Senior Protection Associate Job at UNHCR Uganda - Kampala

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Uganda is seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior Protection Associate to join our team in Kampala. This is a critical role focused on ensuring the protection and rights of populations of concern (PoC) in Uganda, in line with international and national legal frameworks.

As a Senior Protection Associate, you will report to the Protection Officer and play a key role in coordinating protection responses, monitoring standards, and providing functional guidance. You will work closely with communities, local authorities, and partner organisations to design and implement comprehensive protection strategies that make a real difference in people's lives.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Monitor political, social, economic, and cultural developments affecting the protection environment in Uganda.
• Apply International and National Law, UN/UNHCR policies, and IASC standards consistently.
• Provide protection advice to populations of concern and liaise with authorities for documentation issuance.
• Assist in conducting eligibility and status determination procedures.
• Contribute to national plans addressing child protection, education, and statelessness.
• Manage individual protection cases, including SGBV and child protection, and monitor protection incidents.
• Identify and facilitate durable solutions like voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement.
• Implement and monitor Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all protection activities.
• Participate in capacity-building initiatives for authorities and NGOs on protection legislation.
• Facilitate effective information management by providing disaggregated data on PoC.

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements:

• Education: High School Diploma with 4 years of relevant experience OR Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in International Law, Political Science, or related field with 2 years of experience.
• Experience: Proven experience in protection-related work, preferably within the UN system, NGOs, or government in Uganda.
• Skills: Strong understanding of protection guidelines and refugee frameworks. Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Computer literacy is essential.
• Languages: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of other UN languages or local Ugandan languages is a strong asset.
• Core Competencies: Accountability, teamwork, commitment to continuous learning, client and result orientation, judgement, and decision-making.

What We Offer:
Working with UNHCR offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful humanitarian work in Uganda. You will be part of a global organisation dedicated to protecting refugees and displaced persons. We provide a competitive benefits package for General Service staff in line with UN regulations and opportunities for professional growth in a diverse and inclusive environment.

This position is based in our Kampala office. Qualified Ugandan nationals and individuals with legal authorisation to work in Uganda are strongly encouraged to apply.