Senior Protection Assistant

Deadline for ApplicationsFebruary 1, 2026

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)B

Family Type (not applicable for home-based)

Family

Staff Member / Affiliate TypeCONTR Local Entry and Mid-Level Support

Target Start Date2026-04-01

Terms of ReferenceI. PROJECT DETAILS
Requesting office (hiring office): UNHCR Turkiye
Title of project: VolRep
Purpose of project (summary): To support volrep activities in Türkiye

II. DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ENGAGED INDIVIDUAL CONTRACT HOLDER

a. General Background of Project or Assignment, Operational Context:
The Government of Türkiye, through the Presidency of Migration Management, leads the protection of and assistance to refugees and asylum-seekers in the country. UNHCR Türkiye 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 - particularly in areas with high concentrations of vulnerable populations, many of whom have fled conflict and instability in neighboring countries and are facing ongoing protection challenges.

To enhance the efficiency and focus of its refugee response, UNHCR Türkiye has established field offices, including the Gaziantep Sub Office in Southeast Türkiye, to manage overall operational responsibilities. The UNHCR presence in Southeast Türkiye consists of a Sub-Office in Gaziantep and three Field Units located in Adana, Gaziantep, and Sanliurfa, covering 11 provinces: Mersin, Adana, Hatay, Osmaniye, Kahramanmaraş, Gaziantep, Kilis, Malatya, Adıyaman, Sanliurfa, and Mardin. These provinces host around 1.2 million Syrian refugees under temporary protection, alongside individuals of other nationalities requiring international protection.

Through its Sub-Office in Gaziantep and three Field Units, UNHCR ensures that individuals in need of international protection can access essential social services and support systems in Türkiye. Additionally, the organization monitors the voluntary nature of refugee returns to their country of origin.

Since 8 December 2024 and following recent regional developments - including the shifting security situation in parts of Syria - a growing number of these approximately 1.2 million Syrians who are under temporary protection and located in Southeast Türkiye began returning voluntarily in larger numbers than before. In response to this increase in returns, UNHCR has enhanced its efforts to monitor voluntary returns to Syria, while continuing its broader protection and assistance activities. Since the mentioned developments, UNHCR has expanded its monitoring capacity. Currently, UNHCR monitor the voluntary returns at 25 Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (PDMM) offices across 22 provinces, six south-eastern border crossings, at İstanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport, together with Ankara Esenboğa Airport. Ad hoc monitoring also takes place at Adana Sarıçam and İstanbul Arnavutköy Temporary Accommodation Centres (TACs).

Within this scope, a need has been identified for a total of 5 (five) Arabic-speaking Senior Protection Assistants to be based in the Sanliurfa Field Unit for the proper assessment of voluntariness, identification of protection risks, and the delivery of accurate information to persons considering returning.

The Senior Protection Assistant (Arabic-speaking) plays a crucial role in supporting voluntary return interviews, communicating clearly with persons of concern about their rights and options, and documenting the process in line with UNHCR standards. The role also contributes to broader protection interventions and supports communication with partners, local authorities, and UNHCR units.

These positions are based in Sanliurfa. Travel within the area of responsibility (Sanliurfa, Mardin, and Adiyaman) and broader southeast provinces (under other Field Units’ area of responsibility) may be required to support field missions, conduct interviews, or follow up on protection concerns. The role requires flexibility, discretion, and the utmost commitment to UNHCR’s protection principles and standards.

b. Purpose and Scope of Assignment:

The incumbent will be part of the Sanliurfa Field Unit. The Senior Protection Assistant will be supervised by the Head of Field Unit or other UNHCR staff as appropriate and is expected to actively conduct the voluntary return monitoring activities of the Field Unit in relevant premises. These voluntary return monitoring interviews can take place both in day and night shifts, including weekends, in line with UNHCR’s relevant guidance. Overtime, if required, will be compensated and managed in accordance with UNHCR regulations, within the applicable monthly limits. Missions may involve early/late hours, UN Official holidays or overnight travel depending on the operational needs. The supervisor defines general work objectives and provides necessary advice and guidance. Within this scope, the Senior Protection Assistant will:

• Play a vital role in supporting UNHCR’s activities, particularly in the context of voluntary returns. Within this scope, the incumbent is expected to efficiently and carefully conduct voluntary return interviews to monitor the voluntariness of returns, ensure that individuals in question are informed of their rights/available options in a language they fully understand, detect any protection concerns, and fill out the related form for each household or single applicant. By the end of the daily task, the incumbent is expected to report the outcomes promptly.

• As part of UNHCR’s case management structure, the Senior Protection Assistant participates in counselling sessions, prepares case summaries, updates the protection database, and supports referrals to relevant services or UNHCR units. The incumbent prepares weekly follow-up lists, contributes to protection reporting, and shares field observations with the team to inform protection strategies and planning.

• Outside of overall voluntary return monitoring tasks, the role may also require the incumbent to assist in interpreting during field visits, protection assessments/interviews, community consultations/participatory assessments (focus group discussions, key informant interviews, etc.) and coordination meetings with Arabic-speaking individuals. Outside of interpretation, the Senior Protection Assistant may also be asked to provide translation of relevant documents and materials, ensuring that protection information is accessible to the affected population.

