Hardship LevelH (no hardship)
Family TypeFamily
Family TypeFamily
Residential location (if applicable)
GradePR4
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeNational Professional Officer
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Remote work acceptedNo
Target Start Date2023-08-01
Job Posting End DateJune 29, 2023
Standard Job DescriptionSenior Protection Officer Organizational Setting and Work Relationships In the Bureaux, the Senior Protection Officer works under the direct supervision of the Bureau Deputy Director or Head of Bureau Protection Service or Senior Protection Coordinator. In the Field, the incumbent normally reports to the Representative, Deputy or Assistant Representative (Protection) or Head of Sub Office as appropriate. The incumbent has direct supervisory responsibility for protection staff whose work may include RSD, community-based protection, registration, resettlement, internal displacement, complementary pathways, and education, among other areas. In HQ, the incumbent may report to a Chief of Section or Deputy Director and may lead a Unit and/or supervise other protection staff. The incumbent acts as a key advisor to senior management and leads the development of a comprehensive protection strategy under the area of responsibility (AoR). S/he represents the Organization to authorities, UN sister agencies, partners and other stakeholders on protection policy and doctrine. The Senior Protection Officer plans, leads and coordinates quality, timely and effective protection responses to the needs of populations of concern under the AoR. This includes ensuring that operational responses in all sectors are shaped in a protection optic, are consistent with and promote respect for relevant international law and UNHCR's doctrine, mainstream protection methodologies and integrate protection safeguards. Another important element of the incumbentยฟs functions is to ensure that persons of concern of all age, gender and diversity groups are involved with the Office in making decisions that affect them, whether in accessing their rights or in identifying and implementing appropriate solutions to their problems. To undertake this role effectively, the incumbent will need to build and maintain effective interfaces with other relevant teams within the operation or the Bureau (including programme; PI and external relations; IM) and with DIP, communities of concern, authorities, protection and assistance partners as well as a broader network of stakeholders who can contribute to enhancing protection and achieving solutions. 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 UNHCRยฟs core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity. Duties - Provide technical guidance and support to UNHCR and partners on all protection related issues. - Stay abreast of legal, political, social, economic and cultural developments that have an impact on the protection environment. - Manage a consultative process with government counterparts, partners and persons of concern to develop and implement a comprehensive protection and solutions strategy addressing the specific protection needs of women and men, children, youth and older persons, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientation and/or gender identities (LGBTI persons), persons living with HIV/AIDS; gender equality and Gender Based Violence (GBV) 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 all assessed and prioritized protection needs of the affected populations. - Ensure that the protection strategy is fully integrated into the Country Operations Plan, the UN Development and Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and the Humanitarian Country Teamยฟs common humanitarian response plan as well as with the implementation of the Global Compact on Refugees and the Three Year Strategy on Resettlement and Complementary Pathways. - Promote relevant International, Regional and National Law and applicable UN/UNHCR and IASC policy, standards and codes of conduct and ensure that all sectors and /or in clusters in applicable operations fulfil their responsibilities in mainstreaming protection. - Promote the implementation of the AGD policy, including UNHCRยฟs updated commitments to women and girls, and design, deliver and monitor programmes on an AGD basis to address identified protection needs. - Develop, implement and monitor community-based protection strategies and ensure systematic application and integration of participatory and community-based approaches in protection and solutions planning, programming and strategies. - Support the establishment of feedback and response systems and the incorporation of feedback received from persons of concern into programme design and adaptation. - Guide the operation in the development and implementation of robust prevention, identification, and responses to fraud within protection processes and procedures, including registration, RSD, and resettlement, ensuring the integrity of interventions across all protection activities. - Oversee the management of individual protection cases including those on GBV and child protection. - Provide legal advice and guidance on protection issues to internal and external interlocutors; ensure legal assistance is accessible to persons of concern; liaise with competent authorities to ensure the issuance of personal and other relevant documents to persons of concern (including women and others in need of civil documentation in particular birth certificates). - As designated Data Protection Focal Point, assist the data controller in carrying out his or her responsibilities regarding the Data Protection Policy (7.2 DPP). - Oversee eligibility and status determination in the Operation(s) under the AoR, ensuring compliance with UNHCR procedural standards and international protection principles. - Promote and