Hardship LevelH (no hardship)
Family TypeFamily
Family TypeFamily
Residential location (if applicable)
GradeGS6
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeGeneral Service
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Target Start Date2023-09-01
Job Posting End DateAugust 19, 2023
Standard Job DescriptionProtection 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.
Desired Candidate Profile The Protection Associate will be part of the Policy and Legal Support Unit (PLUS) within REUA. S/he will work under the supervision of the Senior Policy Officer. External contacts are with a broad range of partners and stakeholders, with a particular focus on liaison with the European Parliament as well as Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Brussels in order to assist in promoting/implementing UNHCR’s mandate, bjectives and activities.
The incumbent will assist identifying which key contacts/counterparts to approach and which activities to prioritize for policy/advocacy initiatives and assist implement all aspects of an outreach and advocacy strategy involving the European Parliament, NGOs and other key actors as well as develop relations with the European Parliament, NGOs and key actors based in Brussels.
Responsibilities
- Follow European Parliament meetings and hearings and prepare relevant notes to keep the Senior Policy Officer and other PLUS colleagues informed.
- Facilitate engagement with contacts in the European Parliament.
- Assist in maintaining relationships and programmes with NGO Partners based in Brussels.
- Assist in the development of policy and initiatives on identified priority issues and monitor the development of these policies and practices.
- Assist in keeping colleagues abreast of key developments at EU level.
- Contribute to organising the implementation of seminars or training programmes for target groups (key officials, parliamentarians etc.).
- Help in the preparation of high level missions to Brussels, including through drafting relevant parts of speeches, talking points and background materials.
- Help with relevant parts of the drafting of speeches, talking points and other materials for senior colleagues participating in events in Brussels or elsewhere on EU-related matters.
- Assist in responding to queries from the European Parliament, NGOs, individuals, etc. and assist with providing the information required or appropriately facilitate the referral of queries elsewhere.
- Keep abreast of key EU-related developments relating to asylum policy.
- Assist in arranging meetings, both internal and external, some involving high-ranking officials, and contributes to the taking of minutes and/or notes of meetings of interest to the Unit.
- Seek and disseminate information and analysis.
- Perform other duties as required.
Essential minimum qualifications and professional experience
- Completion of secondary education and post-secondary certificate/training in international relations, law, politics or a related field.
- Three years relevant experience with High School Diploma, or two years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher.
- Thorough knowledge of the European Institutions and their structure and functioning.
- Thorough understanding of EU migration and asylum policies, with particular attention to the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) and its reform.
- Prior work experience with the European Parliament will be considered a key asset.
- Computer litteracy.
- Information handling and coordination skills.
- Knowledge of protocol of EU institutions
- Excellent multi-tasking skills and ability to work under tight deadlines
- Excellent drafting and communication skills in English.
Desirable qualifications & competencies
- Working knowledge of other European languages, preferably French.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): English
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Desired languages
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Operational context
Additional Qualifications
SkillsIT-Computer Literacy, PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators, PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework
Education
CertificationsInternational Law - Other, Political Science - Other
Work Experience
CompetenciesAccountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Judgement & decision making, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration
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Additional InformationStart date: 1/9/23
Shortlisted candidates will be required to sit for a written test and oral interview.
Candidates who are not EU citizens must hold a valid residence/work permit in Belgium at the time of application.
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance