Protection Associate: Safeguarding Human Rights in Adamawa at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

In the complex landscape of forced displacement, the protection of vulnerable individuals remains the cornerstone of all humanitarian intervention. This role at the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is essential for ensuring that international legal standards are translated into tangible safety for those fleeing conflict and persecution. By acting as a frontline advocate and coordinator, you will help secure the fundamental rights, dignity, and future of thousands, making a profound difference in the stability and recovery of the Northeast region.

Job Summary

The Protection Associate serves as a critical link between UNHCR’s strategic policies and the real-world needs of Populations of Concern (PoC). Reporting to the Protection Officer in Yola, you will monitor operational procedures, provide technical support for information management, and coordinate timely responses to protection incidents. Your primary goal is to ensure that protection safeguards are integrated across all sectors of the humanitarian response, ensuring that displaced persons are active participants in the decisions that shape their lives.

Why This Role is Important

In Adamawa State, where displacement patterns are fluid and complex, the risk of human rights violations—including refoulement, statelessness, and gender-based violence—is high. As a Protection Associate, you are the early-warning system and the primary responder. Your ability to identify durable solutions and manage individual cases directly prevents further harm and helps displaced families transition from emergency survival to long-term integration or safe return.

Key Responsibilities

Standard Monitoring & Legal Advocacy

• Track socio-political and economic shifts to assess their impact on the safety and rights of displaced populations.
• Apply international and national legal frameworks to ensure all UNHCR activities adhere to global codes of conduct.
• Support the review of local legislation and advocate for policies that strengthen the legal standing of refugees and returnees.

Case Management & Direct Intervention

• Manage high-priority protection cases, with a specialized focus on Child Protection and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
• Intervene directly in critical incidents such as forced expulsion or refoulement to ensure legal protections are upheld.
• Facilitate the issuance of vital personal documentation by liaising with local government authorities.

Community Engagement & Inclusive Strategy

• Implement an Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) approach in all program designs to ensure inclusive assistance.
• Lead community-based initiatives that empower displaced persons to access their rights and identify their own solutions.
• Contribute to national strategies regarding education, child welfare, and the prevention of statelessness.

Operational Coordination & Compliance

• Oversee Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for field activities, ensuring technical and financial integrity.
• Capacitate local NGOs and government partners through training on protection doctrine and professional ethics.
• Provide data-driven insights through rigorous information management to support evidence-based programming.

Essential Qualifications & Skills

• Educational Background: A Bachelor’s Degree in Law, International Relations, Political Science, or a related Social Science field.
• Professional Experience: At least 2 years of relevant humanitarian experience for Degree holders (or 3 years for those with a High School Diploma).
• Core Competencies: Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and a profound respect for diversity and human rights.
• Technical Skills: Experience in status determination, case management, and monitoring protection standards in field settings.
• Analytical Ability: Proficiency in managing disaggregated data and conducting risk assessments in high-pressure environments.

Benefits of Joining UNHCR

• Global Career Path: Be part of a premier UN agency with opportunities for international mobility and professional growth.
• Meaningful Impact: Directly contribute to the safety and survival of millions of displaced people worldwide.
• Professional Excellence: Work within a framework of world-class humanitarian standards and legal expertise.

Salary Expectations

Competitive (Based on the UN General Service salary scale for Nigeria).

About the Organization

Established in 1950, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is the global leader in protecting the rights and well-being of refugees, stateless people, and those displaced by conflict. Originally intended as a temporary three-year organization, our mandate has evolved over seven decades to address the unprecedented scale of global displacement. We work in over 130 countries, providing life-saving assistance, advocating for better laws, and searching for durable solutions. Our mission is built on the belief that every person has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge, free from persecution and violence.

Application Details

• Location: Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Application Deadline: January 8, 2026
• How to Apply: Qualified candidates must submit their application through the official UNHCR careers portal: Apply via UNHCR Workday Portal

Tips for Applicants

1. Focus on “Protection” Terminology: Familiarize yourself with UNHCR’s “Protection” terminology, such as AGD (Age, Gender, and Diversity) and PoC (Populations of Concern).
2. Highlight Case Experience: If you have managed sensitive cases involving children or GBV survivors, ensure these are clearly detailed in your CV.
3. Show Local Knowledge: Given the location in Yola, highlighting your understanding of the Northeast Nigerian context and local protection challenges will be a significant advantage.