Protection Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is an international organization established in 1950 with the mission to protect the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons. UNHCR works in over 130 countries, providing assistance and support to millions of people. The organization collaborates closely with governments, NGOs, and other partners to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state. In Türkiye, UNHCR has been operational since 2013, following the adoption of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection, and has established a strong partnership with the Turkish government to enhance the protection of refugees and asylum seekers. The UNHCR Representation in Türkiye operates from its Country Office in Ankara, along with several sub-offices and field units in major cities such as Gaziantep, Istanbul, and Izmir, focusing on various aspects of refugee protection and assistance.

Job Overview:
The Protection Associate position is a critical role within the UNHCR Protection Unit, focusing on the implementation of core protection functions. The incumbent will be responsible for individual case interventions, protection monitoring, data analysis, and drafting guidance notes. This role is essential for standardizing and enhancing the quality of protection responses, including those provided by UNHCR partners. The Protection Associate will engage in case processing and protection interventions, offering technical guidance to partners and coordinating with field units and public institutions. Additionally, the incumbent will support efforts in child protection, gender-based violence prevention and response, and other specific protection interventions. The position requires a strong understanding of monitoring and evaluation principles to support evidence-based protection planning and reporting, ensuring compliance with protection standards and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Associate will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: supporting the Protection Unit in implementing core protection functions; conducting individual case interventions and protection monitoring; analyzing data and information related to protection; drafting guidance notes and reports; contributing to the standardization of protection responses; providing technical guidance to partners on individual cases; coordinating closely with field units and public institutions; overseeing the quality and compliance of protection responses; ensuring effective follow-up on individual cases; consolidating and analyzing thematic and operational data; preparing and reviewing protection reports and analytical briefs; and ensuring compliance with applicable protection standards and procedures. The incumbent will also be involved in continuous improvement efforts for case processing mechanisms and will liaise with various stakeholders to ensure effective protection interventions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree or higher in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Social Sciences, or a related field. Required qualifications include strong research and analytical thinking skills, planning and organizing abilities, stakeholder management expertise, data collection and reporting skills, and strong drafting capabilities. The candidate should demonstrate accountability, client and results orientation, commitment to continuous learning, judgment and decision-making skills, negotiation and conflict resolution abilities, and organizational awareness. Excellent knowledge of Turkish and fluency in English are mandatory, while knowledge of other UN languages is considered an asset. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, along with the ability to work effectively in a team, are essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Law, Political Science, International Relations, or Social Sciences. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the legal and social frameworks surrounding refugee protection and international relations, which are central to the role of a Protection Associate.

Experience:
A minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in protection, asylum, migration management, or related areas is required. This experience should include involvement in protection monitoring frameworks, case processing, and familiarity with the operational context of refugee assistance. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in environments that require strong analytical and reporting skills, as well as experience in engaging with various stakeholders in the protection sector.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirements for this position include Turkish as a mother tongue and an excellent command of English. Desirable languages include any other UN language at a C1 level, which would enhance the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment and engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a local entry and mid-level support role, with a target start date of October 1, 202

• The contract is subject to operational needs, satisfactory service, and availability of funds, with no expectation of renewal beyond its expiry date. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, which may include mandatory night shifts and the possibility of working on weekends and official holidays. Leave entitlements include annual leave at the rate of two and a half working days per month and sick leave at the rate of two working days for each month of service. Medical coverage is provided through Cigna Health Insurance, with options available for eligible dependents. The remuneration will be based on the International Civil Services Commission (ICSC) salary scale. Candidates must comply with local legislation regarding taxation and social security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and non-Turkish candidates will require clearance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before an offer can be made.