Only candidates who are not nationals of the country of assignment are eligible to apply to this position
Hardship LevelA (least hardship)
Family TypeFamily
Residential location (if applicable)
GradePR5
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeProfessional
* Staff members will not normally serve in International Professional positions in the country of their nationality. In addition, in case of a first appointment upon recruitment, the assignment must be outside the staff memberโs country of nationality.
In practical terms this means that you are not eligible to apply for International Professional vacancies advertised in the country where you are national of.
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Remote work acceptedNo
Target Start Date2023-10-13
Job Posting End DateNovember 9, 2023
Standard Job Description
Assistant Representative - Protection
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Assistant Representative- Protection is the senior protection manager in a Country Office and reports to the Representative. A member of the senior management team, the incumbent has direct or reviewing supervisory responsibility for protection staff who may include community services, registration, resettlement and education. He/she has country-wide functional supervisory responsibility for protection staff and provides protection oversight and guidance to the information and programme management functions.
The Assistant Representative- Protection transposes UNHCR's Global Strategic Priorities into a comprehensive protection strategy adapted to the country context. He/she is guardian of protection standards, operational procedures and practices in protection delivery at country level and represents the UNHCR to authorities, UN sister agencies, partners and other stakeholders on protection policy and doctrine. UNHCR is well integrated into the UN Resident Coordinator System.
The Assistant Representative- Protection is relied upon by the Office to plan, manage and guide country-wide protection delivery to populations of concern and to promote and gain support for UNHCR's protection agenda externally. This includes ensuring that operational responses in sectors are shaped in a protection optic, mainstream protection methodologies and integrate protection safeguards. He/she ensures that persons and communities of concern are involved with the Office in making decisions that affect them and that their interests are effectively represented to authorities, protection and assistance partners and to the broad network of donors and stakeholders who can contribute to enhancing protection.
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 security developments that have an impact on the protection environment and protection delivery capacity and advise the Representative in the overall management of UNHCR's operations.
- Manage a consultative process with government counterparts, partners and persons of concern to develop and implement a comprehensive protection strategy addressing the specific protection needs of women and men, children, youth and older persons, persons with disabilities, minority groups such as sexual minorities and persons living with HIV/AIDS; and Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) priorities with regard to these persons.
- In operations applying the Cluster Approach, ensure the response of the Protection Cluster is grounded in a strategy which covers assessed and prioritized protection needs of the affected populations.
- Ensure the protection strategy is fully integrated into the Country Operations Plan, the UN Development and Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and in respect of UNHCR's mandate, the Humanitarian Country Team's common humanitarian action plan where applicable.
- Ensure that necessary resources are allocated to address protection gaps.
- Promote International and National Law and applicable UN/UNHCR and IASC policy, standards and codes of conduct. Foster their consistent and coherent interpretation and application and ensure that sectors and /or in clusters in applicable operations fulfil their responsibilities mainstreaming protection.
- Design, deliver and monitor programmes on an AGD basis to address identified protection needs.
- Oversee the provision of expert legal advice and guidance on protection issues to internal and external interlocutors and ensure that legal assistance and documentation is accessible to persons of concern.
- Oversee Eligibility and Status Determination operations ensuring compliance with UNHCR procedural standards and international protection principles.
- Oversee the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for protection /solutions processes and systems.
- Promote and supervise the delivery of effective measures to identify, prevent and reduce statelessness.
- Develop and implement a country-level education plan as part of the protection strategy. Ensure the provision of quality and protective education with an emphasis on learning outcomes and lifelong learning opportunities forging partnerships with the Ministry for Education, UNICEF and other partners as appropriate.
- Develop and implement a country-level child protection plan as part of the protection strategy ensuring programmes use a child protection systems approach.
- Ensure that appropriate interventions are undertaken by the Office, or intervene directly, in cases of refoulement, expulsion and other protection incidents through working relations with governments and other partners.
- Coordinate the design, implementation and evaluation of protection related programming with implementing and operational partners.
