Senior Protection Associate

May 12, 2026

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

B

FamilyUNOPS LICA7

2026-06-011. General Background
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is the UN Agency dedicated to protecting rights and seeking durable solutions for refugees worldwide. UNHCR is in the field in over 125 countries. A National Office in Honduras opened in 2015 in order to strengthen UNHCR’s protection work in the region as part of the UNHCR's Regional Protection and Solutions Strategy for the countries in the North of Central America (NCA). Honduras is characterized by a situation of internal displacement due to high levels of violence. It continues to be affected by high levels of violence, representing a challenge in terms of protection and assistance. Given this context, UNHCR supports the State in designing public policies that can prevent and respond to internal displacement, while at the same time developing protection networks by working with partners to provide protection alternatives as close to home as possible. The Office in Tegucigalpa became a Country Office in 2020, as well as Field Units in San Pedro Sula, Choluteca, and Tegucigalpa, to maintain a presence in the field. Some 45% of the operational budget is implemented directly by UNHCR in Honduras, and the Tegucigalpa, to maintain remaining 55% is implemented through implementing partners. There are currently 14 Partnership Agreements signed with implementing partners. By 2026, it will begin with 5 agreements with partners, but it is expected that the number of agreements will increase during 2026 as proposals submitted to donors are approved. There is a significant portion of implementation of cash-based interventions through vouchers and multipurpose cash to both refugees and internally displaced persons. There is also the need to ensure harmonization of indicators across partners, donors, and technical working groups, aligned with the UN Cooperation Framework.

2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment
The Senior Protection Associate reports to the Protection Officer or the Senior Protection Officer. The position may entail supervisory responsibilities for protection staff including community services, registration, resettlement and education depending on the structure of the Office. The incumbent monitors protection standards, operational procedures and practices in protection delivery in line with international standards and provides functional protection support to information management and programme staff.

The Senior Protection Associate is expected to coordinate quality, timely and effective protection responses to the needs of populations of concern (PoC) and identify opportunities to mainstream protection methodologies and integrate protection safeguards in operational responses in all sectors. The incumbent contributes to designing a comprehensive protection strategy and represents the Office externally on protection doctrine and policy as guided by the supervisor.
S/he also ensures that PoC are involved in making decisions that affect them, whether in accessing their rights or in identifying appropriate solutions to their problems. To achieve this, the incumbent will need to build and maintain effective interfaces with communities of concern, local authorities and protection and assistance partners.
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.

OPERATIONAL CONTEXT:
Honduras is characterized by a situation of protracted internal displacement due to violence, with escalating protection risks, including human rights violations, forced recruitment, violence against women and girls, compounded by extreme weather events and natural hazards. More than 247,000 people are currently internally displaced in the country, with many more at risk of displacement. The high levels of violence continue to represent a challenge in terms of protection and assistance. Strengthening the prevention of internal displacement and the response remain key priority. Support for returnees with protection needs is also an area of focus to support their sustainable integration.
Honduras has traditionally been a country of origin and, in recent years, has also become a transit country in the context of mixed movements and a country of asylum. Since January 2025, northbound migration flows have decreased; while some individuals are returning to their countries of origin or relocating within the region, others have chosen to seek international protection in Honduras. The increasing number of asylum claims is straining the Government’s response capacities. This trend highlights the urgent need to strengthen the national asylum system and bolster efforts to expand protection and sustainable solutions for refugees and asylum-seekers. While many advancements have been made over the years to strengthen the asylum system, there is an urgent need to provide technical assistance to ensure an efficient, effective, and updated process, incorporating best practices and international standards.
UNHCR is committed to supporting the national institutions, ensuring more agile and accessible procedures, expanding territorial presence, improving the technical capacity of personnel, and broadening integration opportunities, moving towards durable solutions for refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced people, and returnees with protection needs.
The Senior Protection Associate is responsible to provide legal advice and legal analysis related to the protection and integration of refugees, asylum-seekers and displaced people. They provide technical support in the drafting of legislation, regulations, policy and programmes. They work closely with government, public institutions and NGOs. They consult with forcibly displaced people to support the inclusion of the perspectives in protection programming and public policy. They provide trainings to government staff, NGOs, civil society and community groups on the legal rights of refugees, and forcibly displaced people. Experience in drafting legislation, regulations and public policy documents is highly desirable. Experience with Honduran legislation and regulations related to forced displacement, refugees, the national asylum system, human rights and socioeconomic integration is highly desirable. Experience working closely with government, UN agencies, NGOs and forcibly displaced people is highly desirable. Experience training a broad audience on protection of forcibly displaced people and asylum and refugee law is highly desirable.
Duties
- Stay abreast of political, social, economic and cultural developments that have an impact on the protection environment.
- Consistently apply International and National Law and applicable UN/UNHCR and IASC policy, standards and codes of conduct.
- Assist in providing comments on existing and draft legislation related to PoC.
- Provide advice and guidance on protection issues to PoC; liaise with competent authorities to ensure the issuance of personal and other relevant documentation.
- Assist in conducting eligibility and status determination for PoC in compliance with UNHCR procedural standards and international protection principles.
- Contribute to measures to identify, prevent and reduce statelessness.
- Contribute to a country-level child protection plan as part of the protection strategy.
- Contribute to a country-level education plan as part of the protection strategy.
- Assist the supervisor in implementing and monitoring Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all protection/solutions activities.
- Manage individual protection cases including those on GBV and child protection. Monitor, and assist the supervisor with intervening in cases of refoulement, expulsion and other protection incidents.
- Assist in identifying durable solutions for the largest possible number of PoC through voluntary repatriation, local integration and where appropriate, resettlement.
- Contribute to the design, implementation and evaluation of protection related AGD based programming with implementing and operational partners.
- Contribute to and facilitate a programme of results-based advocacy with sectorial and/or cluster partners.
- Facilitate effective information management through the provision of disaggregated data on PoC and their problems.
- Participate in initiatives to capacitate authorities, relevant institutions and NGOs to strengthen national protection related legislation and procedures.
- Assist the supervisor with intervening with authorities on protection issues.
- Provide assistance to the supervisor in deciding priorities for reception, interviewing and counselling for groups or individuals.
- Assist the supervisor with enforcing compliance of staff and implementing partners with global protection policies and standards of professional integrity in the delivery of protection services.
- Assist the supervisor with enforcing compliance with, and integrity of, all protection standard operating procedures.
- Recommend and prepare payments to individual cases.
- Perform other related duties as required.
3. Monitoring and Progress Controls
(Clear description of measurable outputs, milestones, key performance indicators and/or reporting requirements which will enable performance monitoring)
- Maintain weekly and monthly reporting of activities and monthly reporting of indicators
- Maintain records of direct implementation expenditure, reception of goods or services.
- Ensure that the purchasing processes of direct implementation are entered into the systems and communicated with programme, supply and administration units.
- Support the UNHCR technical units in the construction of terms of reference for the purchasing processes via direct implementation.
- Support in the monitoring of agreements with partners and workplans with strategic allies.
- Support in the processes to strengthen UNHCR partners and technical teams in protection policies and processes.
- Support with monitoring and evaluation, development of indicators.

4. Qualifications and Experience

(List the required education, work experience, expertise, and competencies of the individual contractor. The listed education and experience should correspond with the level at which the contract is offered.

a. Education (Level and area of required and/or preferred education)

4 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher.

b. Work Experience

(List number of years and area of required work experience. Clearly distinguish between required experience and experience, which could be an asset)

Essential:

- Not specified.

Desirable:

- Training RSD-Resettlement LP and/or Protection Learning Programme.

Language Requirements:

- Spanish level: Mother Tongue (required)

- English level: B2 (required)

Functional Skills:

IT-Computer literacy

CL-Protection & Solutions Awareness

PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators

PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework

(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

c. Key Competencies

(Technical knowledge, skills, managerial competencies, or other personal competencies relevant to the performance of the assignment. Clearly distinguish between required and desired competencies).

Core Competencies:

Accountability

Communication

Organizational Awareness

Teamwork & Collaboration

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Client & Result Orientation

Managerial Competencies:

Judgement and Decision Making

Empowering and Building Trust

Cross-Functional Competencies:

Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

Political Awareness

Stakeholder Management

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS

A. English and Spanish are mandatory (B2 level).

B. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to sit a technical test.

C. If you wish to be considered for this INTERNAL/FORMER STAFF/EXTERNAL vacancy, please submit your application according to the following instructions:

CANDIDATES WITH ACCESS TO THE WORKDAY: In order to apply, you must first create your profile in the WORKDAY system.

