Associate Community Based Protection Officer

August 31, 2026

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

B

FamilyIUNV International

2026-10-12Background
The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) supports the UN Volunteer Associate Programme, with the aim to offer Swedish young professionals first-hand experience within the United Nations system. These assignments aim to strengthen the UN’s capacity and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Specific criteria for UN Volunteer Associate assignments funded by Sida
•Assignments are required to be within the thematic areas of humanitarian assistance, migration and aid, and health/SRHR. DoAs focusing on job creation or digitalization may also be considered; however, these areas are accorded lower priority.
• Assignments must be suitable for recent graduates or young professionals (up to 29) with a Bachelor’s degree and limited experience, and should support learning and professional development.
• Supervisor must be an international staff member, and the UN Volunteer must be in the same duty station as their team.
Roles and responsibilities of UN Host Entities
• Provide UN Volunteers equal duty of care as extended to all UN Host Entity personnel.
• Offer structured guidance, mentoring, and coaching by a supervisor, supported by a clear workplan and defined results.
• Conduct regular performance appraisal during the assignment in accordance with the UN Host Entity performance management policies and processes.
• At the end of the assignment, conduct a performance appraisal, and recognize the UN Volunteer’s skills, competencies, achievements and contributions through a reference letter.
• Further details are provided below and here: Roles and responsibilities of UN Host Entities
Selected resources available in UNV's toolkit for UN Host Entities :
• Creating an attractive Description of Assignment
• Onboarding: Week 1 checklist, 30 days checklist, 60-90 days checklist
• How to set up UN Volunteers up for success
• Practice coaching and mentoring
Assignment title: ASSOCIATE COMMUNITY BASED PROTECTION OFFICER

UN Host Entity: UNHCR
Country of assignment: RWANDA
Duty station: HUYE
Family / non-family duty station: Family Duty Station
Volunteer category: International UN Volunteer Associate
Duration: 12 months
Possibility of extension: Yes [The funding partner funds a 12-month extension] Expected starting date: 12 October 2026
Sustainable Development Goal: 10. Reduced Inequalities
Visa process: [Brief description of the visa process for UN Volunteers and the steps involved, including timeline]

Organization mission and objectives
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is mandated to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees, asylum-seekers, stateless persons and other persons of concern, and to seek durable solutions to their displacement. UNHCR’s operations are guided by international refugee and human rights law and by a strong commitment to accountability to affected popu-lations, age, gender and diversity (AGD) mainstreaming, and community-based protection approaches.
In Rwanda, UNHCR works in close collaboration with the Government of Rwanda, UN agen-cies, civil society organizations, and refugee and host communities to ensure protection and assistance to refugees and asylum-seekers, primarily from the Democratic Republic of Con-go and Burundi. The operation focuses on protection delivery, access to basic services, self-reliance, peaceful coexistence with host communities, and preparation for durable solutions.

The UNHCR Representation Office in Rwanda principally consists of a refugee population (mainly refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo who have been on the Rwandan territory since 1996 and Burundian refugees who arrived in the country further to the volatile situation in Burundi since April 2015) as well as a significant returnee population of Rwandan refugees returning after many years in exile.
UNHCR Huye Field Office is in the Southern Province of Rwanda. As of 31st March 2026, Huye Field Office currently hosts 27,365 refugees spread across two camps (Kigeme 14,296 and Mugombwa 12,317) hosting refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Huye Urban that hosts 752 Burundian urban refugees. UNHCR Huye field office currently works through 7 implementing partners and more than 23 operational partners offering services in the 2 camps, and in the urban area.
Within this context, UNHCR emphasizes strategic partnerships with government as well as bilateral and multilateral partners, including UN organizations and multilateral development agencies working in the Southern Province of Rwanda.

Assignment context

The Huye Field Office, located in Rwanda’s Southern Province, provides protection oversight and operational support to refugees residing in refugee camps and in host communities within its area of responsibility. The Office plays a key role in implementing community-based protection strategies, prevention and response to protection risks, engagement with community structures, and coordination with implementing and operational partners at field level.
Within this context, UNHCR Huye collaborates closely with government counterparts, local authorities, police, social services, NGOs, and community-based organizations to address protection concerns, including child protection, gender-based violence (GBV), support to persons with specific needs, and the strengthening of community resilience and participation. A strong emphasis is placed on meaningful participation of refugees and host communities in decision-making processes that affect their lives.

