Associate Protection Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the UNHCR, established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly, is dedicated to leading and coordinating international efforts to protect refugees and resolve refugee-related issues globally. The agency's primary mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state. The UNHCR also facilitates voluntary return, local integration, or resettlement in a third country for refugees. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, employing thousands of staff members committed to humanitarian principles and the protection of vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Associate Protection Officer plays a crucial role in the UNHCR's mission by engaging with persons of concern, authorities, and partners to stay informed about the political, social, economic, and cultural developments that affect the protection environment. This position requires the officer to ensure that the perspectives and needs of refugees and other persons of concern are integrated into protection strategies and operational plans. The officer will coordinate the promotion of international refugee law and ensure that protection needs are addressed through various programs. The role involves providing legal advice, monitoring protection incidents, and advocating for resources to support protection activities. The officer will also engage with local governments and communities to develop integrated strategies that address key protection priorities, such as child protection and solutions for refugees. Regular field missions and reports are essential to maintain a strong protection presence and to ensure that the needs of persons of concern are met effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Protection Officer's duties include:

• Building and maintaining relationships with persons of concern, authorities, and partners to gather information on the protection environment.
• Ensuring that the needs of diverse groups, including women, children, and persons with disabilities, are reflected in protection strategies.
• Coordinating the implementation of programs that address identified protection needs, ensuring an Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) approach.
• Providing policy guidance and operational support on protection issues to UNHCR and partners.
• Offering legal advice and ensuring access to legal assistance for persons of concern.
• Monitoring and intervening in cases of refoulement and other protection incidents.
• Assisting in the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for protection activities.
• Advocating for durable solutions for refugees through voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement.
• Supporting consultative processes with government counterparts and communities to develop integrated protection strategies. 1
• Promoting confidence-building and conflict resolution among populations of concern and host communities. 1
• Contributing to the Protection Cluster's response strategies and ensuring compliance with AGD principles. 1
• Managing information related to populations of concern and disseminating relevant protection information and best practices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate a strong understanding of UNHCR operations and possess technical knowledge relevant to the agency's procedures and rules. They should exhibit discretion, political sensitivity, and the ability to liaise with various stakeholders, particularly in senior positions. A high degree of autonomy, personal initiative, and resourcefulness are essential, along with the ability to manage information confidentially and objectively. Candidates should also be responsive and client-oriented, demonstrating integrity and ethical standards in their work. Teamwork and respect for diversity are crucial, as the role requires effective collaboration across organizational boundaries and the ability to work in a multicultural environment. Continuous learning and adaptability to changes in the work environment are also important.

Educational Background:
A university degree in law, international relations, social sciences, or a related field is required for this position. Advanced degrees or specialized training in protection, human rights, or refugee law are highly desirable. Candidates should have a solid understanding of international human rights standards and refugee law, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge in practical situations.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in protection, human rights, or related fields. Experience working with refugees or in humanitarian settings is highly advantageous. Familiarity with international refugee law and protection principles is essential, as well as experience in advocacy and policy development related to protection issues. Candidates should also have experience in project management and coordination with various stakeholders, including government entities and NGOs.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of French is highly desirable. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the local context or the populations of concern is considered an asset, as it enhances communication and engagement with diverse communities.

Additional Notes:
The duration of the assignment is until 31 December 2026, with the possibility of extension based on operational needs and funding availability. The position is classified as a volunteer role, and the selected candidate will receive a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) to cover basic living expenses. The VLA is calculated based on a base rate and adjusted according to the cost of living in the duty station. Additional allowances may be provided for recognized dependents. The role may involve travel to remote areas and requires adaptability to challenging living conditions. UN Volunteers are entitled to various benefits, including health insurance, travel allowances, and a settling-in grant if applicable.