Protection Associate

Deadline for Applications September 22, 2026 Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based) A (least hardship) Family Type (not applicable for home-based) Family Staff Member / Affiliate Type CONTR Local Entry and Mid-Level Support Target Start Date 2026-10-01 Terms of Reference During the past 60 years, UNHCR and the Government of Türkiye have been working together in close partnership. In 2013, Türkiye adopted a new legislation, the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP) and established a central civilian authority in charge of procedures for foreigners. As the main partner of the Turkish State in the field of international protection, UNHCR Türkiye provides support to the Presidency of Migration Management (PMM) and the relevant national institutions. UNHCR Representation in Türkiye operates through a Country Office based in Ankara, and through sub-offices and field offices in Gaziantep, Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara, as well as field units. Occupational Safety and Health Considerations To view occupational safety and health considerations for specific duty stations, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel Purpose and Scope of Assignment: The Protection Associate will support the Protection Unit in the implementation of core protection functions, including individual case interventions, protection monitoring, data and information analysis, and drafting of guidance notes. The incumbent will contribute to the Unit’s efforts to standardize and enhance the quality of protection responses, including those delivered by UNHCR partners. S/he will be part of the team engaged in case processing and protection interventions, providing technical guidance to partners on individual cases and coordinating closely with technical and field units as well as public institutions. The incumbent will also support the Unit’s work in child protection, gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response, and other specific protection interventions. S/he will contribute to the continuous improvement of case processing mechanisms, oversee the quality and compliance of protection responses implemented by partners, and provide internal reporting on identified gaps and areas requiring improvement. As part of a team reviewing protection interventions, the incumbent will ensure compliance with applicable protection standards and procedures. The role requires close liaison with field units, partners, and relevant stakeholders to ensure that all steps in individual case processing are completed, referrals and protection interventions are carried out effectively, and appropriate follow-up is conducted to ensure resolution of cases. The Protection Associate will contribute to evidence-based protection planning by consolidating and analysing thematic and operational data, including data related to persons with specific needs and other risk profiles. The position requires prior experience in contributing to protection monitoring frameworks and drafting analytical inputs for reporting, as well as a strong understanding of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) principles to support results- and impact-based reporting and performance tracking. The incumbent will require to support the preparation and review of protection reports, analytical briefs, strategy documents, internal guidance and tools aimed at strengthening coordination and informed decision-making at country level. Required qualifications, language(s) and work experience: • Bachelor's or equivalent or higher in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Social Sciences or a related field. Required/mandatory: • Research and Analytical Thinking • Planning and Organizing • Stakeholder Management • Data collection, compilation and reporting • Strong drafting skills • Accountability • Client & results orientation • Commitment to continuous learning • Judgement and decision making • Negotiation and conflict resolution • Organizational awareness •