Deadline for Applications March 11, 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 2026-04-01 Terms of Reference During the past 60 years, UNHCR and the Government of Turkiye have been working together in close partnership. In 2013, Turkiye 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 Turkiye provides support to the Presidency of Migration Management (PMM) and the relevant national institutions. UNHCR Representation in Turkiye 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 The Protection Associate will contribute to the implementation of activities within the scope of Support to the National Asylum System and the Protection Response in Turkiye Project under the Regional Migration Governance Programme (RMGP-TWB), funded by Denmark. The project aims to enhance access to registration and protection in Turkiye through the provision of technical and operational support to the Presidency of Migration Management (PMM), strengthening quality, timely and protection-sensitive registration and documentation procedures, and ensuring the effective identification and referral of persons with specific needs through Protection Desks (PDs), in line with national legislation and international standards. Under the supervision of the Associate Protection Officer and the overall oversight of the Senior Protection Officer (Head of Unit), the Protection Associate will support the implementation of project activities contributing to the quality and timeliness of registration and documentation processes, as well as to the strengthened identification and referral of persons with specific needs. The incumbent is expected to:

• Support monitoring and quality assurance of registration and Protection Desk processes, including consolidation of findings from field missions and follow-up on agreed recommendations and action points.
• Support the planning, organization and follow-up of capacity-building activities for PMM/PDMM personnel, including thematic protection sessions targeting Protection Desk personnel. This includes preparation of training materials, compilation of participant data, and drafting of training and evaluation reports, contributing to the strengthened knowledge and capacity of Protection Desk staff.
• Assist in the collection, compilation and verification of quantitative and qualitative data related to project indicators.
• Prepare qualitative and quantitative analysis on the performance and quality of proceedings undertaken by the Protection Desks, analysis of profiles, changing trends and provide quality inputs to assist programming.
• Support the design, organization and documentation of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with asylum seekers and status holders to gather qualitative feedback on Protection Desk services; assist in the analysis of findings and preparation of summary reports to inform advocacy efforts, quality improvement measures, and harmonized implementation across provinces.
• Contribute to participatory assessment exercises and satisfaction survey analysis to strengthen evidence based monitoring of the fairness, quality and efficiency of procedures.
• Undertake field missions, as required, to support monitoring, FGDs, data collection and quality assurance activities.
• Assist in drafting narrative inputs for donor reporting, documenting progress against established baselines and annual targets.
• Support coordination with PMM counterparts in relation to project implementation, monitoring findings and follow-up actions.
• Perform other related duties necessary for the effective implementation of the project. 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. Field of expertise,competencies:
• Experience on UNHCR access to registration and documentation etc. is an asset Required/mandatory:
• Research and Analytical Thinking
• Planning and Organizing
• Stakeholder Management
• Data collection, compilation and reporting
• Strong drafting skills
• Excellent knowledge of Turkish and fluency in English
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team Desirable:
• Knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.
• Knowledge of International Refugee Law and Human Rights Law and ability to apply the relevant legal principles.
• Completion of the UNHCR Learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of the position.
• Good knowledge of UNHCR financial rules, procedures and processes.
• Good computer skills
• Prior exposure to UNHCR refugee operations and functions relating to office administration and programme activities.
• Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience in protection, asylum, migration management, or related areas.Language: Required: Turkish mother tongue and excellent command of English Desirable: Any other UN language (C1) Monitoring and Progress Controls
• The incumbent will receive guidance from the Senior Protection Officer in the operation and will be under the direct supervision of the Associate Protection Officer. UNHCR Manual, Operations Plans, UN, and UNHCR financial/budgetary rules and regulations will guide the work of the Project Associate. S/he is expected to stay abreast of the challenges posed to the region by the political context, the UN and humanitarian reform, and institutional developments. Individual Contractor Agreements Definition: Individual contractor is an individual engaged by UNHCR under a contract of limited duration to provide skills or knowledge for the performance of a specific task or piece of work and engaged under an individual contract issued directly by UNHCR. They are neither staff members of UNHCR under the Staff Regulations and Rules, nor Officials for the purpose of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations of 13 February 1946. Contract Duration/Renewal: Any extension of an individual contract is subject to operational needs, satisfactory service, and availability of funds. There is no expectation of renewal or conversion of the individual contract beyond its expiry date. Working Hours: 40 hours per week, inclusive of mandatory night shifts, possibility of work on weekends and official holidays as part of the assigned schedule. Leave Entitlements: Annual leave at the rate of two and a half working days per month. Sick leave at the rate of two working days for each month of service. Medical Coverage: Cigna Health Insurance, also available optionally for eligible dependents subject to additional contribution rates. Remuneration: Remuneration at the level of the vacancy based on the International Civil Services Commission (ICSC) salary scale. Legal Requirements: Individual Contractors must comply with relevant local legislation, including but not limited to those relating to taxation, social security requirements, licenses, work permits and visas, and other details stipulated in the terms of their contract. UNHCR undertakes no liability for taxes and social security contributions, duties or other contributions payable by the individual contract holder on payments made under the individual contract. The individual contract holders will not be reimbursed such taxes or granted any other benefit, payment or subsidy which is not expressly provided for in the contract under which they are engaged. UNHCR may require the individual contract holder to provide evidence within a…