Volunteer for External Relations Team

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established in December 195

• Its primary mission is to lead and coordinate international efforts to protect and assist refugees and other persons of concern. In the UK, UNHCR plays a crucial role in providing guidance on refugee and statelessness law and policy to various stakeholders, including the UK government, legal practitioners, and non-governmental organizations. The organization is actively involved in coordinating its engagement with the Home Office to ensure the protection of persons of concern through resettlement programs. Additionally, UNHCR works closely with UK authorities to enhance the integration of refugees within the country. The Office's activities also encompass intervening in court proceedings that set precedents for the international protection of refugees, engaging with parliamentary bodies regarding legislation affecting persons of concern, and providing training on various issues related to asylum-seekers, refugees, and stateless individuals.

Job Overview:
The position of Volunteer for the External Relations (ER) team at UNHCR involves assisting in the external communications and policy advocacy efforts of the UK office. The ER team is responsible for managing communications actions, which include conducting interviews with the media, organizing public briefings and events, utilizing social media platforms, and creating original media content. Furthermore, the team serves as the central point for internal communications within the organization, facilitating collaboration between colleagues at headquarters, regional bureaus, and other global offices. A critical aspect of this role is the preparation of a daily news roundup that keeps the ER team informed about developments relevant to their mandate. This news roundup will cover topics such as UK reception and asylum news, relevant legislation, and international refugee-related issues. The Volunteer will be trained by the External Relations Associate, gaining valuable skills in media monitoring and CRM software, while also deepening their understanding of refugee-related issues in the UK and the operational mandate of UNHCR.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary duty of the Volunteer will be to prepare a daily news roundup that summarizes the latest developments in the British media concerning topics relevant to UNHCR's work in the UK. This includes monitoring news related to UK reception and asylum processes, legislative changes, and international refugee issues. The news roundup must be compiled and distributed to colleagues, including senior management, before 8:30 AM London time (GMT/BST) from Monday to Friday. The Volunteer will also be responsible for liaising with the External Relations Associate to ensure that the content is accurate and relevant. Additional responsibilities may include participating in training sessions, utilizing media monitoring software, and contributing to the overall communication strategy of the ER team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for this volunteer position should possess strong communication skills, both written and verbal, as they will be required to prepare concise and informative news summaries. Attention to detail is essential to ensure the accuracy of the information being disseminated. Familiarity with media monitoring tools and CRM software is advantageous, although training will be provided. The ability to work independently and manage time effectively to meet deadlines is crucial, as the news roundup must be prepared daily. A genuine interest in refugee issues and a commitment to promoting the rights and inclusion of asylum-seekers and refugees are also important qualifications for this role.

Educational Background:
While specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, a background in communications, journalism, international relations, or a related field would be beneficial for this position. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of the issues surrounding refugees and asylum-seekers, as well as the legal frameworks that govern these areas.

Experience:
This volunteer position is suitable for individuals who may not have extensive professional experience but possess a strong interest in refugee issues and communications. Previous experience in media monitoring, communications, or advocacy work would be advantageous but is not a strict requirement. The role is designed to provide valuable experience and training for those looking to build a career in international relations or humanitarian work.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as the news roundup and communications will be conducted in English. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those commonly spoken by refugee populations, would be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The assignment is set to begin on 24 November 2025, and the Volunteer will need to be available for a few hours of training the week prior to the start date. This is a volunteer position, and while it may not offer financial compensation, it provides an opportunity to gain valuable experience in the field of international relations and humanitarian work. The role is part-time, requiring a commitment of a few hours each day, and is based in London, United Kingdom.