Senior Protection Associate

Deadline for ApplicationsJanuary 4, 2026

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)A (least hardship)

Family Type (not applicable for home-based)

Family

Staff Member / Affiliate TypeCONTR Local Senior Level Support

Target Start Date2026-01-01

Terms of ReferenceGeneral Background of Project or Assignment, Operational Context:

During the past 60 years, UNHCR and the Turkish State’s Institutions have been working together in close partnership in international protection field. In 2013, Türkiye adopted a new legislation, the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP) and established a central civilian authority in charge of procedures for foreigners. As the main partner of the Turkish State in the field of international protection, UNHCR Türkiye provides support to the Presidency of Migration Management (PMM) and the relevant national institutions.

UNHCR Representation in Türkiye operates through a Country Office based in Ankara, and through sub-offices and field offices in Gaziantep, Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara, as well as field units.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment:

The Senior Protection Associate position will fully engage in implementation of a series of activities foreseen to improve quality and efficiency of national asylum procedures, under the EU funded project, “Supporting Türkiye’s International and Temporary Protection Processes”. UNHCR is the implementing agency of the project which aims to enhance quality and efficiency international protection procedures, provide technical and operational support to PDMMs and PMM while supporting improved access to protection and services. To achieve this, the project focuses on increasing the technical capacity of PMM staff through providing trainings, workshops, preparing guidelines/SOPs as well as offering technical support through field visits and other quality assurance activities.

The Senior Protection Associate will serve as a member of the Protection Unit (PU) and report to the Associate Protection Officer, under the overall supervision and oversight of the Senior Protection Officer, Head of Unit. S/he is to contribute to the work of the Unit in implementing the \"International Protection\" component (Objective 2) of the Project and is expected to:

• Support the implementation of capacity-building activities, through the preparation of training and workshop materials, facilitation of sessions, and drafting of related reports.
• Contribute to the development of materials and tools foreseen under the Project, ensuring alignment with international protection standards and project objectives.
• Act as the focal point for COI-related activities under the Project, including maintaining coordination with PMM and the experts engaged for the implementation of these activities; contributing to the planning, organization and follow-up of COI-related activities; and supporting their effective execution.
• Undertake missions to support project implementation, monitoring and follow-up, as required.
• Conduct desk reviews and analyses to inform training content, COI products, and other project outputs
• Perform other duties as required.

Monitoring and Progress Controls:

The incumbent will receive guidance from the Senior Protection Officer in the operation and will be under the direct supervision of the Associate Protection Officer. UNHCR Manual, Operations Plans, UN, and UNHCR financial/budgetary rules and regulations will guide the work of the Senior Protection Associate. S/he is expected to stay abreast of the challenges posed to the region by the political context, the UN and humanitarian reform, and institutional developments. A performance evaluation will be completed covering the duration of the contract.

Required qualifications, language(s) and work experience:

Education: Bachelor's or equivalent or higher in Political Science, Law, or related field.

For IC7 - 4 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher.

Language:

Required: Turkish and English
Desirable: Any other UN language

Field of expertise, competencies:

Required/mandatory:

-Research and Analytical Thinking
-Planning and Organizing
-Stakeholder Management
-Managing Resources
-Excellent knowledge of Turkish and fluency in English
-Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team

Desirable:

-Knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.
-Knowledge of International Refugee Law and Human Rights Law and ability to apply the relevant legal principles.
-Completion of the UNHCR Learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of the position.
-Good knowledge of UNHCR financial rules, procedures and processes.
-Good computer skills
-Prior exposure to UNHCR refugee operations and functions relating to office administration and programme activities.

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.

UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, training, or any other fees).
Only short-listed candidates will be notified. The recruitment process might include a 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 the ‘UNHCR - Application and Selection’ page at https://www.unhcr.org/how-to-apply.html.

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Other informationThis position doesn't require a functional clearance

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