Deadline for Applications November 19, 2026 Hardship Level U (unclassified) Family Type No designation Residential location (if applicable) Grade GS4 Staff Member / Affiliate Type General Service Reason Regular > Regular Assignment Target Start Date 2027-01-01 Standard Job Description Protection Assistant Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Protection Assistant normally reports to a more senior Protection colleague. The incumbent provides functional and administrative support to the protection unit on protection related liaison, correspondence, monitoring, case management and reporting activities. The Protection Assistant also supports the protection unit in designing a comprehensive protection strategy and in providing quality, timely and effective protection responses to persons of concern (PoC). S/he may liaise externally with local authorities and partners on correspondence and/or protection issues as guided by the supervisor. The Protection Assistant also facilitates the involvement of PoC in making decisions that affect them, whether in accessing their rights or in identifying appropriate solutions to their problems. To achieve this, the incumbent will need to build and maintain effective interfaces with communities of concern, local authorities and protection and assistance partners. 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 - Consistently apply International and National Law and applicable UN/UNHCR and IASC policy, standards and codes of conduct. - Observe and respect protection related Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). - Provide functional and administrative support in all protection related AGD based programming with implementing and operational partners. - Provide functional and administrative support in implementing participatory approaches, needs assessments, monitoring, reporting and case management. - Support assessments on durable solutions through voluntary repatriation, local integration and where appropriate, resettlement. - Facilitate liaison with competent authorities for the issuance of personal and other relevant documents. - Assist in drafting reports, routine correspondence, updating relevant databases and compiling statistics within the Area of Responsibility (AoR). - Select PoC for preliminary interviews and decide which relevant information to share. - Enforce integrity in the delivery of protection services by local implementing partners. - 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 G4 - 1 year relevant experience with High School Diploma; or Bachelor or equivalent or higher Field(s) of Education Not applicable Certificates and/or Licenses Protection (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential) Relevant Job Experience Essential: Not specified. Desirable: Not specified. Functional Skills PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework IT-Computer Literacy (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 The ideal candidate should have previous experience working with individuals and communities in vulnerable situations, including through NGOs, government institutions, civil society organizations, community-based initiatives, or humanitarian and social assistance programmes. Previous experience within UNHCR or the UN system will be considered an asset. Experience in field-based activities, access to communities and territories, protection monitoring, individual case management, registration, documentation, and data management is highly desirable. Experience in collecting, organizing, analyzing, and reporting protection monitoring data, as well as identifying protection risks, specific needs, and appropriate referral pathways, would be considered an asset. Experience working with Indigenous populations, refugees, migrants, and local communities is particularly valued, especially in activities involving community engagement, participatory approaches, community-based protection, and collaboration with community leaders and local organizations. Familiarity with the specific protection challenges faced by Indigenous communities and culturally sensitive approaches to humanitarian assistance would be an advantage. The candidate should demonstrate good communication, analytical, and organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to engage effectively with local authorities, partner organizations, and diverse communities. Familiarity with national asylum and migration procedures, human rights principles, and protection-related information management tools would be considered an asset. Proficiency in Portuguese, English, and Spanish is mandatory, given the operational context and the need for effective communication with diverse populations and stakeholders. Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): English , Portuguese , Spanish Desired languages , , Operational context Occupational Safety and Health Considerations: To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel. Nature of Position: Brazil hosts an expansive and diverse refugee population, more than 1 Million individuals requiring international protection. The country serves as a vital entry point for refugees primarily from Venezuela, entering through the state of Roraima, and from countries such as Afghanistan, Haiti, Syria, and Ukraine, arriving via humanitarian visas through São Paulo international airport. There has been a notable increase in the number of Cuban asylum-seekers, highlighting Brazil's evolving refugee demographics. UNHCR collaborates closely with the Brazilian government alongside civil society, academia, private sector, and development actors, to facilitate access to basic rights and promote socio-economic integration for refugees. This includes bolstering national and local policies for receiving, protecting, and integrating refugees and other individuals in need of protection. UNHCR's protection efforts extend across the country, targeting vulnerable groups such as survivors of gender-based violence, indigenous populations, and unaccompanied children. Despite Brazil's robust legal framework granting refugees equal rights and unrestricted access to public services, practical challenges remain. Refugees face barriers such as language differences, limited local service capacity, and status-specific