Associate External Relations Officer

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 aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it works to promote durable solutions for those who have been displaced. UNHCR is committed to the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, and it collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and the private sector, to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Associate External Relations Officer position is crucial for enhancing UNHCR's visibility and support for its operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly in the context of the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The officer will be responsible for implementing a comprehensive communications strategy that engages various external partners, including governments, media, and NGOs, to generate support for UNHCR's work. This role involves staying informed about the political and humanitarian landscape affecting forced displacement and humanitarian operations, as well as assisting in the coordination of information dissemination and resource mobilization efforts. The officer will play a key role in drafting reports, briefing notes, and other communication materials that highlight the needs and challenges faced by displaced populations in the DRC. Additionally, the position requires a dynamic professional who can strengthen external relations and advocate for the rights and needs of forcibly displaced individuals.

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

• Staying informed about the political context and humanitarian developments related to forced displacement.
• Assisting in the implementation of a communications strategy that generates support for UNHCR's operations.
• Engaging in dialogue with donors and embassies, organizing briefings, and responding to information requests.
• Mobilizing additional funds for UNHCR programs aimed at enhancing protection for displaced persons.
• Coordinating the drafting of situation reports, briefing notes, and press releases.
• Monitoring funding earmarking levels and ensuring visibility for donor contributions.
• Participating in inter-agency cooperation and communication strategies.
• Managing information flows within country operations and identifying priority matters.
• Proposing events and initiatives to promote UNHCR's work. 1
• Supporting media relations and organizing field missions and press briefings. 1
• Implementing all aspects of the communications strategy and representing UNHCR in fundraising initiatives.

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

• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree, or 2 years with a graduate degree, or 1 year with a doctorate.
• Essential experience in humanitarian operations in a field environment.
• Excellent knowledge of local institutions, politics, and culture.
• Desirable experience in fundraising and program management.
• Familiarity with social media and its use in communication strategies.
• Strong drafting and documentation skills, as well as computer literacy and web content management capabilities.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an educational background in fields such as Political Sciences, Social Sciences, International Relations, Journalism, Communications, or other relevant areas. A Bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement, with advanced degrees being advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience for candidates with an undergraduate degree. Candidates with a graduate degree need at least 2 years of experience, while those with a doctorate require 1 year of relevant experience. Experience in humanitarian operations, particularly in a field environment, is essential, along with a strong understanding of local institutions and the political landscape.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English is mandatory, along with the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. For national professional jobs, knowledge of the local language is also required. Proficiency in additional languages is considered an asset, particularly in enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS IICA2 category and is not remote. It is a full-time role with a target start date of July 1, 202

• The position is based in Bunia, DRC, which is classified as having a hardship level of E, indicating significant challenges in the operational environment. The role is non-family with residential location, meaning that staff members will not be accompanied by family members during their assignment.