a Bachelor's degree in International Law, Political Science, or a related field. Relevant certifications in these areas are also desirable, as they enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma, or two years for those with a Bachelor's degree. Experience working with vulnerable communities, particularly refugees and asylum seekers, is highly valued. Previous experience with UNHCR or similar organizations will be considered an advantage, especially in roles involving protection and community engagement.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, and proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station is required if it is not English. For General Service jobs, knowledge of English and/or the UN working language is essential, along with the local language being beneficial. Candidates should demonstrate at least a B2 level of proficiency in the required languages.

Additional Notes:
This position is a temporary appointment for four months and is open only to Indian nationals. The selected candidate will work from the UNHCR Office or partner locations in New Delhi. The role may require travel within the country, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment, which may include a written test and an interview. The position is classified at the GS6 grade level, and the successful candidate will be expected to uphold UNHCR's commitment to creating a safe and empowering work environment.