Protection Associate

Organizational Context

The Protection Associate operates within UNHCR, reporting to a Protection Officer. The role focuses on monitoring protection standards and providing functional support to information management and programme staff. The incumbent is expected to coordinate effective protection responses for populations of concern and integrate protection safeguards across all operational sectors, liaising with authorities and partners on protection policy.

Job Purpose

The Protection Associate's primary purpose is to ensure the effective delivery of protection services to populations of concern (PoC) by monitoring protection standards, operational procedures, and practices in line with international norms. This involves coordinating timely and effective protection responses, identifying opportunities to mainstream protection methodologies, and integrating protection safeguards into all operational activities. The role contributes to the development of a comprehensive protection strategy and engages externally with authorities and partners on protection doctrine and policy, as directed by the supervisor. A key aspect is ensuring PoC participation in decisions affecting them, fostering effective interfaces with communities, local authorities, and partner organizations to uphold their rights and identify solutions to their challenges.

Responsibilities

The Protection Associate is responsible for staying informed about political, social, economic, and cultural developments impacting the protection environment and consistently applying relevant international and national law, UN/UNHCR policies, standards, and codes of conduct. They will assist in reviewing existing and draft legislation related to PoC, provide advice on protection issues, and liaise with authorities to ensure the issuance of necessary documentation. The role involves assisting in eligibility and status determination processes, contributing to efforts to identify, prevent, and reduce statelessness, and supporting country-level child protection and education plans. Monitoring Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all protection and solutions activities is crucial, as is managing individual protection cases, including those related to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and child protection. The incumbent will monitor and intervene in cases of refoulement, expulsion, and other protection incidents, and assist in identifying durable solutions for PoC. Contributing to the design, implementation, and evaluation of AGD-based programming with partners, and facilitating effective information management through disaggregated data are also key duties. The role includes participating in initiatives to strengthen national protection legislation and procedures with authorities and NGOs, assisting the supervisor with prioritizing PoC interviews and counselling, and enforcing compliance of implementing partners with global protection policies and SOPs. Risk management and opportunity identification within the area of responsibility are also required.

Work Experience

3 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or 2 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree or higher.

Skills

IT-Computer Literacy PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators

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