implement strategies and measures to identify, prevent and reduce statelessness. - Develop and implement an education plan as part of the protection strategy within the AoR as relevant. - Develop and implement a child protection plan as part of the protection strategy within the AoR, ensuring programmes use a child protection systems approach. - Monitor and intervene in cases of refoulement, expulsion and other protection incidents through working relations with governments and other partners. - Work to safeguard the rights of persons of concerns in the context of mixed movements as relevant. - Coordinate the preparation of, implement and oversee Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all protection/solutions activities. - Ensure that durable solutions through voluntary repatriation, local integration and where appropriate, resettlement and complementary pathways are sought and provided to the largest possible number of persons of concern including undertaking, supporting, and/or overseeing resettlement and complementary pathways activities, including implementation of the GCR Three Year Strategy. - Coordinate the design, implementation and evaluation of protection related programming with implementing and operational partners. - Develop and implement a programme of results-based advocacy through a consultative process with sectorial and/or cluster partners. - Ensure that the Protection Sector or Cluster has an effective information management component which provides disaggregated data on populations of concern and their problems. - Research, collect and disseminate relevant protection information and good practices to enhance protection delivery. - Develop the protection capacity of national and local authorities, partners and civil society to assume their responsibilities vis-ร -vis all persons of concern through protection training, mainstreaming and related activities. - Coordinate capacity-development initiatives for communities and individuals to assert their rights. - Advise and capacitate national authorities, relevant institutions and civil society to strengthen legislation and status determination procedures and mechanisms. - Perform other related duties as required. For positions in Bureaux - Support the Regional Bureau and Country Operations to reflect the protection and solution angle in support of persons of concern with regional processes. - Support Country Operations in the development of strategies to build and further develop national asylum/RSD systems with a view to ensuring their fairness, efficiency, adaptability and integrity, favourable protection environment and solutions. - Assist UNHCR management at country level to comply with policies and commitment on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse measures. - Support Country Operations and ensure they meet their complementary pathways objectives and resettlement quotas. - In close collaboration with DIP, (a) contribute to the development of background and general normative, policy, and legal positions, in compliance with UNHCRยฟs global protection policies and standards; (b) contribute to the development of strategies at the regional and country level on the usage of law and policy approaches, including legislative and judicial engagement and UN human rights mechanisms ยฟand/or regional ones ยฟ and other protection frameworks, and integrated human rights standards in protection strategies and advocacy; and (c) coordinate and review UNHCRยฟs country reports to the UN human rights mechanisms. - Engage in relevant international and regional fora and forge regional partnerships to advocate for key protection and mandate issues, and engage in cross-cutting protection-related matters, including mixed movement, internal displacement and climate change/disaster-related displacement responses, as well as Statelessness in cooperation with DIP and where relevant RSD. Minimum Qualifications Years of Experience / Degree Level For P4/NOD - 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree Field(s) of Education Law, International Law, International refugee Law, International Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law, Refugee and Forced Migration, Political Sciences or other relevant field. (Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential) Certificates and/or Licenses Protection Learning Programme RSD-Resettlement Learning Programme Management Learning Programme (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential) Relevant Job Experience Essential Minimum 7 years of relevant professional experience in the area of refugee protection, internal displacement, human rights or international humanitarian law, including experience in working directly with Field Offices. Very good knowledge of International Refugee and Human Rights Law and ability to apply the relevant legal principles, and of UNHCRยฟs protection strategies and policies. Excellent legal research, analytical skills and drafting. Desirable Diverse field experience. Good IT skills including database management skills. Functional Skills *PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators *PR-Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) PR-Refugee Coordination Model PR-Human Rights Doctrine/Standards PR-International Humanitarian Law PR-Assessment of IDPs Status, Rights, Obligation PR-Comprehensive Solutions Framework LE-Judicial Engagement PR-Climate change and disaster related displacement PR-Accountability to Affected People - Principles and Framework PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) Coordination (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 UNHCR Canberra is seeking candidates with the following profile:
โข Highly developed oral and written communication skills. Experience in consultation and liaison with government and non-governmental officials.
