External Relations Associate

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

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state. UNHCR works in over 130 countries, providing critical assistance to millions of displaced people worldwide. The organization is committed to protecting the rights of refugees and ensuring their access to essential services, including shelter, food, and healthcare. UNHCR also advocates for durable solutions to displacement, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement. The organization employs thousands of staff members globally, working collaboratively with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to address the challenges faced by refugees and displaced persons.

Job Overview:
The External Relations Associate plays a crucial role in supporting UNHCR's communications and external engagement activities, particularly in the context of the humanitarian response to displacement situations. The position is supervised by the External Relations Officer or another professional staff member, and the incumbent is expected to work closely with various stakeholders, including local and international media, government officials, and local organizations. The role involves providing background briefings to media, tracking evolving issues concerning persons of concern, and producing reports and briefings for both internal and external partners. The External Relations Associate will also be responsible for managing media relations, content production, and social media management, ensuring that UNHCR's operations and humanitarian response are effectively communicated to the public and relevant stakeholders. The ideal candidate should possess strong drafting and storytelling skills, as well as the ability to work under pressure and coordinate with colleagues across multiple locations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the External Relations Associate include:

• Providing background briefings to local and international media to enhance understanding of refugee issues.
• Keeping track of evolving issues concerning persons of concern and suggesting relevant stories and topics for media coverage.
• Preparing daily briefings on local developments for the Head of Office and ensuring that briefing materials from other offices are available.
• Accompanying visits of foreign delegations and media to refugee sites, providing appropriate briefings and preparing materials for visitors.
• Establishing contacts with local organizations to promote interest and understanding of refugee issues.
• Keeping the office informed of local developments that may impact its activities.
• Compiling information and SitReps from Field Offices and consolidating them into reports.
• Advising the Head of Office on local aspects of external relations policies.
• Liaising with external partners and local organizations on behalf of UNHCR. 1
• Producing reports and briefings for internal and external partners. 1
• Supporting the identification and management of risks and opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. 1
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the External Relations Associate position include:

• For G6 level: 3 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or 2 years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Essential functional skills include IT-Web Content Management, CO-Drafting and Documentation, and IT-Computer Literacy.
• Desirable qualifications include completion of UNHCR learning programs or specific training relevant to the functions of the position.
• Strong drafting, digital content production, and storytelling skills are essential for effective communication and engagement with various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the External Relations Associate position includes a High School Diploma or a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Political Science, Social Sciences, International Relations, Journalism, or Communication. Certificates and licenses in these areas are considered essential for the role, particularly those marked with an asterisk. The position does not specify any additional educational requirements beyond these fields.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the External Relations Associate position includes a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma or 2 years for those with a Bachelor’s degree. Experience in communications, journalism, or media engagement, preferably in a humanitarian or UN setting, is highly desirable. The candidate should have a proven track record of managing media relations, producing content, and engaging with various stakeholders in a professional capacity.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English is mandatory, and proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station (if not English) is also required. For General Service jobs, knowledge of English and/or the UN working language of the duty station is necessary. Additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as a General Service role at the GS6 level, with a target start date of January 1, 202

• The job is based in Port Sudan, with a residential location in Nairobi, Kenya, indicating that it may involve travel or relocation. The position is categorized under a non-family type, which means that the incumbent may not be accompanied by family members. The deadline for applications is December 27, 2025, and the role is associated with a hardship level of E, indicating a challenging living and working environment. Compensation and benefits details are typically outlined in the UNHCR Salary Calculator, which can be accessed for further information.