In 2019, the Mexican state recognized the problem of forced internal displacement. Through this recognition, the Mexican government requested UNHCR to provide technical assistance and advice for developing a national law framework on prevention and response to internal displacement, and the identification of coordinated response actions.

UNHCR assumed the co-coordination of the UN and international actors working group on internal displacement and undertook a strategy based on the following pillars: i) Technical assistance and advice for developing laws on policies on internal displacement; ii) Capacity building: strengthening capacities on internal displacement and international standards; iii) Protection coordination: promoting a coordinated UN support and local mechanisms; and iv) Information management: developing an evidence-based approach.

UNHCR is currently working in priority states. In the case of Michoacán, since 2022, UNHCR is providing technical assistance to the local government to develop the legal framework, capacity building projects, prevention mechanisms and a coordinated protection response to internal displacement.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Protection Associate, the Protection Associate will be required to:

• Stay abreast of political, social, economic and cultural developments that have an impact on the protection environment. • Consistently apply International and National Law and applicable UN/UNHCR and IASC policy, standards and codes of conduct. • Assist in providing technical assistance for the development of the legal framework, regulatory and public policy instruments and comprehensive attention routes on internal displacement. • Collaborate with the supervisor and UNHCR focal point in Michoacan in capacity building initiatives. • Provide advice on protection issues to IDPs and persons for whom we work; liaise with competent authorities to ensure the issuance of personal and other relevant documentation. • Assist in GBV and PSEA UNHCR strategy. • Assist in Community-Based Protection activities and peaceful co-existence projects. • Assist in the durable solutions strategy. • Facilitate effective information management through the provision of disaggregated data on IDPs and persons for whom we work, and their problems. • Assist the supervisor with enforcing local mechanisms, and partners. • Assist the supervisor with enforcing compliance with, and integrity of, all protection standard operating procedures. • Participate in the coordination work team meetings and present reports. • Any other activity that may be required within the framework of the Collaboration Agreement between UNHCR and the State Government and to promote its follow-up. • Perform other related duties as required.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

• Initial report detailing the tasks and the methodology to be used to carry them out. • Contribute to a local-level protection plan for IDPs as part of the protection strategy. • Monitor Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all protection/solutions activities. • Contribute to the design, implementation and evaluation of protection related AGD based programming with implementing and operational partners. • Meetings notes.

Qualifications and Experience

a. Education (Level and area of required and/or preferred education)

• Completed high school or its equivalent with certificate / training in Law, International Law, Political Science, Social Work, Anthropology, Social Communication, Community-based Education or other related area. • Desirable: Advanced command of the spoken and written English language (Writing skills in Spanish and English)

b. Work Experience

• Minimum 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher. • Desirable: Protection Learning Programme • Desirable: knowledge in Mexican public policies and forced displacement context in Mexico; and previous experience at the mentioned state or in communitarian work and capacity building.

c. Key Competencies

Functional Skills T-Computer Literacy CL-Protection & Solutions Awareness PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Core Competencies Accountability Communication Organizational Awareness Teamwork & Collaboration Commitment to Continuous Learning Client & Result Orientation

Managerial Competencies Judgement and Decision Making

Cross-Functional Competencies Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Political Awareness Stakeholder Management

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

This position is advertised to internal and external applicants. Candidates must be legally present in México at the time of application, recruitment, and hire. Only Mexicans or candidates holding a permanent residency or valid work permit in México will be considered eligible.
Recruitment as a UNHCR staff member and engagement under a UNHCR affiliate scheme or as an intern, is subject to proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, independently of contract type and duration. The selected candidate(s) will be required to provide the proof of vaccination prior to recruitment.
Only short-listed candidates will be notified. The recruitment process might include written test and/or oral interview for this job opening. No late applications will be accepted.
UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).
This position is offered under UNOPS Local ICA contract until 31/12/2024 with possibility of extension.
Remuneration: A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered depending on relevant experience as per the requirements of the job advertisement. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, please visit the portal of the Office of HR Management of United Nations.