Chief of Field Protection Support Section

December 22, 2025

H (no hardship)

FamilyFamily

PR5

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2025-12-08

Chief of Field Protection Support Section

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Chief of the Field Protection Support Section works under the direct supervision of the Head of Durable Solutions and Field Protection Service, Division of International Protection and Solutions (DIPS) and is part of the DIPS Senior Management Team. The incumbent has direct supervisory responsibility for technical expert staff working on community-based protection; prevention of risk mitigation and response to gender-based violence (GBV); child protection; accountability to affected people (AAP); gender equality and other cross-cutting priorities such as disability inclusion.

The incumbent is responsible to develop, promote and monitor the implementation of norms, standards, tools, policy and operational guidance for UNHCR country operations pertaining inter alia to GBV prevention and response, gender equality, child protection, AAP and individual case management. He/she advises on the formulation and monitor the implementation of UNHCR protection policies (AGD, CP and GBV), operational guidelines and strategies to permit the effective performance of UNHCR's international protection mandate and its protection lead responsibilities under the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC). He/she also supports relevant protection learning initiatives and capacity development.

The incumbent represents UNHCR and proactively contributes to various interagency processes at the global level, and within the IASC, the Call to Action on protection from GBV in emergencies and Alliance for CP in humanitarian action. S/he provides technical support to the GPC Ops Cell as may be required and may represent UNHCR in the Global Protection Cluster (GPC). The incumbent also represents UNHCR in an expansive network of partnerships with international organizations, donors, host states and other stakeholders on all thematic issues pertaining to the portfolio covered by the Section. S/he is an advocate of refugee and IDP protection as well as of statelessness prevention in numerous fora.

The incumbent fosters strategic partnerships with UN agencies (with UNICEF, UNFPA and UN Women), NGOs, civil society coalitions and refugee and IDP-led organisations, especially those that are women-led. He/she promotes the centrality of protection and UNHCR’s protection leadership. He also supports UNHCR’s priorities on sustainable responses and the route-based approach and consistently promotes inclusion into national services.

The Chief of the Field Protection Support Section cultivates and maintains a close working relationship with the Regional Bureaux and field operations, the latter largely through Senior Protection Officers to ensure operational support and compliance with UNHCR's internal guidance. He/she likewise assures DIP's collaboration with other Divisions on emergency response and technical support to field operations, protection mainstreaming, protection programming, policy updates/development and compliance with UNHCR internal standards/guidelines and strategic directions in relation to GBV and child protection, as well as the implementation of the UN Gender-Equality Acceleration Plan, UN SWAP and UN Disability Strategy 2.0.

The incumbent promotes a culture that is results-oriented, efficient and based on trust and pursues measures to ensure that inclusion, gender balance and diversity are taken into due consideration in staffing, resource allocation and representation at all levels.

As a key custodian of the organization’s standards of conduct, s/he will proactively establish a working environment where all personnel feel safe, heard, equipped and empowered to speak up; demonstrate no tolerance for sexism, gender inequality, discrimination of any kind, abuse of power, harassment or sexual harassment; foster ongoing dialogue on those matters; take seriously all issues of inappropriate behaviour and actions reported, whether formally or informally; and seek guidance and support as necessary to ensure that appropriate follow-up is taken, working on the basis of zero tolerance for any form of misconduct.

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

• Engage with and maintain close contact with the Regional Bureaux and operations for the purpose of providing timely and expert advice as well as support in meeting corporate priorities (including in relation to protection strategies, adequate operational engagement, solutions strategies, coordination and collaboration with partners, protection information management) and complying with internal and inter-agency policies and standards.

• Develop networks and communicate effectively to ensure adequate understanding, visibility and access to internal/external guidance and tools that need to be applied at field level to recognize and respond to the protection risks/needs of crisis-affected communities.

• Lead, where appropriate, and contribute to the review, update, development and dissemination (including outreach and visibility) of global policy, standards, guidance and tools on CBP, GBV prevention and response, child protection, AAP and inclusion, individual case management and protection information management. 

• Stay abreast of developments in operational protection requirements -- at global, regional and nation levels -- to inform work on policy development and advice.

• Develop fund raising strategies and flagship initiatives (e.g. on GBV).

• Expand and invest in strategic partnerships at global/regional level on community engagement, child protection, protection from GBV, AAP and inclusion.

• Collaborate closely with protection experts in DIPs and with other Divisions to mainstream protection, in particular on AGD, child friendly considerations and GBV risk mitigation.

