Senior Community-Based Protection Assistant Jobs – United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Job Overview

The Senior Community-Based Protection Assistant position at UNHCR Kiryandongo offers an opportunity to work directly with refugee communities to enhance their protection and wellbeing. This role is integral to implementing community-based protection strategies that empower persons of concern to identify risks and develop self-protection mechanisms. The incumbent will spend significant time in the field building trust and maintaining relationships with diverse community groups.

Reporting to the Protection Officer or Community-Based Protection Officer, this role requires close collaboration with government agencies, NGO partners, and other stakeholders to ensure coordinated protection responses. The position demands strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work effectively in challenging environments while maintaining strict confidentiality and adhering to UNHCR protection principles.

Kiryandongo hosts a significant refugee population primarily from South Sudan, making this location critical for UNHCR’s protection operations in Uganda. The successful candidate will contribute to sustainable solutions that address both immediate protection needs and longer-term resilience building within refugee and host communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct regular field visits to refugee settlements and host communities to assess protection risks and identify community capacities for self-protection.
• Facilitate participatory assessments with women, men, girls, and boys to ensure diverse community perspectives inform protection planning and programming.
• Support the establishment and strengthening of community-based protection structures such as child protection committees and women’s forums.
• Monitor and document protection incidents through community networks while ensuring confidential handling of sensitive information.
• Provide feedback to the Protection Unit on emerging protection trends and gaps identified through community engagement activities.
• Collaborate with partners to refer individuals with specific needs to appropriate services including legal aid, psychosocial support, and medical care.
• Assist in organizing community dialogues and awareness sessions on topics such as gender-based violence prevention and child protection.
• Contribute to the development of community-based protection strategies by ensuring they are grounded in consultations with persons of concern.
• Maintain accurate records of field activities, community meetings, and protection monitoring data for reporting purposes.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• University degree in Social Sciences, Law, International Relations, or a related field from a recognized institution.
• Minimum three years of progressive experience in community work, protection, or humanitarian assistance with NGOs or UN agencies.
• Demonstrated experience working with refugee or displaced populations in field settings, preferably in East Africa.
• Proficiency in English both written and spoken; knowledge of Arabic or local Ugandan languages is an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to build trust across diverse cultural and social groups.

Desirable

• Previous experience with UNHCR or other UN agencies in protection or community services roles.
• Training in participatory methodologies, community mobilization, or protection mainstreaming.
• Experience in gender-based violence prevention and response or child protection programming.
• Familiarity with UNHCR’s Protection Policy, Age, Gender and Diversity approach, and community-based protection framework.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a vehicle in challenging field conditions.

What the Role Offers

• Competitive salary and benefits package in accordance with UN salary scales for national staff positions in Uganda.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage including medical, dental, and vision care for employee and eligible dependents.
• Generous leave entitlements including annual leave, sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave as per UN policies.
• Opportunities for professional development through UNHCR training programs and access to online learning platforms.
• Housing allowance and transport support to facilitate effective performance in the Kiryandongo duty station.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a detailed CV, copies of academic certificates and professional credentials, and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the position. Please apply now by clicking the link below.

About the Company

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution. Established in 1950, UNHCR leads international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide.

In Uganda, UNHCR works closely with the government and partners to provide protection and assistance to over 1.5 million refugees and asylum-seekers. The Kiryandongo operation supports refugees primarily from South Sudan, delivering essential services including protection, shelter, livelihoods, and education in coordination with humanitarian partners.

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