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Deadline for Applications November 1, 2026 Hardship Level E (most hardship) Family Type Non Family with Residential Location Residential location (if applicable) Nairobi (CO), Kenya Grade NOB Staff Member / Affiliate Type National Professional Officer Reason Regular > Regular Assignment Target Start Date 2026-10-16 Standard Job Description Associate Protection Officer Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Associate Protection Officer reports to the Protection Officer or the Senior Protection Officer. Depending on the size and structure of the Office, the incumbent may have supervisory responsibility for protection staff including community-based protection registration, resettlement and education. S/he provides functional protection guidance to information management and programme staff on all protection/legal matters and accountabilities. These include: statelessness (in line with the campaign to End Statelessness by 2024), Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) commitments, age, gender, diversity (AGD) and accountability to affected populations (AAP) through community-based protection, Child protection, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention and response, gender equality, disability inclusion, youth empowerment, psycho-social support and PSEA, registration, asylum/refugee status determination, resettlement, local integration, voluntary repatriation, human rights standards integration, national legislation, judicial engagement, predictable and decisive engagement in situations of internal displacement and engagement in wider mixed movement and climate change/disaster-related displacement responses. S/he supervises protection standards, operational procedures and practices in protection delivery in line with international standards. The Associate Protection Officer is expected to coordinate quality, timely and effective protection responses to the needs of populations of concern, ensuring that operational responses in all sectors mainstream protection methodologies and integrate protection safeguards. The incumbent contributes to the design of a comprehensive protection strategy and represents the organization externally on protection doctrine and policy as guided by the supervisor. S/he also ensures that persons of concern are meaningfully engaged in the decisions that affect them and support programme design and adaptations that are influenced by the concerns, priorities and capacities of persons of concern. To achieve this, the incumbent will need to build and maintain effective interfaces with communities of concern, authorities, protection and assistance partners as well as a broader network of 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 cultural developments that have an impact on the protection environment. - 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 through mainstreaming in all sectors and /or in clusters in applicable operations. - Assist in providing comments on existing and draft legislation related to persons of concern. - Provide legal advice and guidance on protection issues to persons of concern; liaise with competent authorities to ensure the issuance of personal and other relevant documentation. - Conduct eligibility and status determination for persons of concern in compliance with UNHCR procedural standards and international protection principles. - Promote and contribute to measures to identify, prevent and reduce statelessness. - Contribute to a country-level child protection plan as part of the protection strategy to ensure programmes use a child protection systems approach. - Contribute to a country-level education plan. - Implement and oversee Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all protection/solutions activities which integrate AGD sensitive procedures. - Oversee and manage individual protection cases, including those on GBV and child protection. Monitor, and intervene in cases of refoulement, expulsion and other protection incidents through working relations with governments and other partners. - Recommend durable solutions for the largest possible number of persons of concern through voluntary repatriation, local integration and where appropriate, resettlement. - Assess resettlement needs and apply priorities for the resettlement of individuals and groups of refugees and other persons of concern. - Participate in the organisation and implementation of participatory assessments and methodologies throughout the operations management cycle and promote AGD sensitive programming with implementing and operational partners. - Contribute to and facilitate a programme of results-based advocacy through a consultative process with sectorial and/or cluster partners. - Facilitate effective information management through the provision of disaggregated data on populations of concern and their problems. - Promote and integrate community-based approaches to protection and contribute to capacity-building initiatives for communities and individuals to assert their rights. - Support activities in the area of risk management related to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, fraud, case-processing, data protection, and human rights due diligence at country level. - Participate in initiatives to capacitate national authorities, relevant institutions and NGOs to strengthen national protection related legislation and procedures. - Intervene with authorities on protection issues. - Negotiate locally on behalf of UNHCR. - Decide priorities for reception, interviewing and counselling for groups or individuals. - Enforce compliance of staff and implementing partners with global protection policies and standards of professional integrity in the delivery of protection services. - Enforce compliance with, and integrity of, all protection standard operating procedures. - Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s). - Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Years of Experience / Degree Level For P2/NOB - 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree Field(s) of Education Law, International Law, Political Sciences or other relevant field Certificates and/or Licenses Not