• Set priorities for internal and external capacity development for community-based, child and GBV protection as well as on protection leadership.

• Participate actively in inter-agency fora and initiatives (IASC, Call to Action on protection from GBV and Alliance for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action, Gender Equality Acceleration Plan, UNSWAP and UNDIS), representing and moving forward the views and positions of UNHCR on protection in complex humanitarian crises and on both IDP and refugee protection.

• Cultivate and maintain effective collaboration with partners and key stakeholders, mobilizing support and buy-in where necessary and appropriate for specific country-level interventions and regional/global initiatives and activities led by UNHCR, including for inclusion of refugees into national services and the route-based approach.

• Lead, where appropriate, and coordinate UNHCR's initiatives on CBP, accountability and inclusion, CP and GBV in the context of the refugee coordination model.

• Lead and coordinate DIPS inputs on above mentioned themes for external reports (e.g. Global Report, Global Appeal, Global Trends, donor reports).

• Supervise and coach staff in the Section, enabling access to learning and career development opportunities.

• Represent DIPS in internal and external meetings on issues related to community engagement, AAP, inclusion, individual case management, GBV and child protection.

• Clear documents, policies and reports related to above-mentioned issues.

• Negotiate and take initiatives with external partners on issues within the scope of the Section.

• Lead risk assessments and discussions with team(s) to proactively manage risks and seize opportunities impacting objectives. Ensure that risk management principles are integrated in decision-making both at strategic and operational levels. Allocate resources for planned treatments with resource requirements in Strategic Plans. Ensure that risks are managed to acceptable levels and escalate, as needed. If a Risk Owner, designate the Risk Focal Point and certify that the annual risk review is completed and ensure that the risk register is updated during the year, as needed.

• Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level

For P5 - 12 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 11 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 10 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education

Law;                                                  International Law;                                           Political Science;

International Humanitarian Law;       International Refugee Law;                             International Relations;      or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses

Management Learning Programme;

(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

Proven track record of progressively responsible experience in relevant functions in an organisation or institution with a protection mandate, preferably within the UN. Knowledge of International humanitarian law, refugee law and human rights law and their application; ability to analyse and advocate for the application of relevant international and regional legal instruments for the benefits of the persons under UNHCR's mandate.

Desirable

Solid field experience (including Hardship Duty stations). Proven track record in emergency preparedness, response and management. Knowledge of several UN languages.

Functional Skills

*PR-Developing Strategic Protection Framework;

*PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators;

*PR-Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD);

*ER-Inter-Agency Coordination;

PR-Gender Equality;

PR-Refugee Coordination Model;

PR-Human Rights Doctrine/Standards;

PR-International Humanitarian Law;

PR-Climate change and disaster related displacement;

(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.

Competency Requirements

All jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies. The six core competencies are listed below.

Core Competencies

Accountability

Communication

Organizational Awareness

Teamwork & Collaboration

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Client & Result Orientation

Managerial Competencies

Empowering and Building Trust

Judgement and Decision Making

Leadership

Managing Performance

Managing Resources

Strategic Planning and Vision

Cross-Functional Competencies

Planning and Organizing

Policy Development and Research

Political Awareness

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.

Essential: Proven track record of progressively responsible experience in relevant functions in an organisation or institution with a protection mandate, preferably within the UN. Knowledge of International humanitarian law, refugee law and human rights law and their application; ability to analyse and advocate for the application of relevant international and regional legal standards and instruments for the benefits of the persons under UNHCR's mandate.

The desired candidate will have significant and varied UNHCR field protection experience with refugees, IDPs and stateless populations. They will have a history of operational protection and of close engagement with Programme colleagues and systems. They will have taken the lead in the consultation on and drafting of multi year protection and solutions strategies (internal and / or external), and on elements of their implementation. The candidate will have a history in fundraising and in reporting, as well as in the management and negotiation of indicators used by multiple actors.

The desired candidate will have represented UNHCR in external fora, and will have led either Cluster or RCM coordination mechanisms. They will have a history of in-person and written advocacy, and will have contributed to both formal and more informal communications on protection.

The selected candidate will have a strong management history and a commitment to an engaged and diverse workforce.

Desirable: Solid field experience (including Hardship Duty stations). Proven track record in emergency preparedness, response and management. Knowledge of several UN languages.

Knowledge of French, Spanish and/or Arabic is desirable as well as the specific field experience the candidate should have. DIPS seeks diversity in its workforce and will consider gender and geographic diversity in the composition of its teams. DIPS encourages colleagues with disabilities to apply.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

The position is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and can accommodate the specific needs for qualified candidates.