WHEN CREATING A CANDIDATE PROFILE IN WORKDAY, PLEASE USE CAPSLOCKS FOR LAST NAME AND NO SPECIAL CHARACTERS (Ñ OR ACCENTS)

Former UNHCR locally recruited staff member who held a fixed-term or indefinite appointment, can apply for regular positions in their staff category as candidate with UNHCR-experience (within 2 years following separation for males and 5 years for females). To apply for vacancies as Former staff, please access Workday and create your profile there in the Former staff section (eligibility will be verified).

External Candidates: Through the UNHCR Careers portal.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Only short-listed candidates will be notified. The recruitment process might include a written test and/or oral interview for this job opening. No late applications will be accepted.

UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training, or any other fees).

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted based on the information submitted during the application. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision, or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

UNHCR is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, sexual orientation, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. UNHCR seeks to ensure that male and female employees are given equal career opportunities. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

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.

UNHCR has a zero-tolerance policy against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA). SEA is unacceptable behavior and prohibited conduct for UNHCR personnel. It constitutes acts of serious misconduct and is therefore grounds for disciplinary measures, including dismissal.

REMUNERATION

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, please visit the portal of the International Civil Service Commission at: http://icsc.un.org
International Civil Service Commission (ICSC)

 

Standard Job Description

Senior Protection Associate

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Protection Associate reports to the Protection Officer or the Senior Protection Officer. The position may entail supervisory responsibilities for protection staff including community services, registration, resettlement and education depending on the structure of the Office. The incumbent monitors protection standards, operational procedures and practices in protection delivery in line with international standards and provides functional protection support to information management and programme staff.

The Senior Protection Associate is expected to coordinate quality, timely and effective protection responses to the needs of populations of concern (PoC) and identify opportunities to mainstream protection methodologies and integrate protection safeguards in operational responses in all sectors. The incumbent contributes to designing a comprehensive protection strategy and represents the Office externally on protection doctrine and policy as guided by the supervisor.

S/he also ensures that PoC are involved in making decisions that affect them, whether in accessing their rights or in identifying appropriate solutions to their problems. To achieve this, the incumbent will need to build and maintain effective interfaces with communities of concern, local authorities and protection and assistance partners.

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
- Stay abreast of political, social, economic and cultural developments that have an impact on the protection environment.
- Consistently apply International and National Law and applicable UN/UNHCR and IASC policy, standards and codes of conduct.
- Assist in providing comments on existing and draft legislation related to PoC.
- Provide advice and guidance on protection issues to PoC; liaise with competent authorities to ensure the issuance of personal and other relevant documentation.
- Assist in conducting eligibility and status determination for PoC in compliance with UNHCR procedural standards and international protection principles.
- Contribute to measures to identify, prevent and reduce statelessness.
- Contribute to a country-level child protection plan as part of the protection strategy.
- Contribute to a country-level education plan as part of the protection strategy.
- Assist the supervisor in implementing and monitoring Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all protection/solutions activities.
- Manage individual protection cases including those on GBV and child protection. Monitor, and assist the supervisor with intervening in cases of refoulement, expulsion and other protection incidents.
- Assist in identifying durable solutions for the largest possible number of PoC through voluntary repatriation, local integration and where appropriate, resettlement.
- Contribute to the design, implementation and evaluation of protection related AGD based programming with implementing and operational partners.
- Contribute to and facilitate a programme of results-based advocacy with sectorial and/or cluster partners.
- Facilitate effective information management through the provision of disaggregated data on PoC and their problems.
- Participate in initiatives to capacitate authorities, relevant institutions and NGOs to strengthen national protection related legislation and procedures.
- Assist the supervisor with intervening with authorities on protection issues.
- Provide assistance to the supervisor in deciding priorities for reception, interviewing and counselling for groups or individuals.
- Assist the supervisor with enforcing compliance of staff and implementing partners with global protection policies and standards of professional integrity in the delivery of protection services.
- Assist the supervisor with enforcing compliance with, and integrity of, all protection standard operating procedures.
- Recommend and prepare payments to individual cases.

- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For G7 - 4 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education
Not applicable

Certificates and/or Licenses
International Law;
Political Science;
or other relevant field.
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified.

Desirable
RSD-Resettlement LP and/or Protection Learning Programme

Functional Skills
IT-Computer Literacy
PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators
PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework
(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.

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.

Required Languages

English

,

Spanish

,

Desired Languages

,

,

Additional Qualifications

Skills

IT-Computer Literacy, PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators, PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework

Education

Certifications

International Law - Other, Political Science - Other

Other information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance

Remote

No