specified. (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential) Relevant Job Experience Essential Professional experience in the area of refugee protection, internal displacement, human rights or international humanitarian law. Good knowledge of International Refugee and Human Rights Law and ability to apply the relevant legal principles. Desirable Field experience, including in working directly with communities. Good IT skills including database management skills. Functional Skills *PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators *PR-Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) Coordination MG-Project Management PR-Human Rights Doctrine/Standards PR-International Humanitarian Law PR-Assessment of IDPs Status, Rights, Obligation PR-Climate change and disaster related displacement CO-Drafting and Documentation (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 • Extensive experience, at least 5 years, working in complex, protracted, and emergency humanitarian contexts on international protection providing technical guidance; legal, protection, and case-management support; capacity building and training on international protection principles, refugee rights, and protection procedures to relevant stakeholders and personnel; and child protection, gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response, and youth and sport for protection programming. • Demonstrated experience, at least 3 years, in refugee registration, identity and operational data management, use of PRIMES and with a strong understanding of data protection. • Proven experience in supporting the Government systems with integrated data systems, and socioeconomic and investment profiling etc. • Demonstrated experience coordinating with implementing and operational partners, government authorities, and law enforcement officials to facilitate access to asylum and ensure the provision of protection assistance and services. • Experience supporting refugee inclusion, self-reliance, and durable solutions, including initiatives aimed at strengthening access to services and community-based protection mechanisms. • Excellent interpersonal, communication, coordination, and stakeholder-engagement skills, with demonstrated ability to work effectively in complex, multicultural, and high-pressure humanitarian operations. Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): , , Desired languages , , Operational context Occupational Safety and Health Considerations: Nature of Position: The Government of Kenya, in line with the GCR and its CRRF, in collaboration with its partners has taken concrete steps to improve conditions supporting socioeconomic inclusion of refugees and host communities. These include: (i) enactment of Refugees Act of 2021 and Refugee Regulations, (ii) operationalization of Kalobeyei and Garissa Integrated Socioeconomic Development Plans (KISEDP and GISEDP), (iii) launch of the Shirika Plan, (iv) gazettement of Kakuma and Dadaab as the Municipalities. Kakuma Municipality, located in Turkana County in the north-western region of Kenya, hosts nearly 550,000 people including over 330,00 refugees and asylum seekers from 23 nationalities. KISEDP-II (2023-2027), the pillar of Shirika Plan, in line with Turkana County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) and Kenya’s MTP-IV (2023-2027) and UNHCR multiyear strategy (MYS 2024-2026) and sustainable responses supports the delivering rights-based and equitable protection services for refugees and host communities while advancing the durable solutions. In this regard, concerted focus is on local integration in the context of socioeconomic inclusion, right-based and equitable services, regional and cross-border initiatives (within EAC promoting markets, movements, and private sector and businesses) in support of integration/reintegration programmes, reinforced complementary pathways through education and labour mobility including in partnerships with private sector for prospect employers/employment, and data-driven evidence-based protection and solutions programmes in line with county and national plans supporting refugee inclusion and empowerment. In line with the above, the incumbent will therefore support UNHCR in advocating access to asylum and territory and will provide technical guidance and support to the Government on the implementation of international and national legal frameworks relating to access to asylum and territory. The incumbent will further support the supervision of protection standards, operational procedures and practices to ensure that protection delivery is consistent with applicable international standards, and importantly the technical support on registration, identity documentation and data management, and as well as to the County Government with the KISEDP Integrated Information Management System (KIMIS), and relevant data systems and the socioeconomic profiling supporting UNHCR’s 50by35 vision. In addition, s/he will support protection accountability and the mainstreaming of age, gender and diversity and accountability to affected populations through community-based protection and interventions relating to child protection; gender-based violence prevention and response; gender equality; disability inclusion; youth empowerment; psychosocial support; protection from sexual exploitation and abuse; asylum and refugee status determination; solutions including local integration and socio-economic inclusion; integration of human rights standards; and engagement with Government legislation and judicial institutions. Living and Working Conditions: The current Security Level in the SRM Area 1A: Northern Rift Valley (Kakuma, Lodwar ) is Moderate -3. All United Nations personnel must comply with UNDSS procedures and recommendations during their assignment to Kakuma, Kenya. Thefts and burglary are the main incidents against UN personnel. Kakuma city is a non-family duty station with a hardship classified E, its living conditions are difficult, but the social climate is calm. The weather is hot, dry, and sunny hence no heavy clothes would be recommended. Windy storms are common during the months of December and more pronounced in January till March. UNHCR national staff can arrange their