• In addition to these core responsibilities, the incumbent may be asked to participate in various protection activities, such as trainings, workshops, inter-agency coordination meetings, and to support other tasks as assigned by the supervisor. The role requires strong interpersonal and communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and a solid understanding of protection principles and UNHCR’s mandate.

III. CANDIDATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS, SELECTION CRITERIA

Minimum 2 years of relevant experience with a high school diploma; or 1 year of relevant experience with a bachelor’s (or equivalent) or higher.

Field of expertise, competencies:
Required/mandatory:
Accountability
Communication
Organizational Awareness
Teamwork & Collaboration
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Client and Result Orientation

• Proficiency in MS Office applications and relevant data entry systems, such as Kobo.
• Advanced problem-solving and analytical thinking skills, coupled with strong organizational capabilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills, coupled with political and cultural awareness, to build effective working relationships with stakeholders, including public officials.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information and work under pressure.
• Familiarity with UNHCR protection standards, guidelines, and refugee law.
• Consistent approach to work with energy and a positive, constructive spirit.

Language: Required: Excellent command of Arabic and English (spoken and written) required. Knowledge of Turkish at least a B2 level is required to effectively perform the duties of the position, including, but not limited to, discussions/negotiations with government officials during voluntary repatriation monitoring activities, interaction with government and NGO counterparts in various protection contexts, etc.

IV. EVALUATION, MONITORING, SUPERVISION

Monitoring and Progress Controls

The incumbent reports to the Head of Field Unit or other UNHCR staff as appropriate and will submit reports related to duties through mechanisms established by the Office (such as regular emails and KOBO toolbox), considering strict deadlines. The incumbent is continuously expected to be present at their assigned duty station on the designated days and times, with meticulous attention to be paid to timing. Weekly assignments will be overseen, and overall performance will be monitored by the Head of Field Unit.

The incumbent will prepare timesheets for any night shifts or overtime hours and submit them to their supervisor before the specified deadline. The supervisor will meet with the incumbent at least once a month, either in person or online, to discuss the requirements and continuity of the assignment.

The incumbent is expected to attend periodic office-wide meetings. They are also responsible for staying up to date with relevant documents and participating in related trainings as approved by the office. The incumbent is accountable to the Head of Field Unit for the implementation, planning, and reporting of their assignment.

The incumbent is expected to have core competencies including accountability, communication, organizational awareness, teamwork & collaboration, commitment to continuous learning and client & result orientation.

The report requirement includes periodicity, attendance and performance indicators.

Individual Contractor Agreements

Definition:
Individual contractor is an individual engaged by UNHCR under a contract of limited duration to provide skills or knowledge for the performance of a specific task or piece of work and engaged under an individual contract issued directly by UNHCR. They are neither staff members of UNHCR under the Staff Regulations and Rules, nor Officials for the purpose of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations of 13 February 1946.

Contract Duration/Renewal:
Any extension of an individual contract is subject to operational needs, satisfactory service, and availability of funds. There is no expectation of renewal or conversion of the individual contract beyond its expiry date.

Working Hours:
40 hours per week, inclusive of mandatory night shifts, possibility of work on weekends and official holidays as part of the assigned schedule.

Leave Entitlements:
Annual leave at the rate of two and a half working days per month.
Sick leave at the rate of two working days for each month of service.

Medical Coverage:
Cigna Health Insurance, also available optionally for eligible dependents subject to additional contribution rates.

Remuneration:
Remuneration at the level of the vacancy (G5 level) based on the International Civil Services Commission (ICSC) salary scale.

Legal Requirements:
Individual Contractors must comply with relevant local legislation, including but not limited to those relating to taxation, social security requirements, licenses, work permits and visas, and other details stipulated in the terms of their contract. UNHCR undertakes no liability for taxes and social security contributions, duties or other contributions payable by the individual contract holder on payments made under the individual contract. The individual contract holders will not be reimbursed such taxes or granted any other benefit, payment or subsidy which is not expressly provided for in the contract under which they are engaged. UNHCR may require the individual contract holder to provide evidence within a reasonable time that they have registered for and are paying applicable taxation and social security to the relevant national authorities
Important to note: The Individual Contractor shall be responsible for paying any tax levied by his/her Government or other entities on his/her UNHCR earnings. Under no circumstances shall UNHCR be responsible for paying or reimbursing such taxes.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Clearances and ID Cards:
Applications of non-Turkish candidates are subject to MFA clearance before any offer can be made. For cleared candidates who are recruited, MFA ID card applications will be processed while the issuance lies within the authority of the MFA.

Important to note: Once the MFA ID is issued, the time spent under an Individual Contract no longer counts toward eligibility for Turkish citizenship.

Application Requirements:
Applicants must ensure:
To apply for the vacancies timely through Workday. No late applications are accepted.
To reflect their previous experience, language skills (including the mother tongue) and other assets in their Workday applicant profiles duly. Shortlisting is done based on the information provided in the applications only.

To attach their valid residence permits (both sides visible) in case they are non-Turkish nationals.

PLEASE DO NOT USE TURKISH CHARACTERS IN YOUR NAME & SURNAME INFORMATION.

Recruitment as a UNHCR staff member and engagement under a UNHCR affiliate scheme or as an intern is subject to successful reference checks and integrity clearance.

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 should 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.

Standard Job Description

Required Languages Arabic

,English

,Turkish

Desired Languages

,

,

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Education

Certifications

Work Experience

Other informationThis position doesn't require a functional clearance

RemoteNo