impediments affecting their full economic participation. National strategies like Operation Welcome address these challenges, setting standards for reception and assistance, and facilitating relocation across Brazil to foster integration, particularly for the Venezuelan population. Special attention is required for indigenous refugees from Venezuela, who experience significant socio-economic integration obstacles. Tailored initiatives are essential to support their transition from emergency shelters while respecting cultural rights. With the recent influx of Afghan refugees, particularly following the humanitarian visa policy, the local systems in São Paulo are adapting to manage increased arrivals and new community dynamics. Similarly, the growing Cuban refugee population poses challenges requiring UNHCR's continued support in documentation and integration. The Multi-Year Multi-Partner Strategy for Brazil (2026–2029) aims to enhance local integration as a priority, leveraging Brazil's leadership in refugee protection to fortify access to rights through the forthcoming National Policy on Migration, Asylum, and Statelessness. However, challenges such as housing precarity, organized crime vulnerabilities, and socio-economic barriers for women and girls remain significant obstacles that need addressing to ensure successful integration. UNHCR's vision is that by 2029, forcibly displaced and stateless people in Brazil will enjoy a safe, inclusive, and sustainable environment, with fully protected rights and pathways to self-reliance and societal integration. Pacaraima, located in the state of Roraima along the Brazil–Venezuela border, is one of the main entry points for refugees and migrants arriving in Brazil. The municipality is characterized by a dynamic cross-border environment, mixed population movements, diverse protection needs, and a significant presence of Indigenous refugee and migrant populations, both in urban areas and in Indigenous host communities. Refugees and migrants account for approximately 36% of Pacaraima's total population, highlighting the significant demographic and socioeconomic impact of cross-border movements on the municipality and the importance of inclusive public policies and sustainable protection responses. Since 2018, the Brazilian Federal Government has led Operation Welcome (Operação Acolhida), a coordinated humanitarian response established to address the arrival of Venezuelan refugees and migrants. UNHCR has been a key partner in this response, providing technical and operational support to government institutions and working alongside UN agencies, civil society organizations, and other humanitarian actors. After several years of implementation, Operation Welcome is undergoing a gradual transition from an emergency-oriented humanitarian response towards a more sustainable, solutions-focused approach. This evolving context places increasing emphasis on strengthening public institutions, integrating protection responses into national and local public policies, promoting access to rights and services, and reinforcing the capacity of government authorities and local organizations to ensure long-term protection and inclusion. UNHCR has been actively contributing to this transition, advocating for sustainable protection mechanisms, institutional ownership, and durable solutions for refugees and migrants. Within this framework, UNHCR's Field Unit in Pacaraima plays an important role in supporting the coordination of protection and documentation services at the border, conducting protection monitoring, identifying and referring individuals with specific protection needs, and maintaining close engagement with government authorities, humanitarian partners, and communities. The operation also works closely with Indigenous communities, refugee-led organizations, and local stakeholders, promoting community-based protection, participatory approaches, localization, and community empowerment. The Protection Assistant will be part of UNHCR's core staff team in Pacaraima, supporting protection activities across the area of responsibility. The position will involve field-based protection monitoring, registration and documentation support, individual case management, data collection and management, and the preparation of protection monitoring reports. The incumbent will also contribute to community engagement activities and support the identification of protection risks, needs, and trends to inform operational planning and evidence-based advocacy. Given the operational environment and the ongoing transition of the humanitarian response, the position requires adaptability, cultural sensitivity, teamwork, and strong interpersonal and organizational skills. Regular field visits, including to Indigenous communities and other locations within the area of responsibility, are expected. Living and Working Conditions: Pacaraima is a small town with very basic services and limited infrastructure. Living conditions are relatively simple, with a restricted range of commercial, healthcare, educational, and leisure facilities compared to larger urban centers. Boa Vista, the capital of the state of Roraima, is approximately 3.5 hours away and offers quality services and infrastructure, including a domestic airport, shopping centers, specialized healthcare facilities, and a wider range of accommodation and recreational options. Housing is available in the town of Pacaraima, as well as accommodation within the military base of Operation Welcome. Due to its remote location and border context, residents should be prepared for a less urban lifestyle and may need to travel to Boa Vista to access certain goods, services, and amenities. Additional Qualifications Skills IT-Computer Literacy, PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators, PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework Education Certifications HCR Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR Protection Induction Prog - UNHCR Work Experience Competencies Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Organizational awareness, Stakeholder management, 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 [email protected]. 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.

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