Senior Community-Based Protection Associate Job at UNHCR Uganda in Kampala

UNHCR Uganda is hiring a Senior Community-Based Protection Associate to join our Protection Unit in Kampala. This is a senior-level field role for a dedicated professional passionate about refugee protection and community empowerment in Uganda.

About the Role:
As a Senior Community-Based Protection Associate, you will work directly with communities of concern—including refugees and asylum seekers—to identify protection risks and strengthen their capacity to safeguard themselves and their families. You will spend significant time in the field, building trust and collaborative networks within these communities to inform and enhance UNHCR's protection programmes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work directly with communities to assess protection risks and leverage local capacities for self-protection.
• Develop and maintain constructive relationships with persons of concern to improve protection planning and results.
• Support the design of community-based protection strategies based on direct consultation.
• May have direct supervisory responsibility for part of the protection and/or support staff.
• Ensure application of community-based protection standards and operational procedures at the field level.
• Coordinate with other UNHCR staff, government agencies, NGO partners, and other stakeholders.
• Spend a substantial percentage of work time outside the office, engaged directly with communities.

Requirements & Qualifications:

• Proven experience in community-based protection, social work, or a related field, preferably within the Ugandan or East African context.
• Strong understanding of protection issues affecting refugees and displaced populations in Uganda.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and networking skills.
• Ability to work effectively in the field and build trust with diverse communities.
• Supervisory experience is an advantage.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of local languages (e.g., Swahili, Luganda) or languages spoken by refugee communities is a strong asset.
• Commitment to the principles of humanitarian work and protection.

What We Offer:

• A meaningful career with the UN Refugee Agency, contributing directly to the protection of vulnerable people in Uganda.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment within a global organisation.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Competitive UN benefits package (details available upon application).

If you are a seasoned protection professional seeking a challenging and impactful field-based role in Kampala, apply today to join the UNHCR team.