Associate Protection Officer Job at UNHCR Uganda in Kampala

Join UNHCR Uganda as an Associate Protection Officer in Kampala

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Uganda is seeking a dedicated and qualified Associate Protection Officer to join our team in Kampala. This is a critical role focused on ensuring the protection and rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and other persons of concern in Uganda. If you have a background in law, human rights, or international humanitarian law and are passionate about making a difference, we encourage you to apply.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and guidance on protection issues to persons of concern, ensuring access to rights and documentation.
• Conduct refugee status determination (RSD) in compliance with international protection principles and UNHCR standards.
• Manage individual protection cases, including those related to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and child protection.
• Monitor and intervene in protection incidents such as refoulement and expulsion.
• Assess resettlement needs and contribute to durable solutions like voluntary repatriation and local integration.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of country-level child protection and education plans.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with communities, authorities, and protection partners.
• Participate in capacity-building initiatives for communities, authorities, and NGOs on national protection legislation.
• Stay updated on political, social, and economic developments affecting the protection environment in Uganda.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Education: Undergraduate degree (or higher) in Law, International Law, Political Sciences, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum 3 years of professional experience with an Undergraduate degree (2 years with a Graduate degree, 1 year with a Doctorate) in refugee protection, human rights, or international humanitarian law.
• Certification: Completion of the UNHCR Protection Learning Programme is required. RSD-Resettlement Learning Programme is desirable.
• Skills: Strong knowledge of International Refugee and Human Rights Law. Excellent drafting, documentation, and IT/database management skills.
• Languages: Proficiency in English is required.
• Core Competencies: Accountability, strong communication, teamwork, commitment to continuous learning, and client-oriented results.

Why Work With UNHCR Uganda?

This position offers a unique opportunity to work with the leading UN agency mandated to protect refugees. You will be part of a vital mission in Uganda, which hosts one of the largest refugee populations in Africa. We offer a competitive international benefits package, a professional and diverse work environment, and the chance to develop expertise in protection and solutions within the Ugandan and regional context.

Application Deadline: 17 March 2025

To apply for this Associate Protection Officer position in Kampala, please submit your application through the official UNHCR recruitment portal.