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, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, employing more than 18,000 staff members dedicated to providing protection and assistance to those in need. The organization works to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and it strives to promote durable solutions for displaced populations.

Job Overview:
The Protection Associate position is a critical role within UNHCR, primarily focused on monitoring and enhancing protection standards and operational procedures in line with international norms. The incumbent will report to the Protection Officer or Senior Protection Officer and will be responsible for coordinating effective protection responses to the needs of populations of concern (PoC). This role involves integrating protection methodologies into operational responses across various sectors and ensuring that PoC are actively involved in decision-making processes that affect their rights and solutions to their challenges. The Protection Associate will also engage with local authorities and partners to advocate for protection policies and practices, contributing to the development of a comprehensive protection strategy.

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 laws, provide comments on legislation affecting PoC, and offer advice on protection issues. Responsibilities also include conducting eligibility and status determinations, contributing to child protection and education plans, managing individual protection cases, and identifying durable solutions for PoC. The Protection Associate will facilitate effective information management, assist in prioritizing PoC for interviews and counseling, and ensure compliance with protection policies and standards. Additionally, the role involves identifying and managing risks, supporting the integration of returnees, and collaborating with various stakeholders to strengthen national protection legislation and procedures.

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 higher. Essential qualifications include knowledge of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, Political Science, or related fields. Candidates should also have functional skills in IT, refugee protection principles, and protection-related guidelines and standards. The ability to apply these skills in a practical context is crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma or equivalent for candidates with three years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree or higher for those with two years of relevant experience. While specific fields of education are not mandated, degrees in International Law, Political Science, or related areas are preferred. Certifications in these fields are considered essential for the role.

Experience:
The level of experience required for the Protection Associate position is three years of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma, or two years for those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Experience in protection programming, particularly in durable solutions, socio-economic inclusion, and community-based protection, is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of the protection environment and the ability to engage effectively with various stakeholders.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English and the UN working language of the duty station (Spanish) is mandatory. Candidates should have at least a B2 level proficiency in both languages. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset, particularly in enhancing communication with diverse populations of concern.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a General Service role at the GS6 grade level and is temporary, with a target start date of September 1, 2026, and an end date of December 31, 202

• The role is family-type, indicating that it may accommodate family members of the employee. The recruitment process is open to both national and international candidates, and UNHCR maintains a zero-tolerance policy against sexual exploitation and abuse. All applicants must adhere to the organization's standards of conduct and are encouraged to report any concerns regarding inappropriate behavior.