Senior External Relations Assistant

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 has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it strives to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees and other displaced persons.

Job Overview:
The Senior External Relations Assistant plays a crucial role in managing the external relations activities of the UNHCR office in Seoul. This position involves direct supervision by the External Relations Officer or another professional staff member. The incumbent is responsible for organizing visits from foreign delegations, donors, and media representatives, as well as providing regular briefings and drafting reports and materials for external partners. The role requires a proactive approach to communication and collaboration with various stakeholders, ensuring that the office is well-represented and that its activities are effectively communicated to the public and partners. The assistant will also be involved in developing and implementing UNHCR's social media strategy, ensuring that the organization's messaging is consistent and impactful across various platforms. This position is vital for maintaining the office's visibility and fostering relationships with key partners and the media.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior External Relations Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: drafting briefing notes, press releases, bulletins, reports, and newsletters; facilitating and accompanying visits of foreign delegations, partner NGOs, donors, and media to refugee camps; drafting and translating routine correspondence and texts; assisting in the development and implementation of UNHCR's social media strategy; ensuring the availability of public information materials; organizing visibility events such as World Refugee Day; compiling thematic reports and situation reports; reviewing media daily to keep the office informed of local developments; providing information on UNHCR's activities to external partners; responding to media queries and incoming correspondence; supporting risk management and decision-making processes; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or 1 year of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Essential qualifications include strong drafting and documentation skills, computer literacy, and the ability to interpret and communicate effectively. Previous experience in UN/UNHCR or completion of UNHCR learning programs is desirable. Knowledge of another relevant UN language is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma for candidates with 2 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree or higher for those with 1 year of relevant experience. Fields of education that are relevant include International Relations, Journalism, Political Science, and Communication Media. Certificates and licenses in these areas are considered essential for the role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least 2 years of relevant experience if they hold a High School Diploma, or 1 year of relevant experience if they possess a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Experience in the UN or humanitarian sector is highly desirable, particularly in roles that involve external relations, advocacy, or communication.

Languages:
Fluency in both Korean and English is required for this position, with an expected overall ability of at least B2 level in both languages. Knowledge of additional UN languages is considered an asset, particularly for candidates looking to enhance their application.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a General Service role at the GS5 level, and it is a regular assignment with a target start date of June 1, 202

• The position is full-time and based in Seoul, South Korea. The recruitment process may include a written test and/or oral interview, and only short-listed candidates will be notified. UNHCR does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and does not sponsor work visas, so applicants who are not Korean nationals must have their work visa status confirmed at the time of application. The organization emphasizes a safe and respectful working environment, with a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and discrimination.