Protection Associate, Ankara, Türkiye

UN News; Çankaya; On-site; TRY 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

UNHCR Türkiye seeks a Protection Associate to support the Protection Unit in case processing, monitoring and analysis. The role involves drafting guidance notes, coordinating with partners and field offices, and contributing to child protection and GBV initiatives.

Strong drafting, reporting and stakeholder coordination are essential. Limited relocation support and strict adherence to UNHCR protection standards will be expected, with a focus on evidence-based planning and inter-agency

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Social Sciences or related field.
• Strong analytical and drafting abilities.
• Experience in protection, asylum, migration management or related areas.

Responsibilities

• Support the Protection Unit in implementing core protection functions and case processing.
• Contribute to protection monitoring, data analysis and reporting.
• Provide guidance to partners and coordinate with field units and public institutions.
• Support child protection, GBV prevention and response within the unit.

Skills

Research and Analytical Thinking

Planning and Organizing

Stakeholder Management

Data collection, compilation and data

Strong drafting skills

Accountability

Client & results orientation

Commitment to continuous learning

Judgement and decision making

Negotiation and conflict resolution

Organizational awareness

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or equivalent in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Social Sciences or related field

Tools

Good computer skills

Job description

Deadline for Applications September 22, 2026 Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based) A (least hardship) Family Type (not applicable for home-based) Family Staff Member / Affiliate Type CONTR Local Entry and Mid-Level Support Target Start Date 2026-10-01

Terms of Reference

During the past 60 years, UNHCR and the Government of Türkiye have been working together in close partnership. In 2013, Türkiye adopted a new legislation, the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP) and established a central civilian authority in charge of procedures for foreigners. As the main partner of the Turkish State in the field of international protection, UNHCR Türkiye provides support to the Presidency of Migration Management (PMM) and the relevant national institutions. UNHCR Representation in Türkiye operates through a Country Office based in Ankara, and through sub-offices and field offices in Gaziantep, Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara, as well as field units.

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations

To view occupational safety and health considerations for specific duty stations, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The Protection Associate will support the Protection Unit in the implementation of core protection functions, including individual case interventions, protection monitoring, data and information analysis, and drafting of guidance notes. The incumbent will contribute to the Unit's efforts to standardize and enhance the quality of protection responses, including those delivered by UNHCR partners. S/he will be part of the team engaged in case processing and protection interventions, providing technical guidance to partners on individual cases and coordinating closely with technical and field units as well as public institutions. The incumbent will also support the Unit’s work in child protection, gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response, and other specific protection interventions. S/he will contribute to the continuous improvement of case processing mechanisms, oversee the quality and compliance of protection responses implemented by partners, and provide internal reporting on identified gaps and areas requiring improvement. As part of a team reviewing protection interventions, the incumbent will ensure compliance with applicable protection standards and procedures. The role requires close liaison with field units, partners, and relevant stakeholders to ensure that all steps in individual case processing are completed, referrals and protection interventions are carried out effectively, and appropriate follow-up is conducted to ensure resolution of cases. The Protection Associate will contribute to evidence-based protection planning by consolidating and analysing thematic and operational data, including data related to persons with specific needs and other risk profiles. The position requires prior experience in contributing to protection monitoring frameworks and drafting analytical inputs for reporting, as well as a strong understanding of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) principles to support results- and impact-based reporting and performance tracking. The incumbent will require to support the preparation and review of protection reports, analytical briefs, strategy documents, internal guidance and tools aimed at strengthening coordination and informed decision-making at country level.

Required Qualifications, Language(s) and Work Experience

• Bachelor's or equivalent or higher in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Social Sciences or a related field.
• Research and Analytical Thinking
• Planning and Organizing
• Stakeholder Management
• Data collection, compilation and reporting
• Strong drafting skills
• Accountability
• Client & results orientation
• Commitment to continuous learning
• Judgement and decision making
• Negotiation and conflict resolution
• Organizational awareness
• Stakeholder management
• Excellent knowledge of Turkish and fluency in English
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work in a team

Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.
• Knowledge of International Refugee Law and Human Rights Law and ability to apply the relevant legal principles.
• Completion of the UNHCR Learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of the position.
• Good knowledge of UNHCR financial rules, procedures and processes.
• Good computer skills
• Prior exposure to UNHCR refugee operations and functions relating to office administration and programme activities.

Minimum years of work experience Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience in protection, asylum, migration management, or related areas.

Language Required: Turkish mother tongue and excellent command of English

Desirable: Any other UN language (C1)

Monitoring and Progress Controls The incumbent will receive guidance from the Senior Protection Officer in the operation and will be under the direct supervision of the Assistant Inter-Agency Coordination Officer. UNHCR Manual, Operations Plans, UN, and UNHCR financial/budgetary rules and regulations will guide the work of the Project Associate. S/he is expected to stay abreast of the challenges posed to the region by the political context, the UN and humanitarian reform, and institutional developments.

Individual Contractor Agreements

Definition: Individual contractor is an individual engaged by UNHCR under a contract of limited duration to provide skills or knowledge for the performance of a specific task or piece of work and engaged under an individual contract issued directly by UNHCR. They are neither staff members of UNHCR under the Staff Regulations and Rules, nor Officials for the purpose of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations of 13 February 1946.

Contract Duration/Renewal: Any extension of an individual contract is subject to operational needs, satisfactory service, and availability of funds. There is no expectation of renewal or conversion of the individual contract beyond its expiry date.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, inclusive of mandatory night shifts, possibility of work on weekends and official holidays as part of the assigned schedule.

Leave Entitlements: Annual leave at the rate of two and a half working days per month. Sick leave at the rate of two working days for each month of service.

Medical Coverage: Cigna Health Insurance, also available optionally for eligible dependents subject to additional contribution rates.

Remuneration: Remuneration at the level of the vacancy based on the International Civil Services Commission (ICSC) salary scale.

Legal Requirements: Individual Contractors must comply with relevant local legislation, including but not limited to those relating to taxation, social security requirements, licenses, work permits and visas, and other details stipulated in the terms of their contract. UNHCR undertakes no liability for taxes and social security contributions, duties or other contributions payable by the individual contract holder on payments made under the individual contract. The individual contract holders will not be reimbursed such taxes or granted any other benefit, payment or subsidy which is not expressly provided for in the contract under which they are engaged. UNHCR may require the individual contract holder to provide evidence within a reasonable time that they have registered for and are paying applicable taxation and social security to the relevant national authorities.

Important to note: The Individual Contractor shall be responsible for paying any tax levied by his/her Government or other entities on his/her UNHCR earnings. Under no circumstances shall UNHCR be responsible for paying or reimbursing such taxes.

Important to note: Once the MFA ID is issued, the time spent under an Individual Contract no longer counts toward eligibility for Turkish citizenship.

Important to note: The Individual Contractor shall be responsible for paying any tax levied by his/her Government or other entities on his/her UNHCR earnings. Under no circumstances shall UNHCR be responsible for paying or reimbursing such taxes.

The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.

Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.

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