Community-Based Protection Associate

Volunteering Legal Crisis & Emergency Response

Overview

Support implementation of Community-Based Protection strategies.

You have:

• Demonstrated interest and/or experience (up to two years) in protection, community development, social services, humanitarian assistance or related areas.
• Prior experience in refugee, displacement or emergency contexts is essential.
• Experience working with the government and local authorities is required.
• Solid experience in working in a sensitive context and familiarity with the refugee dynamics in the Great Lakes region is essential.
• Ability to use standard office software (Word, Excel, email).
• Basic skills in data collection, documentation and reporting.
• Ability to engage respectfully with people from diverse cultural, social and ethnic backgrounds.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

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. Refugees reside in refugee camps and in host communities within its area of responsibility. 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. 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. 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, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Support the implementation of UNHCR’s Community-Based Protection (CBP) strategy at field level, ensuring meaningful participation of refugees and host communities in protection interventions. • Support in conducting 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 protection structures, including refugee committees, women and youth groups, and protection focal points. • Assist in the identification, referral and follow-up of persons with specific needs, in coordination 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, community 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. • Support in promoting accountability to affected populations (AAP) by supporting feedback and complaint mechanisms and ensuring community concerns are reported and followed up. • Support in monitoring 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.

☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒Commitment to Continuous Learning ☒Adaptability and Flexibility ☒Commitment and Motivation ☒Communication ☒Ethics and Values ☒Integrity ☒Planning and Organizing ☒Professionalism ☒Respect for Diversity ☒Working in Teams

Demonstrated interest and/or experience (up to two years) in: • Protection, community development, social services, humanitarian assistance or related areas. • Working with vulnerable populations, community groups, or grassroots organizations is an asset. • Prior experience in refugee, displacement or emergency contexts is essential. • Experience working with the government and local authorities is required • Solid experience in working in a sensitive context and familiarity with the refugee dynamics in the Great Lakes region is essential • Experience with ProGres database and 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 humanitarian values. • Ability to engage respectfully with people from diverse cultural, social and ethnic back-grounds. • Willingness and ability to conduct community outreach, field monitoring and participatory 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).

Huye (former Butare) 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 A). 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. UN Volunteers receive a Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (MVLA) designed to cover basic living costs including housing, utilities, transport, and communication, ensuring a secure standard of living in line with United Nations standards. The MVLA is not a salary or compensation, but a subsistence allowance to prevent personal financial burden during the assignment.

Visa process: Rwanda facilitates a straightforward visa process for international visitors: Visa on Arrival: Nationals of all countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and all land borders, valid for 30 days. Citizens of African Union, Commonwealth, and La Francophonie member states receive this visa free of charge for visits up to 30 days. Fur-ther details on the visa requirements to Rwanda can be obtained from this link. Visit Rwanda Online Application (e-Visa): Travelers preferring to secure a visa before arrival can apply online through the IremboGov portal. The processing time is approximately 7 days, and fees vary based on the visa type. For more details refer to this link. Irembo Support Visa Application Requirements: • A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry. • A recent passport-sized photograph. • Completed visa application form. • Proof of accommodation or invitation letter. • Return or onward travel ticket.

Important Considerations: • Visa fees and processing times vary depending on nationality and visa categories. • It's advisable to check the latest visa requirements before travel, as regulations may change. • Ensure all required documents are prepared to support a smooth application process. For the most up to date information, consult the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration or the nearest Rwandan embassy or consulate.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 1 day ago - Updated 40 minutes ago - Source: unv.org