โข Strong organizational and work planning skills, as well as the ability to work in a high-volume work environment.
โข Demonstrated ability to analyse international and domestic refugee law and policy and to make recommendations based on an understanding of UNHCRโs mandate.
โข Sound understanding of the refugee resettlement process, UNHCR resettlement criteria and the ability to make recommendations on resettlement issues based on an understanding of UNHCRโs mandate.
โข Understanding of UNHCR and its role as a humanitarian protection organization.
โข Very good understanding of Australia and New Zealand Government structures
โข Previous experience working with UNHCR.
โข Previous experience working in an international capacity.
UN staff rules require national officers to be a citizen of the country in which they serve.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
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Desired languages
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Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
Australia - Canberra is a category โHโ duty station and MCO Australia operates in a relatively benign security operating environment, where there are no known threats against UN or UNHCR specifically. The Security Risk Assessment was last updated in December 2015. For all categories of threat (Armed Conflict, Terrorism, Crime, Civil Unrest and Hazards) the residual risk level is either low or very low.
MCO Australia is currently MOSS compliant and has a security plan in place. However, measures to maintain security and ensure a robust security plan require the continued allocation of resources. These measures include building access control, alarm monitoring and fire system maintenance.
Nature of Position:
UNHCR's Multi-Country Office (MCO) in Canberra covers Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and 13 other Pacific States (as well as engagement with regional fora). The Senior Protection Officer is a key role for UNHCRโs engagement with Australia and New Zealand in particular, in addition to other areas of the MCOโs work. As such, this is a position of considerable responsibility, requiring political nous, relationship-management skills and strategic judgment.
The incumbent manages a small team of legal and protection staff and reports directly to the Representative. In addition, s/he works closely as part of the senior management team with the Deputy Representative to contribute to the design and delivery of the strategic directions for the office. Responsibilities in this respect include formulating and drafting of guiding documents such as the MCOs Strategic Direction and related Progress Reports.
Core responsibilities of the Senior Protection Officer have to do with strengthening national systems for protection and solutions, and encouraging the engagement of countries in relation to regional and global protection matters. The Senior Protection Officer drives the strategy for engagement of the MCO on protection and solutions at the political and officialsโ level, as well as targeted collaboration with civil society. In this way, the positionโs objectives are firmly anchored in the Global Compact on Refugees.
The Senior Protection Officer is expected to work closely with the Senior Durable Solutions Officer to progress efforts that respond to the protection and solutions needs of asylum seekers and refugees. Moreover, s/he sets out and crafts strategies in consultation with the Regional Bureau for the Asia-Pacific and DIP, on approaches for engagement with Australian government actors, diplomatic missions, resettlement states and civil society partners on these issues. A highly-developed understanding and familiarity with the Australian political, high level bureaucratic and civil society landscape is therefore key to the effectiveness of the Senior Protection Officer role.
The Senior Protection Officer will also work to ensure a seat at the table for proactive and positive engagement with government and civil society actors in the development of new policies and programming for strengthening and expanding solutions.
Living and Working Conditions:
Additional Qualifications
SkillsLE-Judicial Engagement, PR-Accountability to Affected People - Principles and Framework, PR-Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD), PR-Assessment of IDPs Status, Rights, Obligation, PR-Climate change and disaster related displacement, PR-Comprehensive Solutions Framework, PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) Coordination, PR-Human Rights Doctrine/Standards, PR-International Humanitarian Law, PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators, PR-Refugee Coordination Model
EducationBachelor of Arts (BA): International Law (Required), Bachelor of Arts (BA): Law (Required), Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science (Required)
CertificationsHCR Management Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR Protection Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR Resettlement Learning Program - UNHCR
Work Experience
CompetenciesAccountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Political awareness, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration
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Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance