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UNHCR / Published Jun 3, 2026

Community-Based Protection Associate

On-site10. Reduced inequalities

Location: Rwanda; Huye
Duration: 365 days; Possible extension
Deadline: Jun 24, 2026; 3 days ago
Assignments: 1; available position(s)
Expected start: Oct 12, 2026
Volunteer category: Associate UCoS from Apr2026; International

Sustainable Development Goal

10. Reduced inequalities

Assignment

What the volunteer will do

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 populations, age, gender and diversity (AGD) mainstreaming, and community-based protection approaches. In Rwanda, UNHCR works in close collaboration with the Government of Rwanda, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and refugee and host communities to ensure protection 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 solutions.

Context

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.

Task description

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.

Requirements

Eligibility and qualifications

Age: 18 - 80
Required experience: 0 years
Education: Bachelor's degree
Nationality: Open to all nationalities

Languages

EnglishRequired

Fluent

Areas of expertise

Legal affairsSocial workCrisis and emergency response

Skills and experience

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).

Competencies and values

☒ 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

Notes

Additional information

Living conditions and remarks

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.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. UNV is committed to diversity, human rights, and individual dignity.

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