Protection Associate (Temporary Appointment)

Protection Associate (Temporary Appointment) at the UNHCR Office for Switzerland and Liechtenstein in Berne – Job Opening 38259

The UNHCR Office in Berne is the UNHCR representation in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. We work closely with authorities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other relevant actors in Switzerland and Liechtenstein for the protection of asylum seekers, refugees and stateless people. We also work to find durable solutions for refugees.

We are currently recruiting a

Protection Associate (G-6), initially for 6 months, with possibility of extension

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Office, the Protection Associate will work to enhance the protection of refugees and persons of concern, and promote international and regional refugee law principles through the handling and follow-up of individual cases, including through legal representatives, provision of country of origin/asylum information, evaluations of the asylum system and recognition practice and support to assure the quality of the asylum systems including through training and support reporting including to human rights partners and other actors. To achieve this, the Protection Associate will need to build and maintain effective interfaces with legal representatives, the authorities, the relevant courts, protection partners as well as a broader network of stakeholders who can contribute to enhancing protection of the communities of concern.

Responsibilites

Typical tasks of the Protection Associate include for example:

• Monitor the development of law and doctrine; identify protection gaps and effectively advocate for change.
• Draft position papers on pertinent legal issues.
• Support engagement with stakeholders such as the Federal Administrative Court and other relevant court; authorities; universities and other partners on legal issues.
• Provide legal advice and support as needed on selected complex individual cases.
• Assist in the development of project proposals and project implementation.
• Develop protection strategies.

Required qualifications and work experience:

• Master in law or equivalent.
• Excellent knowledge of international refugee and human rights law and proven long-time work experience in its practical application. Knowledge of and experience in the Swiss asylum system is an asset.
• Capability to effectively manage a constantly changing work agenda with a multitude of different tasks.
• Good skills in managing sensitive relations with counterparts and partners as well as cross-cultural sensitivity.

Languages

• German, French, English – all three essential (German or French at mother tongue level).
• Swiss-German desirable, Italian or other languages are of advantage.

Position start date: as soon as possible