Task description

The IUNV – Associate Community-Based Protection will be based in Huye and will work under the supervision of the Head of Field Office, or a designated Protection Officer. The UN Volunteer will support the implementation of UNHCR’s community-based protection strategy by engaging directly with communities, supporting outreach and participatory assessments, and contributing to the identification, analysis, and response to protection risks. The assignment will support UNHCR’s efforts to strengthen protection outcomes through locally grounded, inclusive and people-centered approaches, while promoting social cohesion between refugees and host communities.
Through this assignment, the UN Volunteer will contribute to enhancing community engagement, strengthening protection networks, and ensuring that the voices and capacities of refugees and host communities meaningfully inform UNHCR programming and advocacy at field level.

Under the supervision of the Head of Field Office or a designated Protection Officer, the IUNV – Associate Community-Based Protection will undertake the following tasks:
• Support the implementation of UNHCR’s Community-Based Protection (CBP) strate-gy at field level, ensuring meaningful participation of refugees and host communities in protection interventions.
• Conduct community outreach, protection monitoring and participatory assessments to identify and analyze protection risks, capacities, and priorities, with particular attention to age, gender and diversity (AGD).
• Support the establishment, strengthening and follow-up of community-based protec-tion structures, including refugee committees, women and youth groups, and protec-tion focal points.
• Assist in the identification, referral and follow-up of persons with specific needs, in co-ordination with partners and relevant service providers.
• Support prevention and response activities related to GBV, child protection and other protection risks, including awareness-raising and community sensitization.
• Contribute to protection mainstreaming across all sectors by working closely with UNHCR units and implementing partners.
• Participate in coordination meetings with government counterparts, NGOs, communi-ty leaders and other stakeholders at local level.
• Support the collection, documentation and analysis of protection data and contribute to situation reports, activity reports and protection updates.
• Promote accountability to affected populations (AAP) by supporting feedback and complaint mechanisms and ensuring community concerns are reported and followed up.
• Monitor protection activities implemented by partners in the field and provide feedback to supervisors.
• Perform any other protection-related duties as required by the supervisor.


During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance feedback.

Education and experience
Required degree level: Bachelor’s degree [Master’s should not be required]

Area of education/degree: Social Work, Development Studies, Law, Human Rights, Sociology, Psychology, International Relations, or a related field.

Minimum relevant experience: 0 months [predefined by the funding partner, please do not change]

Experience description: Demonstrated interest and/or experience (up to two years) in:
• in protection, community development, social services, humanitarian assistance or re-lated areas.
• working with vulnerable populations, community groups, or grassroots organizations is an asset.
• Prior experience in refugee, displacement or emergency contexts is desirable but not required.
• Experience with health information systems.
• Experience with the provision of quality-assured medicines and medical supplies.
• Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

Skills in:
• Basic understanding of community-based approaches, protection principles, and hu-manitarian values.
• Ability to engage respectfully with people from diverse cultural, social and ethnic backgrounds.
• Willingness and ability to conduct community outreach, field monitoring and participa-tory activities.
• Basic skills in data collection, documentation and reporting.
• Familiarity with referral mechanisms and coordination with service providers is an ad-vantage.
• Ability to use standard office software (Word, Excel, email).

Area(s) of expertise
☐ Administration
☐ Agriculture
☐ Architecture and settlements
☐ Arts and design
☐ Business management
☒ Communication
☐ Community development
☒ Crisis and emergency response
☐ Development programmes
☐ Economics and finance
☐ Education
☐ Elections and governance
☐ Energy and environment
☐ Engineering and construction
☐ Facility management
☐ Health
☐ Human resources
☐ Information technology
☐ Legal affairs
☐ Logistics and inventory
☐ Manual labour and skilled trades
☐ Natural and life sciences
☐ Procurement and contracting
☐ Product safety
☒ Security and protection
☒ Social work
☐ Translation and interpretation
☐ Transport
☐ Volunteer management


Language skills
English:
 working knowledge ☒ fluent ☒
 mandatory ☒ desired ☐

French
 working knowledge ☐ fluent ☐
 mandatory ☐ desired ☒

Competencies and values
Accountability
Adaptability and Flexibility
Building Trust
Client Orientation
Commitment and Motivation
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Communication
Creativity
Empowering Others
Ethics and Values
Integrity
Judgement and Decision-making
Knowledge Sharing
Leadership
Managing Performance
Planning and Organizing
Professionalism
Respect for Diversity
Self-Management
Technological Awareness
Vision
Working in Teams

Living conditions

Huye is not a duty station where staffs reside in UNHCR housing in terms of accommodation. Houses are available for rent and staffs are guided upon arrival to available housing options which are usually equipped with adequate facilities. The usual practice is to give at least a three-months deposit upon signing a rent contract. Huye has small private clinics that can offer consultations with general practicians or some specialists. There is a tertiary level facility (CHUB - Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Butare) which is considered referral hospital at the national level.
Limited education facilities are available for staffs' children. There are no accredited international schools in Huye but private schools offering teaching in English or French, following the national curricula. Security in Huye is at Level 1 and is a family duty station (category B) with low security risks. Banking facilities are available. Transport is available with (private) buses every 30min / every hour (depending on the time of the year) to Kigali. Concerning transport, even though motorcycle taxis are not recommended, they are the fastest way to get around the big cities. Helmets are provided, but it is better to have your own helmet. You can also take a standard taxi. Those with a yellow stripe will be run by individuals. Public transportation is the cheapest, and many of the buses are new and well-maintained. You can also take these buses farther afield; expect to pay a fare based on distance. Shops and markets are available with necessary items including imported goods, home furnishings and electrical appliances.

Conditions of Service

The Conditions of Service, available here: https://explore.unv.org/cos, outline the policies and rules governing UN Volunteer assignments. Full information on entitlements at the duty station can be accessed here: https://app.unv.org/calculator.


Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.


Roles and Responsibilities of UN Host Entities
PRE-ASSIGNMENT - Familiarize with UNV Conditions of Service to understand UNV, UN Volun-teers and host entities’ responsibilities
- Utilize UNV Volunteering Platform (UVP) to create and maintain organizations’ account, for interactions with UNV, and UN Volunteer
- Familiarize with the UVP Explore content to access useful information on demand, at any time and from anywhere
- Develop the Description of Assignment and confirm availability of funds. Assess office accessibility and readiness to host UN Volunteers with disabili-ties
- Organize inclusive candidate selection and submit interview reports using UVP
- Facilitate visa prior to arrival
- Provide reasonable accommodation, improve accessibility of the office and plan for ac-cessible pick-up from the airport for those UN Volunteers with a disability, prior to arrival
DURING THE ASSIGNMENT - Provide UN Volunteers equal duty of care as extended to all host entity personnel
- Facilitate arrival administration including setting up of bank accounts, residence permit applications (including payment of permit costs) and completion of other offi-cial processes as required by the host government or host entity
- Brief new UN Volunteers about the country, organization and office-related context including security, emergency procedures, leave management, good cultural practice and orientation to the local environment. Activate buddy system for the on-boarding
- Include UN Volunteers in emergency and security plans and procedures in line with the UN Security Management System and keep UNV informed during security events such as evacuations. Ensure accessible and disability inclusive security protocols
- Provide accessible working/office space, IT support and access to any other systems and tools required to complete the objectives of the assignment including a host entity email address and ID badge
- Provide access to shared host entity corporate knowledge, training and learning in accessible ways
- Offer structured guidance, mentoring and coaching by a supervisor that includes a clear workplan, results and performance appraisal. Ensure readiness and sensitivity of the supervisor and the team for disability inclusive work
- Investigate misconduct: sharing reports with the UNV
- Provide emergency assistance in an accessible manner. e.g. security evacua-tion, medical evacuation in collaboration with UNV. (MedEvac SOP)
- Provide assistance in case of death of a UN Volunteer in collaboration with UNV
- Manage the UN Volunteer’s leave and performance in Host Entity applicable system or using UNV Volunteer Performance Appraisal form
- Provide DSA for official travel, when applicable and ensure accessible travel and assistance for UN Volunteers with disabilities
END OF ASSIGNMENT - Confirm end of contract, or request extension to UN Volunteer contracts and re-assignments, including confirmation of funds, at least two months in advance of the contract end
- Conduct performance appraisal, and recognize skills, competencies, achieve-ments and contributions in reference letter.

 

Standard Job Description

Associate Community-Based Protection Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Associate Community-Based Protection Officer is a member of the Protection Team in a Regional Bureau or a Country Office and normally reports to the Senior Community-Based Protection Officer, the Senior Protection Officer, Head of Sub-Office or the Assistant Representative for protection.
For a regional position, the incumbent may have direct supervisory responsibility for Protection and Community-Based Protection staff in the regional office, and a technical support role for Community-Based Protection staff in the region. For a country level position the incumbent may have direct supervisory responsibility for Community-based Protection staff and other protection staff in the operation.
S/he supports the implementation of protection standards and provides advice on community-based protection to senior management and Country Operation(s) in close collaboration with the Division of International Protection and Solutions (DIPS).
The incumbent is relied upon by senior management to support a coordinated approach in the implementation of UNHCR's rights-based and community-based engagement with all forcibly displaced and stateless persons and contributes to the achievement of UNHCR's commitments to accountability to affected people.
S/he maintains close working relationships and supports Protection and Community-Based Protection staff in the field, who act as the critical interface between UNHCR and communities of concern, enabling them to provide the AGD-sensitive analysis of community risks and capacities that form the essential foundations of national and regional programmes. The incumbent maintains close working relations with sister UN entities, governmental entities, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions that can contribute to enhancing protection and achieving solutions through people centred, community-based and gender responsive approaches.
The incumbent provides guidance to country operations to strengthen their coordination and advocacy on community-based approaches to protection with governments, partners and other key stakeholders.

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
- Be fully informed about community structures and the protection and security situation of the population of concern and develop strong links with a cross-section of members of refugee/IDP/stateless communities, using an AGD approach.
- Through relationships with forcibly displaced and stateless persons 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 senior management.
- Ensure that the perspectives, capacities, needs and resources of the forcibly displaced and stateless persons are reflected in the protection strategy, planning processes and operations plan addressing the specific protection needs of women and men, children, youth and older persons, persons with disabilities, minority groups such as sexual minorities and persons living with HIV/AIDS.
- Ensure, through direct action and advocacy with more senior protection staff, that the necessary resources are allocated to enable community work to identify and address protection and assistance gaps.
- Support a consultative process with government counterparts at local levels, partners and forcibly displaced and stateless persons to develop and implement integrated strategies that address the key protection priorities, including, for example, child protection, education and GBV, and solutions approaches.
- Provide technical guidance and support to UNHCR and partners and implement and oversee Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on all community-based protection related issues.
- Support the design, implementation and evaluation of protection centred and solutions oriented programming with implementing and operational partners guaranteeing that community-owned activities are integrated.
- Support communities in establishing representation and coordination structures
- Promote confidence building and conflict resolution among forcibly displaced and stateless persons, authorities and host communities.
- Maintain protection presence through regular field missions and reports, making direct contact with forcibly displaced and stateless persons, host communities, local authorities and partners. In operations applying the humanitarian cluster system, contribute to the development of an AGD-compliant strategy on which the response of the Protection Cluster is grounded in and covers all assessed and prioritized protection needs of the affected populations.
- Support the Operation's work to fully integrate the protection strategy into the Country Operations Plan, the UN Development and Assistance Framework (UNDAF), the Humanitarian Country Team's common humanitarian action plan where applicable.
- Contribute to the Protection team's information management component which: provides disaggregated data on forcibly displaced and stateless persons and their problems; researches, collects and disseminates relevant protection information and good practices to enhance protection delivery and provide technical advice if necessary.
- Support the inclusion of participatory, community-based protection and AGD approaches in strategies and plans within the Area of Responsibility (AoR).
- Support community understanding of UNHCR's commitment to deliver on accountability and quality assurance in its response.
- Support forcibly displaced and stateless persons to develop structures that enhance their participation and protection.
- Contribute to the design of the community-based protection strategy, project submissions and budgets for endorsement by the supervisor.
- Intervene with authorities on community-based protection issues.
- Negotiate with local counterparts, partners and forcibly displaced and stateless persons.

- 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

Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P2/NOB - 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
International Development, Cultural Studies, Human Rights,
International Social Work, Social Science, Political Science,
Anthropology, International Law or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified.
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Relevant professional experience, including in the areas of community based protection, community services, social work, and human rights.

Desirable
Proven communication skills, both oral and written.
Demonstrated knowledge of community communication and engagement approaches.
Understanding of and demonstrated competencies in forced displacement and protection, particularly GBV prevention and response, child protection, education, gender equality, and the application of the Age, Gender and Diversity Policy.

Functional Skills
DM-Database Management
IT-Computer Literacy
PR-Coordination in Forced Displacement situations
PR-Convention on the Rights of the Child / International Legal Framework
PR-Gender Equality
PR-Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD)
CO-Drafting and Documentation
ED-Technical support to education programmes and proposals
PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) prevention programming
PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) response programming
(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

,

,

Desired Languages

,

,

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CO-Drafting and Documentation, DM-Database Management, ED-Technical support to education programmes and proposals, IT-Computer Literacy, PR-Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD), PR-Convention on the Rights of the Child / International Legal Framework, PR-Coordination in Forced Displacement situations, PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) prevention programming, PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) response programming, PR-Gender Equality

Education

Bachelor of Arts: Anthropology, Bachelor of Arts: Cultural Studies, Bachelor of Arts: Human Rights, Bachelor of Arts: International Development, Bachelor of Arts: International Law, Bachelor of Arts: International Social Work, Bachelor of Arts: Political Science, Bachelor of Arts: Social Science

Certifications

Other information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance

Remote

No