Associate External Relations Officer
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the UNHCR, established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly, is dedicated to leading and coordinating international efforts to protect refugees and resolve refugee issues globally. The agency's primary mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state. The UNHCR also facilitates voluntary return, local integration, or resettlement in a third country, reflecting its commitment to humanitarian principles and the protection of vulnerable populations.
Job Overview:
The Associate External Relations Officer will be an integral part of the External Relations team based in Dhaka, working closely with team members in Cox’s Bazar and the Communication team in both locations. This role is crucial in addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, particularly in the world's largest refugee settlement in Cox’s Bazar. The incumbent will engage in various external relations activities, including the preparation of communication and outreach materials for external audiences, donor reports, and funding briefs. The position requires regular travel to Cox’s Bazar to support and coordinate with relevant teams, emphasizing the need for a team player who can work effectively under pressure and adapt to the dynamic environment of humanitarian work.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate External Relations Officer will undertake a variety of tasks under the direct supervision of the Senior External Relations Officer. Key responsibilities include: keeping abreast of all developments in operations to prepare appropriate briefings and reports; preparing periodic reports such as donor updates, internal situation reports, briefing notes for senior managers, and activity-specific reports as required; assisting with the preparation of funding submissions for donors and drafting after-action reports; developing and maintaining working relationships with government entities, NGOs, and UN agencies to ensure cooperation in inter-related activities; supporting UNHCR's coordinating role by preparing and distributing minutes, organizing meetings, occasionally chairing meetings, and serving as the general secretariat for relevant clusters; assisting senior management in preparation for meetings and missions, including drafting talking points; organizing and accompanying missions for VIP visitors and delegates to refugee sites or UNHCR partner activities; and supporting the Public Information team in contributing to press events, interviews, and other activities related to information dissemination to promote UNHCR's work.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to prepare clear and concise reports and presentations. They should demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced environment, along with creativity in developing outreach materials. A commitment to continuous learning and professionalism is essential, as is the ability to work collaboratively within a team and manage time effectively. Integrity and sound judgment are critical in navigating complex situations and making informed decisions.
Educational Background:
A university degree in a relevant field such as international relations, communications, social sciences, or a related discipline is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in humanitarian affairs, public relations, or a related area would be advantageous and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.
Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in external relations, communications, or a related field. Experience working in a humanitarian context, particularly with refugees or displaced populations, is highly desirable. Familiarity with UNHCR's mandate and operations, as well as experience in advocacy and stakeholder engagement, will be beneficial.
Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of Bengali or other local languages is considered an asset and may enhance communication with local stakeholders and communities.
Additional Notes:
This position is based in Dhaka, which is classified as a Category C duty station with a standard assignment length of three years. It is a family duty station, and educational facilities from primary to secondary school are available. The living conditions in Dhaka include access to private hospitals for basic care, and vaccination against Japanese Encephalitis is strongly recommended. The city offers various leisure and recreational facilities, as well as UNDSS-cleared hotels and MOSS compliant apartments. International staff members are advised to reside in the diplomatic area of Dhaka, where the UNHCR office is located. The city has a vibrant atmosphere with numerous restaurants, grocery stores, and excellent bakeries, along with home delivery services. Banking facilities, including ATMs and credit card acceptance, are widely available.
The Office of the UNHCR, established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly, is dedicated to leading and coordinating international efforts to protect refugees and resolve refugee issues globally. The agency's primary mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state. The UNHCR also facilitates voluntary return, local integration, or resettlement in a third country, reflecting its commitment to humanitarian principles and the protection of vulnerable populations.
Job Overview:
The Associate External Relations Officer will be an integral part of the External Relations team based in Dhaka, working closely with team members in Cox’s Bazar and the Communication team in both locations. This role is crucial in addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, particularly in the world's largest refugee settlement in Cox’s Bazar. The incumbent will engage in various external relations activities, including the preparation of communication and outreach materials for external audiences, donor reports, and funding briefs. The position requires regular travel to Cox’s Bazar to support and coordinate with relevant teams, emphasizing the need for a team player who can work effectively under pressure and adapt to the dynamic environment of humanitarian work.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate External Relations Officer will undertake a variety of tasks under the direct supervision of the Senior External Relations Officer. Key responsibilities include: keeping abreast of all developments in operations to prepare appropriate briefings and reports; preparing periodic reports such as donor updates, internal situation reports, briefing notes for senior managers, and activity-specific reports as required; assisting with the preparation of funding submissions for donors and drafting after-action reports; developing and maintaining working relationships with government entities, NGOs, and UN agencies to ensure cooperation in inter-related activities; supporting UNHCR's coordinating role by preparing and distributing minutes, organizing meetings, occasionally chairing meetings, and serving as the general secretariat for relevant clusters; assisting senior management in preparation for meetings and missions, including drafting talking points; organizing and accompanying missions for VIP visitors and delegates to refugee sites or UNHCR partner activities; and supporting the Public Information team in contributing to press events, interviews, and other activities related to information dissemination to promote UNHCR's work.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to prepare clear and concise reports and presentations. They should demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced environment, along with creativity in developing outreach materials. A commitment to continuous learning and professionalism is essential, as is the ability to work collaboratively within a team and manage time effectively. Integrity and sound judgment are critical in navigating complex situations and making informed decisions.
Educational Background:
A university degree in a relevant field such as international relations, communications, social sciences, or a related discipline is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in humanitarian affairs, public relations, or a related area would be advantageous and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.
Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in external relations, communications, or a related field. Experience working in a humanitarian context, particularly with refugees or displaced populations, is highly desirable. Familiarity with UNHCR's mandate and operations, as well as experience in advocacy and stakeholder engagement, will be beneficial.
Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of Bengali or other local languages is considered an asset and may enhance communication with local stakeholders and communities.
Additional Notes:
This position is based in Dhaka, which is classified as a Category C duty station with a standard assignment length of three years. It is a family duty station, and educational facilities from primary to secondary school are available. The living conditions in Dhaka include access to private hospitals for basic care, and vaccination against Japanese Encephalitis is strongly recommended. The city offers various leisure and recreational facilities, as well as UNDSS-cleared hotels and MOSS compliant apartments. International staff members are advised to reside in the diplomatic area of Dhaka, where the UNHCR office is located. The city has a vibrant atmosphere with numerous restaurants, grocery stores, and excellent bakeries, along with home delivery services. Banking facilities, including ATMs and credit card acceptance, are widely available.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.