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 to identify the risks they face and to empower them to protect themselves and their families. The incumbent is expected to spend a significant portion of their workday outside the office, building relationships within the community and ensuring that the community-based protection standards are applied effectively. The role requires the development of a community-based protection strategy that is informed by consultations with persons of concern (PoC). The Senior Community-Based Protection Assistant must work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including government entities, NGOs, and other UNHCR staff, to enhance protection planning and programming. The position demands a proactive approach to understanding the needs and capacities of the PoC, ensuring that their voices are heard and integrated into protection strategies.

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 overall protection strategy. The incumbent must maintain relationships with PoC and partners to stay informed about political, social, and economic developments that affect the protection environment. They will support initiatives that involve national civil society groups in protecting PoC and help implement community-owned activities addressing various concerns such as education, health, and livelihood. The Assistant will conduct participatory assessments, support the establishment of community representation structures, and ensure that the community understands UNHCR's commitment to accountability. Additionally, they will collect data for program monitoring, draft correspondence and reports, and act as an interpreter when necessary. The role also involves identifying individuals or groups for prioritization in counseling and field visits, enforcing compliance with global protection policies, and managing risks within the area of responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires 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 community-based protection principles and methodologies. The candidate should possess strong communication skills and the ability to engage with multiple stakeholders effectively. Familiarity with UNHCR learning programs and knowledge of the MSRP system is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a High School Diploma as a minimum requirement. A Bachelor’s degree or higher in fields such as Development, Human Rights, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, Social Work, Social Science, or Political Science is preferred. Additional certifications in community development or related fields are also beneficial.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 2 years of relevant experience in community-based protection or a related field. Experience working with vulnerable populations and understanding their specific needs is essential. Familiarity with humanitarian contexts and the ability to navigate complex social dynamics is also important for this role.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, along with the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. For General Service jobs, proficiency in English and/or the UN working language is required. Knowledge of local languages is considered an asset and may enhance communication with the community.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a General Service role at the GS5 level and is temporary, with a target start date of August 1, 2026, and an end date of December 31, 202

• The role is based in Bangui, Central African Republic, and involves working in a challenging humanitarian context. The position is non-family with residential arrangements in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The candidate must be prepared for occasional field visits and should be committed to maintaining a safe and respectful working environment, free from harassment and discrimination.