Protection Associate

Host entity: UNHCR

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Project management, programme development, strategy, Legal affairs, Disability, other social inclusion aspects

Application deadline: 05/10/2026

Mission and objectives

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is mandated to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees, asylum-seekers, stateless persons and other persons of concern, and to seek durable solutions to their displacement. UNHCR’s operations are guided by international refugee and human rights law and by a strong commitment to accountability to affected popu-lations, age, gender and diversity (AGD) mainstreaming, and community-based protection ap-proaches. In Rwanda, UNHCR works in close collaboration with the Government of Rwanda, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and refugee and host communities to ensure protec-tion and assistance to refugees and asylum-seekers, primarily from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi. The operation focuses on protection delivery, access to basic services, self-reliance, peaceful coexistence with host communities, and preparation for durable solu-tions.

Assignment context

Rwanda was hosting 138,406 forcibly displaced persons, including refugees, asylum seekers, and other persons of concern, with the majority originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi. Many refugees remain in protracted displacement situations, requiring sustained humanitarian and protection support. Mahama Refugee Camp, located in Kirehe District near the Tanzanian border and managed by the UNHCR Kirehe Sub-Office, hosts 72,533 refugees and asylum seekers, mainly from Burundi and the DRC. More than half of the camp population are children under 18 years old, and the camp records approximately 180 births each month. The camp continues to experience population movements linked to family reunification, protection concerns, and access to assistance. In the context of reduced humanitarian funding, greater emphasis is being placed on self-reliance and graduation strategies for refugees. UNHCR works in close collaboration with implementing partners, UN agencies, NGOs, local authorities, and international organizations to deliver protection and assistance services, ensure coordinated interventions, and conduct regular field monitoring and community engagement activities in the camp.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Protection Offer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
• Support the implementation and mainstreaming of the Community-Based Protection (CBP) strategy across sectors and communities in Mahama Refugee Camp, including the application of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on Child Protection and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
• Contribute to protection inter-agency coordination, information management, advoca-cy, documentation, and capacity-building initiatives, while maintaining regular en-gagement with refugee communities in Mahama Camp.
• Support the implementation of community-based protection strategies and develop tools that promote participatory approaches, ensuring that persons of concern are ac-tively involved in decisions affecting their rights, access to services, and durable solu-tions.
• Support in promoting the integration of Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) principles across all protection interventions, with particular attention to children, youth, older persons, persons with disabilities, marginalized groups, and individuals with specific protection needs.
• Support the implementation of refugee graduation strategies and the inclusion of refu-gees in national services in collaboration with Kirehe District local authorities.
• Assist communities in developing community-owned initiatives addressing social, edu-cational, psychosocial, cultural, health, organizational, livelihood, child protection, and GBV-related concerns.
• Support community-based feedback and complaint mechanisms, including targeted assistance to persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
• Assist partners in the timely identification, monitoring, and referral of protection risks and cases, particularly for unaccompanied and separated children (UASC), vulnerable children, and survivors of GBV, ensuring AGD-sensitive approaches.
• Contribute to ongoing assessments and analysis of the perspectives, capacities, needs, and resources of persons of concern to strengthen evidence-based protection programming and interventions.
• Support community-based Child Protection and GBV prevention and response mech-anisms through awareness-raising, prevention activities, referrals, and follow-up sup-port services.
• Contribute to capacity-building initiatives for partners and community structures on Community-Based Protection, Child Protection, and Gender-Based Violence in Ma-hama Refugee Camp.

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.

Skills and experience

Demonstrated interest and/or experience (ideally one year) in:
• community-based protection programming and delivery of protection services.
• Proven ability to support quality, timely, and effective protection responses in close collab-oration with refugees, colleagues, government counterparts, and protection partners.
• Familiarity with UNHCR protection frameworks and policies related to Child Protection and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), including Best Interests Procedures (BIP) Guidelines, In-ter-Agency Child Protection Minimum Standards, and GBV Case Management Standards.
• Exposure to participatory approaches and community engagement methodologies aimed at strengthening accountability and inclusion of affected populations.
• Knowledge of protection information management systems and tools, including progress and/or Child Protection Information Management Systems (CPIMS), is highly desirable.
• Previous experience working with vulnerable, marginalized, or at-risk populations would be considered an asset.
• Prior volunteer experience and/or exposure to multicultural environments through studies, internships, or volunteer assignments is highly desirable.

Skills in:
• Community-Based Protection and Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP).
• Support and assistance to persons with specific needs.
• GBV and Child Protection case management, including Best Interests Procedures (BIP).
• GBV and Child Protection Information Management Systems.
• GBV and Child Protection prevention and response programming.

Competencies and values

• Accountability
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Building Trust
• Commitment and Motivation
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Communication
• Ethics and Values
• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Respect for Diversity
• Self-Management
• Technological Awareness
• Working in Teams

Living conditions

Kirehe District, located in Rwanda’s Eastern Province along the borders with Tanzania and Burundi, offers a peaceful and authentic rural living environment shaped by its agricultural landscape. The district is characterized by a simple, community-oriented lifestyle, where livelihoods are primarily based on small-scale farming and livestock. Its warm, savanna-type climate hotter and drier than much of the country creates a distinct setting that supports agricultural activities while also influencing water access and day-to-day comfort. Residents benefit from accessible essential services, including basic healthcare delivered through Kirehe District Hospital, complemented by a network of health centres and health posts that ensure coverage across the district. Affordable accommodation options are available, with many homes offering key amenities such as water, electricity, and durable roofing, particularly in semi-urban areas. Overall, Kirehe provides a cost-effective environment with fundamental needs (healthcare, housing, and water). Kirehe is attractive area for those seeking a grounded, rural lifestyle with essential services in place. 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.

Conditions of Service

The Conditions of Service, available here: https://explore.unv.org/cos, outline the policies and rules governing UN Volunteer assignments. Full information on entitlements at the duty station can be accessed here: https://app.unv.org/calculator.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.