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The position is part of the Solutions and Field Protection Service within the Division of International Protection and Solutions and reports to the Head of Service / Deputy Director of the Division.

 

The Chief of the Field Protection Support Section works under the direct supervision of the Head of Durable Solutions and Field Protection Service, Division of International Protection and Solutions (DIPS) and is part of the DIPS Senior Management Team. The incumbent has direct supervisory responsibility for technical expert staff working on community-based protection; prevention of risk mitigation and response to gender-based violence (GBV); child protection; accountability to affected people (AAP); gender equality and other cross-cutting priorities such as disability inclusion.

 

The team is responsible for the development, promotion and monitoring of the implementation of norms, standards, tools, policy and operational guidance for UNHCR country operations pertaining inter alia to GBV prevention and response, gender equality, child protection, AAP and individual case management. The incumbent leads the team on the domestication of UNHCR's implementation of UNHCR protection policies (AGD, CP and GBV), operational guidelines and strategies to permit the effective performance of UNHCR’s protection leadership responsibilities within the Organisation, and in the wider humanitarian community, and within Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) bodies. He/she also supports relevant protection learning initiatives and capacity development.

 

The incumbent represents UNHCR and proactively contributes to various interagency processes at the global level, and within the IASC, the Call to Action on protection from GBV in emergencies and Alliance for CP in humanitarian action. S/he and the team provide technical support to the GPC Ops Cell as may be required and may represent UNHCR in the Global Protection Cluster (GPC). The incumbent also represents UNHCR in an expansive network of partnerships with international organizations, donors, host states and other stakeholders on all thematic issues pertaining to the portfolio covered by the Section. S/he is an advocate of refugee and IDP protection as well as of statelessness prevention in numerous fora.

 

The incumbent fosters strategic partnerships with UN agencies (with UNICEF, UNFPA and UN Women), NGOs, civil society coalitions and refugee and IDP-led organisations, especially those that are women-led. He/she promotes the centrality of protection and UNHCR’s protection leadership. He also supports UNHCR’s priorities on sustainable responses and the route-based approach and consistently promotes inclusion into national services.

 

The Chief of the Field Protection Support Section cultivates and maintains a close working relationship with Regional Bureaux and field operations, the latter largely through Senior Protection Officers to ensure operational support and compliance with UNHCR's internal guidance. He/she likewise assures DIP's collaboration with other Divisions on emergency response and technical support to field operations, protection mainstreaming, protection programming, policy updates/development and compliance with UNHCR internal standards/guidelines and strategic directions in relation to GBV and child protection, as well as the implementation of the UN Gender-Equality Acceleration Plan, UN SWAP and UN Disability Strategy 2.0.

 

The incumbent promotes a culture that is results-oriented, efficient and based on trust and pursues measures to ensure that inclusion, gender balance and diversity are taken into due consideration in staffing, resource allocation and representation at all levels.

 

As a key custodian of the organization’s standards of conduct, s/he will proactively establish a working environment where all personnel feel safe, heard, equipped and empowered to speak up; demonstrate no tolerance for sexism, gender inequality, discrimination of any kind, abuse of power, harassment or sexual harassment; foster ongoing dialogue on those matters; take seriously all issues of inappropriate behaviour and actions reported, whether formally or informally; and seek guidance and support as necessary to ensure that appropriate follow-up is taken, working on the basis of zero tolerance for any form of misconduct. 

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.

 

Living and Working Conditions:

The position is based in Geneva, Switzerland. The incumbent will be required to travel, sometimes on short notice. Living and working conditions in Switzerland are up to the level of a highly developed country, where easy access to quality schooling, services, medical support, and higher education is available. The position requires residence in Geneva and cannot be undertaken remotely, although some teleworking is possible, after discussions with the manager.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

ER-Inter-Agency Leadership/Coordination, PR-Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD), PR-Climate change and disaster related displacement, PR-Developing Strategic Protection Framework, PR-Gender Equality, PR-Human Rights Doctrine/Standards, PR-International Humanitarian Law, PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators, PR-Refugee Coordination Model

Bachelor of Arts: International Humanitarian Law, Bachelor of Arts: International Law, Bachelor of Arts: International Refugee Law, Bachelor of Arts: International Relations, Bachelor of Arts: Law, Bachelor of Arts: Political Science

Certifications

HCR Management Learning Program - UNHCR

Competencies

Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Policy research & development, Political awareness, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration

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

Compendium

Flash Vacancy Notice

Additional Information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance