JOB DESCRIPTION

C

Family

Family

GS6

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2025-09-01

August 4, 2025

Community-Based Protection Associate

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Community-Based Protection Associate is a member of the Protection Unit and may report to the Protection Officer, Community-Based Protection Officer, or another more senior staff member in the Protection Unit. Under the overall direction of the Protection Unit, and in coordination with other UNHCR staff, government, NGO partners and other stakeholders, the Community-Based Protection Associate works directly with communities of concern to identify the risks they face and to leverage their capacities to protect themselves, their families and communities. The incumbent may have direct supervisory responsibility for part of the protection and/or support staff and supports the application of community-based protection standards, operational procedures and practices in community-based protection delivery at the field level. To fulfil this role, the Community-Based Protection Associate is required to spend a substantial percentage of the workday outside the office, building and maintaining networks within communities of PoC. The development and maintenance of constructive relationships with PoC that measurably impact and enhance protection planning, programming and results, form the core of the work of the incumbent. S/he also supports the designing of a community-based protection strategy by ensuring that it is based on consultation with PoC.

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
– Assist functional units, the Multi-Functional Team (MFT) and senior management to integrate participatory and community-based approaches in the overall protection strategy and operational procedures.
– Through relationships with PoC and network of partners, stay abreast of political, social, economic and cultural developments that have an impact on the protection environment and provide advice to the protection team. Understand the perspectives, capacities, needs and resources of the PoC and advise the protection team accordingly, highlighting the specific protection needs of women and men, children, youth and older persons, persons with disabilities, marginalized groups.
– Work with host communities to identify opportunities for national civil society involvement in improving the protection of PoC.
– Work with implementing and operational partners as well as with displaced and local communities to develop community-owned activities to address, where applicable, the social, educational, psycho-social, cultural, health, organisational and livelihood concerns as well as child protection and prevention and response to GBV.
– Assist in the analysis that identifies the capacities of communities of concern and risks they face.
– Support participatory assessments by multifunctional teams and ongoing consultation with PoC.
– Assist in planning and monitoring of programmes and budgets, with an AGD perspective
– Build office capacity for community-based protection through training and establishing systems for community mobilization and participation of PoC.
– Support communities in establishing representation and coordination structures.
– Ensure community understanding of UNHCR’s commitment to deliver on accountability and quality assurance in its response.
– Act as an interpreter in exchange of routine information, contribute to related liaison activities and respond directly to routine queries.
– Contribute to the enforcement of participatory AGD sensitive analysis as an essential basis for all of UNHCR’s work.
– Initiate AGD sensitive interventions at the appropriate level on community-based protection issues and to respond to protection concerns and incidents within the office, with external interlocutors, groups and individuals based on agreed parameters.
– Identify and select which individuals or groups to prioritize for counselling and field visits based on agreed criteria.
– Intervene with authorities on protection.
– Enforce compliance of implementing partners with global protection policies and standards of professional integrity in the delivery of protection services.
– Recommend and prepare payments to individual cases.

– 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 G6 – 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education
Not applicable.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Development, Human Rights, International Law
International Social Work, Social Science, Political Science,
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified.

Desirable
UNHCR learning programmes (PLP). Knowledge of MSRP.

Functional Skills
IT-Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
*IT-Computer Literacy
UN-UN/UNHCR Administrative Rules, Regulations and Procedures
PR-Community-based Protection – Principles and methodologies
CL-Multi-stakeholder Communications with Partners, Government & Community
PG-Stakeholder management and coordination with Implementing Partners (Gov/NGO/Corporate)
TR-Capacity Buidling
(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.

Nature of Position
The Community-Based Protection Associate (G6) is supervised by the Associate Durable Solutions Officer and will work in close coordination with the Protection Associate and the Head of Field Office (FO) Solwezi. As part of the Solwezi FO Team, the Community-Based Protection Associate (G6) supports the office to integrate participatory and community-based approaches in the overall protection strategy and operational procedures in UNHCR’s mandate. The incumbent will assist UNHCR FO Solwezi to support partners, including government agencies such as the Commissioner for Refugees, the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services and the Department of Resettlement, to provide effective protection, assistance and solutions for refugees, asylum-seekers and former refugees in the area of the settlement and beyond.
The Government of the Republic of Zambia has, in January 2024, launched a National Refugee Policy and Implementation Plan which includes important commitments towards local long-term solutions for refugees and former Angolan and Rwandan refugees in Zambia. These commitments align with Zambia’s pledges during the last two Global Refugee Forums in support of the Global Compact on Refugees. In collaboration with government agencies and other partners, the Community Based Protection Associate (G6) will contribute to UNHCR’s efforts to support the government to implement the new Policy. This includes leveraging UNHCR”s convening power to bring together key stakeholders, encouraging and guiding government actions, and collaborating with government and civil society organizations.
By focusing on sustainable responses, the Community-Based Protection Associate (G6) will contribute to building the resilience of the forcibly displaced and promoting their long-term inclusion by accessing national services and opportunities.
Specific activities will include extensive field presence, leading interagency coordination meetings, organizing town halls and community leader meetings, engaging with actors and keeping service mapping up to date, identifying the protection risks and solutions obstacles the forcibly displaced face and to leverage their capacities to protect themselves, their families, and communities. This will involve conducting protection assessments, identifying and responding to protection concerns, and providing counselling and support services to communities, highlighting the specific protection and solutions needs of women and men, children, youth and older persons, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups.
The incumbent will engage in various operational activities, including monitor the protection situation in the field and identify emerging trends and challenges; document protection incidents and concerns; provide individual counselling and support, including to survivors of violence and trauma; refer cases to specialized services as needed, maintain accurate and confidential case records using digital systems for the management of cases; conduct community outreach activities to raise awareness of protection rights and responsibilities; assist in planning and monitoring of programmes and budgets, with an age, gender and diversity (AGD) perspective; prepare regular reports on protection activities, including case studies and statistical data; collaborate with other UNHCR staff, partner organizations, and government authorities to ensure a coordinated and effective protection response, including addressing, where applicable, the social, educational, psycho-social, cultural, health, and livelihood concerns as well as child protection and prevention and response to GBV; build office capacity for community-based protection through training and establishing systems for community mobilization and participation of communities; support communities in establishing representation and coordination structures; act as an interpreter when required; participate in inter-agency coordination meetings; enforce compliance of implementing partners with global protection policies and standards of professional integrity in the delivery of protection services; and perform other related duties as required.
The role demands coordination of quality, timely, and effective protection and solutions responses to the needs of forcibly displaced populations but also the integration of protection safeguards across all operational sectors. The Community-Based Protection Associate is expected to monitor and elevate protection standards, operational procedures, and practices in protection delivery in line with international standards. Additionally, the incumbent must be fully conversant with anti-fraud, integrity and accurate identity data management policies, standards and operating procedures to ensure their full application at the operational level.