- Ensure with governments and partners that durable solutions through voluntary repatriation, local integration, and where appropriate, resettlement are sought and provided to the largest possible number of persons of concern.
- Oversee the development and implementation of a results-based advocacy programme in consultation with sectorial and/or cluster partners.
- Advocate with authorities and stakeholders for access to and respect for the rights of persons of concern and their access to services.
- Ensure the Protection Sector or Cluster strategy has an effective information management component to provide disaggregated data on populations of concern and their problems; and researches, collects and disseminates relevant protection information and good practices to enhance protection delivery.
- Build the protection capacity of national and local government, partners and civil society to assume their responsibilities vis-ร -vis persons of concern through protection training, mainstreaming and related activities.
- Coordinate capacity-building initiatives for communities and persons of concern to assert their rights.
- Advise and capacitate national authorities, relevant institutions and NGOs to strengthen legislation and status determination procedures and mechanisms.
- Contribute to a communications strategy to generate external support for UNHCR's operations and the Protection Sector/Cluster.
- Provide effective supervisory and managerial oversight, direction and guidance of the protection function.
- Design and establish effective protection staffing structures in Offices ensuring staffing configurations, profiles and competencies are commensurate with protection challenges.
- Approve the comprehensive protection strategy for endorsement by the Representative and Regional Office or Headquarters.
- Chair strategic or operational protection meetings, including Protection Cluster meetings in applicable operations and represent the protection sector/cluster in inter-agency mechanisms.
- Issue advocacy statements on behalf of UNHCR or the Protection Cluster in applicable operations. Intervene with authorities on protection issues.
- Negotiate with resettlement countries and countries of return on behalf of UNHCR.
- Clear documents and reports prepared by the Protection Unit / Section.
- Take decisions on individual cases.
- Negotiate with the Humanitarian Coordinator/Resident Coordinator, the Humanitarian Country Team and partners on protection funding priorities in inter-agency funding appeals.
- Enforce compliance of staff and partners with global protection policies and standards of professional integrity in the delivery of protection services.
- Enforce compliance with, and integrity of protection standard operating procedures.
- Approve expenditures under the UNHCR protection budget and direct transparent and accountable financial and other resource allocation within the Protection Cluster in applicable operations.
- Lead risk assessments and discussions with team(s) to proactively manage risks and seize opportunities impacting objectives. Ensure that risk management principles are integrated in decision-making both at strategic and operational levels. Allocate resources for planned treatments with resource requirements in Strategic Plans. Ensure that risks are managed to acceptable levels and escalate, as needed. If a Risk Owner, designate the Risk Focal Point and certify that the annual risk review is completed and ensure that the risk register is updated during the year, as needed.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P5 - 12 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 11 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 10 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Humanitarian Law; International Relations; Law;
Political Science; International Refugee Law; or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
HCR Learning Prog;
HCR Management Lrng Prg;
HCR Protection Learning Prg;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
- minimum 11 years of previous work experience in progressively responsible functions in an organisation or institution that administer/manage and assist a large number of asylum seekers, refugees and Displaced persons, preferably within the UN.
- Thorough knowledge in International refugee law, its applications under different circumstances; ability to analyse and advocate the application of various regional refugee instruments for the benefits of the persons of concern to UNHCR. Field experience, preferably in the context of UNHCR, in repatriation and resettlement of refugees.
Desirable
- Solid UNHCR experience from both the Field (including Hardship Duty stations) and Headquarters.
- UNHCR specific learning/training activities (i.e. Management Learning Programme, Protection Learning Programme).
Functional Skills
*PR-International Humanitarian Law
*PR-Refugee Resettlement programs
*PR-Managing large influx of Persons of Concern
*PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework
FO-Operational activities in hardship duty stations
*PR-Application of various regional refugee instruments
(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 Turkiye is the largest asylum country worldwide placed in a unique geopolitical context and an extraordinarily complex and dynamic operational environment. The incumbent to the positions is expected to have not only a solid protection background but also a marked expertise in inter-agency and coordination to confidently support and guide the Protection and the Inter-Agency teams, as needed, and navigate the complicate inter-agency dynamics.
