Protection Associate

Description

and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Desired Candidate Profile

The UNHCR Multi-Country Office (MCO) based in Italy oversees operations in Italy, the Holy See, Malta, and San Marino—countries situated at the crossroads of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, and characterized by diverse asylum systems, distinct legal frameworks, and varying capacities for refugee protection.
This sub region plays a pivotal role in migration and refugee movements to Europe, particularly through the Central and Eastern Mediterranean routes. Irregular arrivals by sea and land, secondary movements, and complex protection needs place continued pressure on national asylum and reception systems. Although the number of arrivals fluctuates, the centrality of these countries in broader European migration dynamics remains constant.
Italy and Malta, in particular, continue to serve as primary entry points to the EU for persons seeking international protection. Their geographic proximity to North Africa positions Italy as a key actor in search and rescue (SAR) activities and in receiving persons rescued at sea.
San Marino and the Vatican City, though not primary asylum destinations, are engaged partners in refugee protection through political advocacy, moral leadership, and resettlement or complementary pathways, especially under community sponsorship and humanitarian corridors supported by faith-based organizations.
In Italy, the RSD system, from the access phase to second instance, is facing historical challenges in ensuring fairness and efficiency of the procedure, while preserving its integrity and safeguarding timely access to status recognition and inclusion for people in need of international protection. The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum will become applicable as of 12 June 2026.

In this context, the incumbent, under the supervision of the Senior Protection Associate (RSD and statelessness), will contribute to MCO Italy’s support to national authorities in the protection-sensitive implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. In particular, s/he will coordinate the implementation of the project aimed at the establishment and roll out of a quality and harmonized system of legal counseling, during the administrative phase of the procedure, in line with the Pact. The incumbent will lead the selection and recruitment process of UNHCR’s legal counselors, deployed in the field, and s/he will be responsible, with the support of the dedicated Senior Protection Assistant, for their supervision and coordination, thus ensuring sound human resources management throughout the implementation of the project. In close coordination with the Senior Protection Associate (RSD and Statelessness), s/he will be tasked with planning, monitoring and supervision of project activities, notably aimed at: supporting the establishment of a Coordination Body on legal counseling at the central level; providing initial and continuous training, coaching and expert support to legal counselors throughout the system; ensuring direct provision of legal counseling to asylum seekers outside reception centres; ensuring quality and harmonized provision of the service, for all asylum seekers, regardless of their geographical location or their reception arrangements, in line with international and European standards, including through the elaboration of dedicated information materials, the development of dedicated SOPs and of a quality assurance system, and the establishment of complaint mechanisms. The incumbent will be responsible for the strategic management of the project, representing the organization in front of competent authorities, constantly and effectively liaising with them, as well as with all relevant interlocutors (other UN agencies, EU agencies, the civil society, etc.), in view of ensuring a successful achievement of the project’s objectives, in line with UNHCR’s advocacy. To this aim, the incumbent will also coordinate and supervise the work of two dedicated technical resources: the Senior Protection Assistant – Capacity Building and the Senior Protection Assistant – Quality Assurance.

This recruitment is subject to funding.

Desired Candidate Profile (DCP)
MCO Italy is looking for an extremely solid candidate with excellent managerial capacities and proven relevant experience and, at the same time, protection and legal expertise in international and EU refugee law and, notably, thorough knowledge of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. The candidate should have proven understanding of the Italian operational context as well as expertise of the asylum system in the country. S/he must be proficient in Italian and English, have excellent drafting and reporting skills in both languages, and have a creative, solution and result-oriented outlook to successfully perform the role and coordinate with national authorities and relevant UNHCR colleagues. The candidate should have the ability to think and execute strategically and possess strong institutional and interpersonal communication skills. RSD and other protection experiences would be an asset.

Functional Clearance

This position doesn't require a functional clearance

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level)

English

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Italian

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Desired languages

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Additional Qualifications

IT-Computer Literacy, PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators, PR-Refugee Protection Principles and FrameworkInternational Law - Other, Political Science - Other

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