Desired Candidate Profile
The Community-Based Protection Associate must have relevant experience in humanitarian or development work, including conducting assessments, community development, individual counselling, and community outreach, as well as having a strong knowledge of child protection and gender-based violence issues. The candidate should also have experience in collecting, analysing, and reporting on data related to protection concerns, as well as delivering training and workshops on protection issues.
S/he must have demonstrated experience working in a demanding work environment that requires establishing systems, following standard procedures, and meeting deadlines. Familiarity with online/digital tools is essential and full computer literacy is required, including the use of Microsoft excel.
The incumbent must be experienced in collecting, using, and managing data that relates to community-based protection and development actions.
S/he will preferably have experience in organising and coordinating interventions to integrate protection safeguards and solutions approaches tailored to the needs of forcibly displaced populations or other vulnerable groups. The incumbent must have demonstrated experience in liaison with external authorities, including governmental and non-governmental partners, communities of concern, local authorities and development actors. Candidates with prior experience working with forcibly displaced communities and an understanding of related challenges will be considered favourably.
The incumbent must have an understanding of risk-based approaches to work, fraud mitigation and prevention, duty to report suspicions of fraud and its consequences, as well as documentation of suspected or reported incidents of fraud by clients, colleagues, partners, or third parties. The candidate must have strong ICT skills. Excellent English language proficiency and drafting skills both orally and in writing are essential. The candidate must be a strong communicator.
On core competencies, the incumbent must demonstrate the ability to make timely and sound decisions in rapidly changing situations, the ability to uphold the highest ethical standards, and exhibit a high level of awareness of and respect for cultural diversity and the ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural and multiethnic environment. Moreover, the candidate must be able to meet deadlines and to work under time bound pressure.

Operational Context
UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to support States to ensure that everyone forced to flee can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org).
In Zambia, UNHCR supports the Government of Zambia to provide an enabling protection environment that allows asylum-seekers, refugees and former refugees to be protected, be self-reliant and achieve durable solutions. UNHCR has been present in Zambia since 1967. UNHCR in Zambia has three field offices/units (one in Solwezi, one in Kawambwa, one in Kaoma) and a Representational Office in Lusaka.
Zambia has adopted a comprehensive refugee response approach, as outlined in the New York Declaration (2016) and the Global Compact on Refugees (2018), which guide the country’s refugee and asylum response. This framework promotes an all-of-society approach, emphasizing strong investment and international support to address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term socio-economic development solutions for forcibly displaced and local host communities. In fulfilling its mandate, UNHCR proactively pursues and advocates for sustainable responses that not only meet urgent needs but also foster long-term benefits, in line with the United Nations” Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This approach integrates economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection to ensure present needs are met without compromising the well-being of future generations.
Zambia is a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, reaffirming its commitment to international refugee protection standards. The country”s asylum and refugee response are governed by the Refugees Act of 2017, which provides the legal framework for refugee status determination, rights, and obligations of refugees, as well as their access to protection and assistance in Zambia. In addition, Zambia”s National Refugee Policy and its Implementation Plan provide a structured approach to refugee management, promoting self-reliance, inclusion in national systems, and durable solutions in line with international and regional commitments.
As of 30 June 2025, Zambia hosts some 111,262 forcibly displaced persons (82,017 refugees; 11,159 asylum seekers and 18,086 former refugees and others of concerns) in three refugee settlements and other urban areas including Lusaka. The vast majority live in the three refugee settlements, namely Mayukwayukwa (27,051), Meheba (45,973), Mantapala (9,480), and some (28,757) have settled in urban locations. The Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) coordinates asylum and refugee management through the office of the Commissioner for Refugees (COR) in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security and in close collaboration with other government departments and the inter- governmental steering committee established for this purpose, with the direct support of UNHCR.UNHCR in Zambia has three field offices/units (one in Solwezi, one in Kawambwa, one in Kaoma) and a Representational Office in Lusaka.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Nature of Position:

Living and Working Conditions:

 

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CL-Multi-stakeholder Communications with Partners, Government & Community, IT-Computer Literacy, IT-Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), PG-Stakeholder management and coordination with Implementing Partners (Gov/NGO/Corporate), PR-Community-based Protection – Principles and methodologies, TR-Capacity Buidling, UN-UN/UNHCR Administrative Rules, Regulations and Procedures

Certifications

Community Development/Social Work – Other, Development Studies – Other, Human Rights – Other, International Law – Other, Political Science – Other, Social Sciences – Other

Competencies

Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Managing performance, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Political awareness, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional Information

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for written test and/or oral interview

This position doesn”t require a functional clearance