own accommodation or chose to reside in UNHCR Kakuma compound. Family members cannot reside or visit in the compound. The compound was constructed in 2001, houses were renovated several times and are in generally acceptable conditions. All houses have basic amenities and internet is available. UNHCR compound also includes a cafeteria, a gym, and a secure running path. There is an airstrip in Kakuma with regular humanitarian flights to Nairobi by UNHAS. Nearest public airport is in Lodwar. The medical facilities in Kakuma are limited. JMS clinic is available in UNHCR compound as well as several public hospitals in Kakuma town and Kakuma camp. The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory, and vaccination cards should be updated. Vaccinations against Meningococcal Meningitis and Hepatitis A and B are also recommended. The basic drugs are available in pharmacies, but it is recommended to bring specific prescription drugs. Kakuma camp is close to UNHCR compound, Kalobeyei settlement is half an hour drive away. There are no security restrictions on working in the camps. County authorities are located in Lodwar, some 2.5 hours away. The closest border crossing is Nadapal. Police escort is required for UNHCR missions to Lodwar and Nadapal. Additional Qualifications Skills CO-Drafting and Documentation, MG-Project Management, PR-Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD), PR-Assessment of IDPs Status, Rights, Obligation, PR-Climate change and disaster related displacement, PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) Coordination, PR-Human Rights Doctrine/Standards, PR-International Humanitarian Law, PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators Education Bachelor of Arts: International Law, Bachelor of Arts: Law, Bachelor of Arts: Political Science Certifications Work Experience Competencies Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Teamwork & collaboration UNHCR Salary Calculator https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales Compendium Additional Information Functional clearance This position doesn't require a functional clearance If you are a former UNHCR international staff member who held a fixed-term or indefinite appointment, you can apply to regular positions in the international professional category as candidate with UNHCR-experience (within 2 years following separation for males and 5 years for females). To apply to vacancies, please create a new account (“Sign In” on the top left corner >> Create account) or sign into your account, if you have already registered via the external career site. Once successfully registered/signed in, you can start filling in your data and apply for vacancies. If you are former UNHCR locally recruited staff member who held a fixed-term or indefinite appointment, you can apply to regular positions in your staff category as candidate with UNHCR-experience (within 2 years following separation for males and 5 years for females). To apply to vacancies, please create a new account (“Sign In” on the top left corner >> Create account) or sign into your account, if you have already registered via the external career site. Once successfully registered/signed in, you can start filling in your data and apply for vacancies. If you do not fall under any of the above categories, please use the External Career site for applying to vacancies. Technical notes: Once you fill in your basic personal information (employee ID, birth date, name, email address), Workday will identify you as prior personnel and merge your employee account with your external applicant account. If you were notified about unsuccessful application, please follow the steps described in the message. While you will not see the list of your employee-time applications in your external account, you will be duly notified if any action is required from your side and/or when the recruitment process is completed. In case you would like to update your name, address or phone number or you face any technical difficulties when applying, please write to recruitmentcase@unhcr.org. Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing or training). Read about how to avoid scams and fraudulent job offers. Please note that applications are only accepted via the online recruitment platform. CVs and/or application requests sent via email will not be answered, reviewed nor considered. The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, takes the lead in protecting people forced to flee wars and persecution around the world, providing life-saving aid including shelter, food and water to ensure their basic safety, rights and dignity. With 18,879 women and men working in 137 countries, we work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of 89.3 million forcibly displaced people worldwide. Our dedicated and professional staff work around the clock in roles including legal protection, community services, public affairs, health and more. Despite the challenges they can face, our staff are proud to work for UNHCR and determined to make a positive impact. Why a career with UNHCR? Our dedicated staff work to protect and assist people fleeing conflict and persecution at a time when global forced displacement is at a record high. Our colleagues bring a wide range of specialized skills, including expertise in legal protection, administration, community services, public affairs, health and other disciplines. Disability inclusion If you are a person with a disability and you expect you may face challenges during the recruitment process, you can indicate it in your application form. There are options to select any health conditions you may have and outline any necessary adjustments related to disabilities during the recruitment phases. Providing this information is optional. It will be treated as strictly confidential and used only for the purpose of finding out how to better assist you during the recruitment process. Adjustments for candidates with disabilities will be provided as best as possible and as needed upon request. All candidates will be assessed based on meeting the requirements for each vacancy in relation to experience, skills, and education.
unhcr.org
Kakuma
Associate Protection Officer.
FULL TIME