Senior Community-Based Protection Assistant at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – Nigeria


Senior Community-Based Protection Assistant at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – Nigeria

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Senior Community-Based Protection Assistant at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – Nigeria REMOTE POSSIBLE

Recruiter: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

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About United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is part of the United Nations system, working to promote international cooperation and address global challenges. As a UN entity, it contributes to the organization’s mission of maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, and promoting international cooperation in solving international problems and encouraging respect for human rights.

Job Summary

This position offers an opportunity to contribute to administrative management within United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)’s important work in international cooperation and sustainable development. Working in Nigeria, you will collaborate with international colleagues and partners to address global challenges and promote sustainable development. This role provides an excellent opportunity for professional growth while making a meaningful contribution to international cooperation and global peace and security.

Full Job Description

Deadline for Applications March 10, 2026 Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based) E (most hardship) Family Type (not applicable for home-based) Non Family with Residential Location Staff Member / Affiliate Type UNOPS LICA5 Target Start Date 2026-04-01 Terms of Reference 1. General Background SO Kakuma covers two main areas of operation: Kakuma and Kalobeyei integrated settlement. Kakuma is located in the North-western region of Kenya, about 720.4 Km from Nairobi. The camp was established in 1992 following the arrival of the “Lost Boys of Sudan”. During that year, large groups of Ethiopian refugees fled their country following the fall of the Ethiopian government. Somalia had also experienced high insecurity and civil strife causing people to flee. Total population of the camp is 312,539 registered refugees and asylum seekers at the end of December 2025 from 24 nationalities. UNHCR launched the Kalobeyei Integrated Social Development Plan (KISEDP) at the end of 2018, a multi-agency collaborative plan to develop the local economy and service delivery. KISEDP is a platform that facilitates collaboration and coordination between the government, UN agencies, development actors, NGOs, private sector, civil society and communities to build sustainable services and economic opportunities in Kalobeyei. The Government of Kenya in collaboration with UNHCR and other actors launched the Shirika Plan which aims to promote the socioeconomic inclusion of refugees in Kenya by transforming camps into integrated settlements for both refugees and asylum seekers. Aligned with SHARE, the Plan seeks to alleviate pressure on hosting communities and enhance self-reliance for both refugees and host communities. It encompasses various sectors such as education, health, livelihoods, social protection, and environmental management. While the operations focus remains on inclusion and durable solutions, Kakuma continues to receive new arrivals from various countries, life saving assistance and promoting community participation remains at the centre of UNHCRs activities in Kakuma Municipality. 2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment The Senior Community-Based Protection (CBP) Assistant is a member of the CBP Unit within the Operation and forms an integral part of the Protection team. The incumbent reports directly to the Associate Field Officer. Under the overall direction of the Protection Unit, and in coordination with other UNHCR staff, government, NGO partners and other stakeholders, the Senior Community-Based Protection Assistant 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 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 Senior Community-Based Protection Assistant is required to spend a substantial percentage of the workday outside the office, building and maintaining networks within communities of persons of concern (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. In addition, the Senior Community Based Protection Assistant supports the identification and assistance of vulnerable individuals and persons with specific needs, contributing to a protection response that is inclusive, responsive, and community driven. 3. Monitoring and Progress Controls (Clear description of measurable outputs, milestones, key performance indicators and/or reporting requirements which will enable performance monitoring) 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 Build partnerships and working relations with partners and government counterparts; Ensure protection needs of persons of concern are identified timely and responded to, including through provision of case-management when required. Case-management is a substantive component of the Senior Community Based Protection Assistant’s portfolio. Ensure participatory, community-based protection and AGD approaches are included in protection programming, implementation and monitoring. Carry out mobilization and capacity building of refugee community, partners and local authorities jointly with Protection Officer and the team; Support UNHCR’s consultative process with local government counterparts, partners and persons of concern for effective needs assessment and planning; Support in maintaining protection presence through regular field missions and reports, making direct contact with persons of concern, host communities, local authorities and partners; Work with the team and partners in mapping, strengthening and coordinating community representative structures. Promote confidence building and conflict resolution among populations of concern, authorities and host communities. Coordinate the implementation and monitoring of programs ensuring that identified protection needs, including an Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) approach, are adequately addressed; Oversee transit and reception centers activities in coordination with other sectors/units, partners and Government counterparts Assist in the coordinated implementation and oversight of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all protection/solutions activities. Provide support to field-related activities, including shelter and relocation assistance, NFI distribution, monitoring of the overall situation in camps and settlements, and oversight of reception centre activities; 4. Qualifications and Experience b. Work Experience For G5 – 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher community-based protection and repatriation, especially in refugee camp settings. Knowledge of UNHCR’s case management applications (ProGres V4, KASI, Freshdesk) c. Key Competencies

  • Communication
  • Client & Result Orientation
  • Teamwork & Collaboration
  • Strategic planning and vision
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Innovation & Creativity
  • Technological Awareness
  • Planning & Organizing
  • Political Awareness
  • Stakeholder Management Standard Job Description Required Languages , , Desired Languages , , Additional Qualifications Skills Education Certifications Work Experience Other information This position doesn’t require a functional clearance Remote No 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…

Key Details

  • Job Title: Senior Community-Based Protection Assistant
  • Grade: G-5
  • Location: Kakuma (Remote work possible)
  • Department: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
  • Contract Type: General Service Staff
  • Salary Range:$39,000.0 – $52,000.0 USD annually

Qualifications

  • Not specified in the official posting

Skills

  • Not specified in the official posting

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation package
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
  • Inclusive and collaborative work environment

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the official UN careers portal. Female candidates and candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.