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
2026-04-01
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 operation’s 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 UNHCR’s 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 center’s 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
Other information
This position doesn't require a functional clearance
Remote
No