The position is integral part of the senior management of the operation and requires also that the incumbent possesses strategic vision as well as good representation and negotiation skills with ability to navigate a complicated political environment to maintain adequate protection and operational space.
A high degree of energy, enthusiasm and care to be able to lead, care for, and motivate the team as well as the ability to proactively seize opportunities to develop innovative and creative solutions are expected. Similarly, understanding of the local context, demonstrated flexibility, team spirit and strong interpersonal and managerial skills to be able to operate effectively and build consensus in a diverse team and among different sectoral units and field offices are equally desirable.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
The general security situation in Ankara remains calm and stable, with security level assessed as 1 (Minimal) in line with the general threat assessment. Despite the recent complex attack against the government Ministry of Interior building in Ankara in Oct 2023, there is no change in the overall UN security level as the risk of collateral damage to UN/HCR remains at medium in such attacks, targeted at government security installations. The Turkish security forces are trained, well-resourced and effective. Although thefts and burglaries have been reported in Ankara from time to time, the crime rate is assessed as low and Residential Security Measures (RSMs) do not apply in Ankara. The UN is not considered as a direct target, although the situation can change rapidly due to regional and/or international developments. Protest demonstrations occur in parts of Ankara, against different socio-political and socio-economic issues. Hazard incidents including road traffic crashes, extreme weather conditions, and occasional stray dog bites remain a concern for the safety of staff. UNHCR security management is guided by the UN Common Security Management System and security advisories are shared with staff as and when required.
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel.
Nature of Position
Nearly a decade, Tรผrkiye has been hosting the largest refugee population in the world โ 3.3 million Syrians and over 300,000 asylum-seekers and refugees of other nationalities. Tรผrkiye has adopted a legal framework (the Law on International Protection and Foreigners and a Temporary Protection Regulation) which forms the basis for refugee protection in Tรผrkiye. Most refugees live in the community among local people. The Government of Tรผrkiye takes the lead in the refugee response, based on a solid asylum legal framework and policies to include people of concern in national services. UNHCR supports national and local counterparts in responding to refugeesโ specific needs and maintaining protection environment. UNHCR strategic directions in Tรผrkiye are:
People in need of international protection have access to quality, fair and efficient procedures in line with international law and the national legal framework.
People in need of international protection have access to essential and social services.
Refugees participate in social and economic life harmoniously with the host community.
Refugees have opportunities for suitable and sustainable solutions based on their individual needs.
People in need of international protection and the host community benefit from coordinated support from a wide range of actors.
UNHCR collaborates closely with the national authority responsible for the implementation of the Law on international protection, supporting their delivery of registration and refugee status determination services centrally and at the provincial level. UNHCR also support enhancement of the capacity of the national social protection system, focusing on persons with specific needs, on child protection and prevention and response to gender based violence. UNHCR and its partners supplement such efforts by reaching out to refugees, identifying those with specific needs and referring them to and providing them with services, including cash-based and in-kind interventions. For education, UNHCR actively engages in support of refugeesโ access to tertiary education, assisting refugees to attend universities and continuing life-long learning. UNHCR plays a catalytic role in advocating for refugeesโ inclusion in the local labour market, working closely the national entities responsible for work permits and job-matching, and implementing some pilot activities. Social cohesion between refugees and the host community is key in Tรผrkiye successfully hosting refugees and it runs throughout the refugee response. Resettlement remains a fundamental durable solution option and UNHCR Tรผrkiye has been implementing one of the largest resettlement programmes globally. UNHCR monitors ongoing temporary and permanent voluntary return of Syrians to their country. The country harmonization policy supports social cohesion and inclusion. Tรผrkiye was one of the co-conveners of the first Global Refugee Forum and is among the countries that recorded the highest number of good practices globally. Having said this, after the highly politicized recent political elections, adjustments have been noted in the implementation of the legal framework with an increasing interest in encouraging voluntary returns and, unfortunately, public statements about deportations of Afghans. This situation requires close attention to the situation and regular advocacy.
In February 2023, Tรผrkiye experienced devastating earthquakes. UNHCR acted immediately in support to both local and refugee communities and continues to assist the Government of Tรผrkiye in addressing the continuous humanitarian needs as well as in supporting the legal stay of the affected population and their relocation.
UNHCR co-leads the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan (3RP) with UNDP as well as the UNSDCFโs Result Group n 3 on Migration and refugee Protection with IOM. The UN in Turkiye has been revising the main inter-agency setting through the revision of the main two structures of the UNSDCF and the 3RP while incorporating key coordination mechanisms adopted after the earthquake. While UNHCR works closely with other UN agencies, this review process is overly complex and requires technical competence, expertise and strategic vision to advance discussions in a collegial way while still in respect of the specific mandates.
The unique geopolitical context of Turkiye is reflected also in the high interest of other countriesโ representations and the consequent high engagement of UNHCR and its senior management with different donors.
UNHCR Turkiye is also in the process, based on staffing rationalization and operational considerations, of devising closer interactions between the Protection and the Inter-Agency teams.
The operational environment for UNHCR in Tรผrkiye is very dynamic and complex, the position is an integral part of the senior management of the operation.
Living and Working Conditions
UNHCR in Tรผrkiye operates through a country office in Ankara with one Sub-Office in Gaziantep (Overviewing Adana FU, Sanliurfa FU, Gaziantep FU), one Field Office in Istanbul and one Field Unit in Izmir. The total number of staff in the operation is some 350, around 80-20% local-international staff ratio respectively, as well as around 7% of affiliated staff.
Climate in Ankara: Ankara has a continental climate with cold, snowy winters due to its elevation and inland location, and hot, dry summers. Rainfall occurs mostly during the spring and fall. Because of Ankaraโs high altitude and its dry summers, nightly temperatures in the summer months are pleasantly cool. July and August tend to see the highest temperatures, exceeding 30ยฐC / 86ยฐF. Light cotton clothing is recommended for summer and light jackets may be needed for cool summer nights. For winter, warm clothes, coats and boots are recommended.
Particularly the central areas of the big cities in Tรผrkiye are not very different from any other Western city. There is a good choice of hotels in Ankara and Istanbul but the choice is somewhat limited in many other parts of the country, except for summer resorts. The prices of hotels are subject to continuous changes due to domestic inflation and changes in the value of the Turkish Lira on foreign exchange markets.
The usual practice for renting an apartment is to consult real-estate agents or advertisements in the local English-language newspaper.
Single houses with surrounding gardens are very scarce in Ankara. When available, they are generally more expensive than apartments. Therefore, most international personnel live in apartments. New arrivals are usually able to find an apartment in about a month of arrival.The main cities have a number of hospitals where well-trained specialists and surgeons in all branches of medicine can easily be found. Prescribed medicines are not always available in the hospital and may need to be purchased from a pharmacy.
Private clinics are generally well-equipped and offer services of an acceptable quality. There are also private hospitals of top international standards in Ankara and Istanbul. The number of this type of hospital is increasing day by day. Laboratory tests are available both in these hospitals and in established private laboratories.There are only a few schools in Tรผrkiye that cater to foreign residents. These range from kindergarten through primary to high school level. Courses are in one or more foreign language although some subjects are taught in Turkish in some schools. The American, British, French, and Pakistan Embassies sponsor their own private schools in Ankara.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
EducationBachelor of Arts (BA): Humanitarian Law, Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Refugee Law, Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Law, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science
CertificationsHCR Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR Management Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR Protection Learning Program - UNHCR
Work Experience
CompetenciesAccountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Stakeholder management, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration
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Compendium Bi-annual Compendium 2023 Part B - October 2023
Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance