In a world marked by unprecedented levels of forced displacement, the role of international protection has never been more vital. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency, stands at the forefront of efforts to protect people forced to flee conflict, persecution, and human rights violations.
For professionals seeking to contribute directly to this mission, the Assistant Protection Officer position in Ankara, Türkiye offers a unique opportunity to combine legal, analytical, and operational expertise with tangible humanitarian impact.
This role is advertised under Job Requisition ID JR2562616, is full-time, and applications are open until 4 January 2026. It is a Local Professional (CONTR) position with a target start date of 1 January 2026, classified as Hardship Level A and eligible for family accompaniment.
UNHCR and Its Longstanding Partnership with Türkiye
Türkiye has been a key partner for UNHCR for more than six decades. This collaboration has evolved significantly, particularly following the adoption of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP) in 2013, which established a comprehensive national framework for managing asylum and migration.
The creation of a central civilian authority, now known as the Presidency of Migration Management (PMM), marked a milestone in Türkiye’s approach to international and temporary protection.
UNHCR Türkiye works closely with PMM and provincial directorates (PDMMs), providing technical, operational, and strategic support to strengthen national asylum procedures. The UNHCR Representation in Türkiye is headquartered in Ankara and supported by sub-offices and field units in Gaziantep, Istanbul, Izmir, and other locations. Within this context, the Assistant Protection Officer plays a critical role in supporting national systems while ensuring alignment with international refugee and human rights standards.
The Project Context: Supporting International Protection Processes
The Assistant Protection Officer position is embedded within an EU-funded project titled “Supporting Türkiye’s International and Temporary Protection Processes.” UNHCR serves as the implementing agency for this initiative, which aims to enhance both the quality and efficiency of national asylum procedures.
The project focuses on:
- Strengthening technical capacity within PMM and PDMMs
- Improving the consistency and quality of international protection status determination
- Expanding access to protection and services for asylum-seekers and refugees
- Developing guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality assurance mechanisms
- Delivering training, workshops, and technical support through field visits
Within this framework, the Assistant Protection Officer contributes specifically to the International Protection component (Objective 2) of the project.
Purpose and Scope of the Assistant Protection Officer Role
As part of the Protection Unit, the Assistant Protection Officer reports directly to the Associate Protection Officer and works under the overall supervision of the Senior Protection Officer (Head of Unit). The role is both analytical and operational, requiring close coordination with national authorities, experts, and other stakeholders.
The position is designed for professionals who are passionate about refugee protection, policy implementation, and capacity development. It requires the ability to translate legal and analytical insights into practical improvements in asylum procedures.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
The Assistant Protection Officer is expected to undertake a diverse range of responsibilities, including:
1. Quality Assurance in Status Determination
A core function of the role is serving as a focal point for quality assurance in international protection status determination procedures. This includes:
- Conducting desk reviews and legal analyses
- Undertaking thematic research to identify systemic gaps
- Proposing practical solutions to improve efficiency and quality
- Ensuring findings directly inform project activities and outputs
2. Capacity Development and Training
The role actively supports the design and delivery of capacity-building activities, such as:
- Developing training materials aligned with international standards
- Facilitating workshops and training sessions
- Reviewing and ensuring the quality of training outputs
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3. Legal and Analytical Documentation
The Assistant Protection Officer contributes to drafting, reviewing, and refining legal and analytical documents developed under the project. All materials must align with:
- International refugee and protection principles
- National legislation, including LFIP
- UNHCR policies and guidance
4. Field Missions and Reporting
The position may require missions to different locations to:
- Observe implementation of procedures
- Identify gaps and challenges
- Prepare mission reports with actionable recommendations
5. Project Monitoring and Strategic Support
To ensure effective implementation, the Assistant Protection Officer:
- Monitors project activities and timelines
- Identifies risks and proposes timely solutions
- Supports strategic planning, sequencing, and prioritization under Objective 2
- Contributes to monitoring, reporting, and operational decision-making
6. Stakeholder Coordination
Effective communication is essential. The role involves regular follow-up and coordination with:
- National authorities
- Technical experts
- Project stakeholders and partners
The Assistant Protection Officer may also be required to perform other duties in line with operational needs.
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Supervision, Monitoring, and Professional Development
The incumbent receives direct guidance from the Associate Protection Officer, with overall oversight from the Senior Protection Officer. Work is guided by UNHCR’s operational plans, manuals, and UN financial and budgetary rules.
Performance is formally evaluated over the duration of the contract, and staff members are expected to stay informed about:
- Regional political and protection developments
- Humanitarian reform processes
- Institutional changes affecting asylum and migration management
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Political Science, Law, or a related field
Experience
- IC8 level requirements:
- 1 year of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree, or
- No experience required with a graduate or doctorate degree
Languages
- Required: Excellent knowledge of Turkish and fluency in English
- Desirable: Knowledge of any other UN language
Core Competencies
- Research and analytical thinking
- Planning and organizing
- Stakeholder management
- Resource management
- Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills
Desirable Assets
- Knowledge of International Refugee Law and Human Rights Law
- Prior exposure to UNHCR or refugee operations
- Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or relevant training
- Familiarity with UNHCR financial rules and procedures
- Strong computer skills
Eligibility and Important Application Notes
- External candidates must be legally present in Türkiye at the time of application, recruitment, and hire.
- Non-Turkish citizens must upload a valid residence permit under the Certifications section. Applications without this document will not be considered.
- Applicants are advised not to use Turkish characters in their name and surname fields.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and the process may include written and/or oral assessments.
- UNHCR does not charge any fees at any stage of recruitment.
Why Choose a Career with UNHCR?
UNHCR employs nearly 19,000 staff across 137 countries, working to protect more than 89 million forcibly displaced people worldwide. A career with UNHCR means being part of a diverse, inclusive, and mission-driven organization committed to upholding dignity, rights, and protection for the world’s most vulnerable populations.
UNHCR actively promotes diversity and inclusion, encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds, and provides reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.
Conclusion
The Assistant Protection Officer position in Ankara represents an exceptional opportunity for motivated professionals to contribute directly to strengthening national asylum systems and advancing international protection standards in Türkiye. It combines legal analysis, capacity development, stakeholder engagement, and project implementation within a respected global organization.
For individuals passionate about refugee protection, policy implementation, and making a meaningful humanitarian impact, this role offers both professional growth and the chance to be part of UNHCR’s life-saving mission.
