Entry Level UN Jobs – Protection Associate – United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Job Title: Protection Associate (Entry Level UN Jobs)
Organisation: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Position No.: UNOPS/001/02
Vacancy Notice: Internal/ External Vacancy Notice UNOPS/001/2020
Duty Station: Uganda
Post Grade: LICA-6
About UNHCR:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established on December 14, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. UNHCR’s mandate under the Statute of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is to lead and co-ordinate action for international protection to refugees; seek permanent solutions for the problems of refugees and safeguard refugee rights and well-being. UNHCR has an additional mandate concerning issues of statelessness, as it is given a designated role under Article 11 of the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Monitor and provide guidance and support to child protection partners on issues related to BIP, including advice on managing individual child protection cases and ensuring that necessary support is provided to all identified cases of children at risk.
- Conduct BID casework for cases requiring BIDs, including conducting interviews with refugee children and other members of the family to determine the best interest of the child and complete Best Interest Determination (BID) reports.
- Conduct home visits with refugee families as part of the BID process.
- Participate in providing counselling to refugees, explaining the BID and BIA processes, prospects, and problems involved in the processes.
- Ensure proper monitoring and follow-up of cases including updating proGres database and any internal monitoring and tracking systems are regularly updated with the necessary events.
- Implement Child Protection policies, BIA and BID procedures, and existing SOPs (including fraud prevention SOPs) with guidance from respective child protection, protection and Resettlement colleagues.
- Liaise with relevant child protection partners to include all the information available on the child in the BID report;
- Generate BID forms from proGres;
- Ensure that BIA and BID reports are in compliance with UNHCR’s BIP Guidelines, BIP SOPs for Uganda, UNHCR protection principles as well as best international practice.
- As required, support the work of the BID Panel in the assigned role;
- Monitor the implementation of the BIP Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in the area of operation, including the use of prioritization criteria, and criteria for opening and closing of cases;
- Participate in initiatives to capacitate authorities, relevant institutions, community-based child protection structures, and NGO partners on matters related to child protection, as required;
- Conduct additional assessment on BID cases when recommended by the BID panel;
- Prepare monthly progress reports and other related reports as required, and liaising with relevant partners for any necessary data;
- Training
- The Protection Associate (Child ) is expected to complete a self-guided on-line training course, Best Interest of the Child, Basic Principles and Procedures on UNHCRs platform Learn and Connect, during the first 3 months of period of assignment.
Key Results:
- The Child Protection Associate will be required to prepare monthly quantitative progress reports during the assignment.
- A final report covering the entire period of his/her assignment is compulsory.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- The ideal candidate for the United Nations UNHCR Protection Associate job vacancy should hold a Bachelor’s degree in relevant area (e.g. social work, child development, social science, education, public administration etc.);
- At least two years’ work experience in relevant work area (e.g. as a social worker, child counselor, community development worker, educator, conducting social assessments, individual case advocacy, assisting with family reunification, working with refugees in a resettlement context etc.);
- Knowledge of and/or preparedness to become familiar with and abide by UNHCR principles, Code of Conduct and humanitarian goals;
- Knowledge of the international legal framework governing refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons and statelessness;
- Knowledge of UNHCR Framework for the Protection of Children
- Knowledge of UNHCR guidelines on refugee status determination and resettlement as well as UNHCR Best Interest
- Awareness of gender issues and how to apply a rights- and community-based approach to identify and respond to specific needs;
- Excellent interviewing and counselling skills especially child interviewing skills-highly desirable;
- Excellent drafting and analytical skills;
- Ability to conduct assessments and identify protection risks of individuals and groups;
- Understanding of mental and physical development of children as well as International Convention on Child Rights;
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in teams;
- Ability to work in stressful situations and in hardship locations;
- Analytical Thinking
- Planning and Organizing
Desirable:
- French and Swahili is desirable.
How to Apply:
All interested Ugandan nationals who wish to join the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the aforementioned capacity are encouraged to click on the link below and follow the application instructions after reviewing the job details.
Deadline: 24th February 2020