Protection Associate

B

FamilyFamily

GS6

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

No

2023-03-06-08:00

February 16, 2023Protection Associate Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Protection Associate normally reports to the Protection Officer or the Senior Protection Officer. The incumbent monitors protection standards, operational procedures and practices in protection delivery in line with international standards and provides functional protection support to information management and programme staff. The Protection Associate is expected to coordinate quality, timely and effective protection responses to the needs of populations of concern (PoC) and identify opportunities to mainstream protection methodologies and integrate protection safeguards in operational responses in all sectors. S/he contributes to designing a comprehensive protection strategy and liaises externally with authorities and partners on protection doctrine and policy as guided by the supervisor. The Protection Associate also ensures that PoC are involved in making decisions that affect them, whether in accessing their rights or in identifying appropriate solutions to their problems. To achieve this, the incumbent will need to build and maintain effective interfaces with communities of concern, local authorities and protection and assistance partners. All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity. Duties - Stay abreast of political, social, economic and cultural developments that have an impact on the protection environment. - Consistently apply International and National Law and applicable UN/UNHCR and IASC policy, standards and codes of conduct. - Assist in providing comments on existing and draft legislation related to PoC. - Provide advice on protection issues to PoC; liaise with competent authorities to ensure the issuance of personal and other relevant documentation. - Assist in conducting eligibility and status determination for PoC. - Contribute to measures to identify, prevent and reduce statelessness. - Contribute to a country-level child protection plan as part of the protection strategy. - Contribute to a country-level education plan as part of the protection strategy. - Monitor Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all protection/solutions activities. - Manage individual protection cases including those on GBV and child protection. Monitor, and intervene in cases of refoulement, expulsion and other protection incidents. - Assist in identifying durable solutions for the largest possible number of PoC through voluntary repatriation, local integration and where appropriate, resettlement. - Contribute to the design, implementation and evaluation of protection related AGD based programming with implementing and operational partners. - Facilitate effective information management through the provision of disaggregated data on PoC and their problems. - Participate in initiatives to capacitate authorities, relevant institutions and NGOs to strengthen national protection related legislation and procedures. - Assist the supervisor in prioritizing PoC for interview, counselling and propose protection support for individual cases. - Assist the supervisor with enforcing compliance of local implementing partners with global protection policies and standards of professional integrity in the delivery of protection services. - Assit the supervisor with enforcing compliance with, and integrity of, all protection standard operating procedures. - Submit individual payments request for PoC for approval. - Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level For G6 - 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher Field(s) of Education Not applicable Certificates and/or Licenses International Law, Political Science or other related field (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential) Relevant Job Experience Essential Not specified Desirable Protection Learning Programme Functional Skills IT-Computer Literacy PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential) Language Requirements For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English. For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language. For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English. All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power. As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise. This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

• The Protection Associate is required to have excellent knowledge of international refugee law and the national asylum legislation. Protection work experience of direct interaction with refugees in the field is essential. Experience and skills around GBV, child protection and persons living with disability will be positively considered.

• Proven interviewing/counselling skills, reporting skills and fluency in spoken and written English and Turkish are essential for the position.

• To successfully fulfil the role, the incumbent will spend a substantial percentage of time working outside of the office, engaging daily with authorities, implementing partners and refugees. Therefore, strong interpersonal skills, political awareness and maturity to build collaborative respectful relationships with all stakeholders are essential. Knowledge and understanding of the structure and functioning of the local public institutions, the skills of facilitating meetings/trainings will be considered as an asset.

• The candidate is expected to be able to gather information, analyse it and propose solutions to problems. He/she should be a reliable team player with proactive approach to work and ability to perform it punctually.

Turkish

,

Arabic

,

Farsi

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

The region is exposed to a moderate threat of earthquake as it is outside of the South Anatolian Fault Line.  It enjoys a relatively low crime rate and there is no direct crime threat against the UN. Nevertheless, strong security and safety awareness and cultural sensitivity are required.  

The measures are in place to ensure that the UNHCR vehicles are in a good driving condition, regularly maintained, and appropriately equipped for the road transport. The drivers are well equipped with the skills required to drive safely in the relevant environments.

Staff safety is paramount to UNHCR and all UNHCR staff are required to undertake the mandatory course of Basic Security in the Field (BSAFE).

The operational circumstances might create stressful work context thus capacity for self-care is critical. The health and wellbeing of the colleagues are a top priority for UNHCR and adequate support to strengthen the individual resilience will be provided by the Staff Counsellor and Peer Advisors.

For detailed information on health considerations for Turkiye, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/travel.

Nature of Position:

The Government of Turkiye leads the protection of and assistance to refugees and asylum-seekers in the country. UNHCR Turkiye complements the work of the Government by supporting the inclusion of refugees into the national system, making the services known to refugees and strengthening their availability and accessibility. In late 2018, the Government has taken up full authority for the registration and referral of asylum seekers of all nationalities in the country. Following the phase-out from registration and refugee status determination, UNHCR has engaged in joint monitoring missions to monitor access to registration and to support the authorities in this regard. While large scale, organized returns to Syria are not expected in the near future, UNHCR continues to monitor the voluntary nature of spontaneous returns, as well as population movement trends along the border. A strong community outreach and promotion of social cohesion/harmonization remain the areas of priority.

Under the supervision of the Sub-Office Gaziantep, the Field Unit Sanliurfa covers UNHCR’s activities in three provinces of Southeast Turkiye (Adiyaman, Mardin and Sanliurfa) in which almost half a million of Syrian refugees live in the host community.

The Protection Associate will support the Senior Protection Officer and the Associate Protection Officer with handling matters pertaining to refugee protection and solutions, including in relation to the national asylum legislation and its implementation in practice. She/he will play an important part in monitoring, reporting and advocacy around access to asylum procedures and essential and basic services.

The incumbent will report directly to Senior Protection Associate and receive regular guidance and support from the supervisor. Advice and technical support will be provided also by Associate Protection Officer. The incumbent will supervise at least one General Service support staff.

The incumbent of this position will be expected to:

• Observe the interviews for spontaneous voluntary return with Syrian refugees,
• Contribute to development, monitoring of and reporting about direct implementation activities in close coordination with the local institutions such as municipalities,
• Support the activities of the Field Unit aimed at mobilizing of and communicating with the refugee community,
• Maintain and strengthen relations and monitoring presence with implementing and operational partners, incl. within 3RP structure,
• Actively contribute to discussions in the Protection Working Group and Sub-Working Groups at the national and Southeast Turkiye levels.

To perform and fulfil the duties, the incumbent will spend a substantial percentage of time working outside of the office, engaging with refugees and staff of diverse Partners, including but not limited to Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (PDMM) and Municipalities. The incumbent will interact directly with the refugees and other persons of concern and implementing partners in all three provinces under the Field Unit's area of responsibility.

Living and Working Conditions:

Sanliurfa is a B category family duty station. It is classified as Security Level 2 location. In addition to Sanliurfa province, the area of responsibility of the Field Unit Sanliurfa includes the provinces of Adiyaman and Mardin.  Adiyaman is classified as Security Level 2 location, and Mardin as Security Level 4 location. The Security Level 4 is also the 10km border area in Sanliurfa and Mardin. The transportation for official road missions in and out of the area of responsibility is provided by the Office. All official movements are cleared by the UN Department of Security and Safety. The Office’s risk management focuses on prevention of involvement of staff in tasks/missions which may pose a danger to their safety and health.

UNHCR office is in a business building in the centre of the city of Sanliurfa. The location is easily accessible by public or private transport. All required security measures are in place at the office.

There are ample restaurants, shops, banks, ATMs in the city. All major credit and debit cards are widely accepted and used. Mobile phone services can be easily arranged. Apartments are available and generally in good condition with services such as water, gas, electricity, and internet. The leisure and recreational facilities are available and accessible though limited in number.

The public bus transport network is well developed. Taxi transport is available and affordable. The road network in the region is well developed and maintained. Sanliurfa airport handles frequent, daily flights to several destinations in the country.

Educational facilities are available in the local language and there are no international schools.

The health facilities, including both public and private hospitals with relatively high level of care are available locally. However, most medical staff and practitioners communicate only in Turkish and access in English to these facilities may require support. There is no designated UN examining physician/hospital in Sanliurfa.

 

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CO-Drafting and Documentation, CO-Public Speaking, CO-Reporting skills, DM-Data Collection and Analysis, MG-Meeting Facilitation, MG-Time Management, PR-Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD), PR-Asylum related law, policy and procedures, PR-Child protection capacity development, PR-Counselling Asylum Seekers or Refugees, PR-Disability Inclusion, PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) Capacity development and training, PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) Coordination, PR-Identification of Special Needs cases among Persons of Concern

Certifications

International Law - Other, Political Science - Other

Case Management: Refugees, Cash based Interventions, Child Protection, Office Context: Field, Protection, SGBV, Work Context: Protection, Work Context: Urban, Workforce to Supervise, Working with Persons of Concern: Asylum Seekers, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees

Competencies

Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Judgement & decision making, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Recruitment as a UNHCR staff member and engagement under a UNHCR affiliate scheme or as an intern is subject to proof of vaccination against Covid-19, successful reference checks and integrity clearance.

The English version is considered original and authoritative, translation to other language(s) serve the purpose of advertisement of local positions where applicable but are not considered as official translations

Staff members must serve for a minimum of one year following assignment before being considered eligible to apply for another position within the same category. This requirement is waived in respect of staff members whose position is being changed or whose assignment/appointment through the joint staff/management review body is in a replacement capacity.

UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).

Only short-listed candidates will be notified. The recruitment process might include written test and/or oral interview for this job opening. No late applications will be accepted.
External candidates must be legally present in Türkiye at the time of application, recruitment and hire.
Non-Turkish citizens are required to upload their residence permits or relevant documents under the ‘Certifications’ section, by selecting the type as ‘Personnel Administration – Other’, in order to be considered for this job opening. Applications by non-Turkish citizens will NOT be considered if a valid residence permit is not attached to the application.
For further information on how to apply, please visit ‘UNHCR - Application and Selection’ page, at https://www.unhcr.org/how-to-apply.html .

This position doesn't require a functional clearance