Senior External Relations Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, providing assistance and protection to millions of people worldwide. The organization has a workforce of approximately 350 staff in Lebanon, working across various offices including the Country Office in Beirut and Field Offices in Tripoli and Zahle. UNHCR aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it strives to promote durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons.

Job Overview:
The Senior External Relations Associate will play a crucial role in managing relationships with donor countries and drafting various external communications. This position requires a highly organized and proactive individual capable of handling multiple priorities in a fast-paced and politically sensitive environment. The incumbent will be responsible for preparing funding proposals, donor reports, and responses to information requests, as well as organizing donor missions to the field and supporting visibility activities. The role is essential for highlighting the work of UNHCR and requires strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and excellent writing and editing abilities. The candidate will join a small external relations team and will be expected to contribute to the overall mission of increasing awareness and support for forcibly displaced people.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior External Relations Associate include supporting UNHCR's media relations and advocacy work, monitoring issues concerning asylum seekers and refugees, providing support to senior management in navigating political challenges, and ensuring the office is informed of local developments that may impact its activities. The incumbent will also provide background briefings to local and international media, accompany foreign delegations to refugee sites, assist in donor dialogues, manage budgets, draft various reports and materials, and organize events and campaigns to promote UNHCR's work. Additionally, the role involves reaching out to external actors to build alliances and manage risks while seizing opportunities to enhance the protection of people of concern.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess proven drafting skills and excellent English writing abilities. Experience in interacting with a range of external stakeholders is essential, along with the ability to work under tight deadlines and manage time effectively. Prior fundraising experience and experience in managing donor relationships are desirable attributes. The candidate should also have experience organizing field missions and events, as well as a strong understanding of the political and humanitarian context in which UNHCR operates.

Educational Background:
The position requires a minimum of a High School Diploma with 4 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with 2 years of relevant work experience. While specific fields of education are not mandated, degrees in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Journalism, or Communication are considered beneficial. Relevant certifications in these areas may also enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
The role requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma, or 2 years of relevant experience for those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Experience in event management and the ability to work against tight deadlines are highly valued. Candidates should demonstrate a strong background in external relations, advocacy, and communication within humanitarian or international contexts.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, and familiarity with the UN working language of the duty station is required if it is not English. For national professional jobs, knowledge of the local language is also necessary. Proficiency in additional languages is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's competitiveness for the position.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a non-family duty station, and the incumbent will be expected to work full-time. The role is not remote and requires the candidate to be based in Beirut, Lebanon. The deadline for applications is May 14, 2026, and candidates are encouraged to stay informed about the evolving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security context in Lebanon, as this may impact the classification of duty stations. The position is part of UNHCR's commitment to creating a safe and empowering work environment for all staff members.