Associate External Relations Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), an organization established in 1950 with the mission to protect and support refugees and displaced persons worldwide. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to providing assistance and finding durable solutions for those forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or violence. The organization is committed to upholding the rights of refugees and ensuring their safety and dignity, working closely with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to provide humanitarian aid and support.

Job Overview:
The Associate External Relations Officer position is designed for a junior professional officer who will work under the direct supervision of a Senior External Relations Officer or Representative. The role involves engaging with a variety of external partners and stakeholders, including government entities, media, embassies, donors, and NGOs, to promote UNHCR's operations and garner support for its humanitarian efforts. The officer will be responsible for implementing communication strategies that enhance visibility and understanding of UNHCR's work, particularly in the context of forced displacement and humanitarian operations. This position requires a proactive approach to managing information flows, drafting reports, and coordinating outreach efforts to ensure that UNHCR's mission and activities are effectively communicated to relevant audiences. The officer will also play a key role in mobilizing additional funds and resources to support UNHCR's programs and projects aimed at improving the quality of protection for forcibly displaced individuals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate External Relations Officer include staying informed about the political context and challenges related to forced displacement, assisting in the implementation of communication strategies, engaging in dialogue with donors and embassies, disseminating information on UNHCR's funding situation, drafting various reports and communication materials, monitoring donor contributions, participating in inter-agency cooperation, managing information flows, proposing events to promote UNHCR's work, supporting media relations, and representing UNHCR in fundraising initiatives. The officer will also be expected to identify and manage risks, contribute to decision-making processes, and perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a relevant undergraduate degree, with a preference for fields such as Political Sciences, Social Sciences, International Relations, Journalism, or Communications. Essential qualifications include experience in humanitarian operations, excellent knowledge of local institutions and culture, and strong drafting and documentation skills. Desirable qualifications include fundraising experience, familiarity with social media, and program management skills. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an undergraduate degree for candidates with three years of relevant experience, a graduate degree for those with two years of experience, or a doctorate for candidates with one year of experience. Relevant fields of study include Political Sciences, Social Sciences, International Relations, Journalism, and Communications.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience for those with an undergraduate degree, two years for those with a graduate degree, or one year for those with a doctorate. Experience in humanitarian operations, particularly in a field environment, is essential. Previous work within the UN system is limited to one year, including internships and consultancies.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station, which is Farsi in this case. For candidates from the Netherlands, proficiency in a second official UN language is preferred. The expected overall language ability should be at least at the B2 level.

Additional Notes:
This position is part of the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme and is exclusively available to candidates with Dutch nationality. Candidates must be under the age of thirty-two at the time of application and should not have previously completed a JPO assignment. The position is classified as a family duty station, and living conditions in Tehran may vary, with access to basic services and amenities. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared for potential challenges related to the local context, including cultural practices and economic conditions.