External Relations Assistant

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

• The UNHCR's mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees. UNHCR aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. The organization is committed to protecting the rights of refugees and ensuring their access to essential services, including education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities.

Job Overview:
The External Relations Assistant position is designed for undergraduate students who are looking to gain practical experience in the field of communications and advocacy within a humanitarian context. The role involves supporting the UNHCR team in Almaty by preparing various materials such as briefing notes, factsheets, information brochures, and newsletters. The assistant will also help organize events, collect information, and assist with basic data analysis. This position provides a unique opportunity to learn about UN processes, protection standards, and external relations while contributing to the mission of UNHCR. The assistant will work closely with colleagues across all units, gaining exposure to both communications and advocacy work, and will have the chance to participate in discussions and team meetings, enhancing their understanding of coordination with partners and other UN agencies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the External Relations Assistant include: supporting the drafting and release of a wide range of external and internal materials, including briefing notes, reports, factsheets, information brochures, and newsletters; assisting in the organization of visibility events and liaising with colleagues and partners; contributing to the planning and organization of events, workshops, and missions; supporting day-to-day activities such as notetaking and maintaining relevant resources or databases; assisting in the compilation of weekly, monthly, and annual thematic reports and situation reports; facilitating and accompanying visits of foreign delegations, partner NGOs, donors, and media to refugee camps; ensuring that public information materials are available; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the External Relations Assistant position include being currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program in Communications, Public Relations, International Relations, Journalism, Political Science, Law, or Media. Candidates should have relevant experience in international relations, international human rights law, public relations, communications, marketing, advertising, or humanitarian work. Experience in research, data collection, and supporting events is also essential, particularly in the context of protecting vulnerable populations, including forcibly displaced and stateless persons.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program in a relevant field such as Communications, Public Relations, International Relations, Journalism, Political Science, Law, or Media. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of external relations and communications within a humanitarian organization like UNHCR.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant experience in fields such as international relations, public relations, communications, or humanitarian work. While specific years of experience are not mandated, candidates with previous experience in UN/UNHCR settings or completion of UNHCR learning programs will be preferred. The role is designed for undergraduate students, thus emphasizing practical experience over extensive professional history.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is proficiency in English, as well as knowledge of the UN working language of the duty station, which is not specified but may include Russian. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to the UN context, is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This position is a six-month assignment starting on July 1, 202

• It is designed for undergraduate students and is not home-based. The role is classified under the hardship level A, indicating the least hardship conditions. The position is full-time and involves working closely with various stakeholders, including UNHCR senior management, foreign delegations, donors, and media. The assistant will be expected to contribute actively to the team's objectives and engage in a collaborative work environment.