Protection Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established on December 14, 1950, by the UN General Assembly. Its mission is to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. The organization aims to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, ensuring that everyone forced to flee can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State. UNHCR operates in multiple countries, including Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, and has a significant presence in these regions to support displaced populations. The organization employs a diverse workforce dedicated to humanitarian efforts and operates under a framework that emphasizes professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity. UNHCR's operational context includes a commitment to the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1969 OAU Convention, promoting comprehensive refugee responses and sustainable solutions for displaced individuals.

Job Overview:
The Protection Associate position is integral to UNHCR's mission in Zambia, where the incumbent will report to the Protection Officer or Senior Protection Officer. This role involves monitoring protection standards and operational procedures to ensure effective protection delivery in line with international standards. The Protection Associate is responsible for coordinating timely and effective protection responses to the needs of populations of concern (PoC) and integrating protection methodologies into operational responses across various sectors. The position requires collaboration with communities, local authorities, and partners to ensure that PoC are actively involved in decision-making processes that affect their rights and access to solutions. The Protection Associate will also contribute to the design of comprehensive protection strategies and engage with external stakeholders on protection policies, ensuring that the rights and needs of vulnerable populations are prioritized.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Associate will perform a wide range of duties, including staying informed about political, social, economic, and cultural developments that impact the protection environment. Responsibilities include applying international and national law, providing advice on protection issues, assisting in eligibility and status determination for PoC, and contributing to measures to prevent and reduce statelessness. The incumbent will manage individual protection cases, monitor Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and assist in identifying durable solutions for PoC. Additionally, the Protection Associate will facilitate effective information management, participate in capacity-building initiatives, and support compliance with global protection policies. The role also involves monitoring and reporting on protection incidents, advocating for the integration of displaced populations into national systems, and promoting community-based protection initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess 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 equivalent. Essential qualifications include knowledge of International Law, Political Science, or related fields. Functional skills such as IT literacy and familiarity with refugee protection principles and guidelines are also required. The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong analytical skills, the ability to work in multi-stakeholder environments, and a commitment to accountability and ethical conduct in humanitarian work.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma for candidates with three years of relevant experience or a Bachelor’s degree in a related field for those with two years of experience. Certifications in International Law or Political Science are considered essential for this role, as they provide foundational knowledge necessary for effective protection work.

Experience:
Candidates should have a solid background in protection, human rights, or social services, with demonstrated experience in addressing issues related to safety, access to justice, and inclusion of vulnerable populations. Experience working in remote or resource-constrained environments is highly desirable, as is familiarity with community engagement and collaboration with local authorities and organizations.

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, with local language skills considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate at least a B2 level of proficiency in the required languages to ensure effective communication and engagement with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a General Service role at the GS6 grade level, with a regular assignment expected to start on September 1, 202

• The role is full-time and involves working closely with various stakeholders, including government counterparts and community organizations. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to a safe and empowering work environment, adhering to UNHCR's core values and ethical standards. Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo a written test and/or oral interview as part of the selection process.