Senior External Relations Assistant

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, to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to providing protection and assistance to refugees and displaced persons, working to find durable solutions to their plight, and advocating for their rights.

Job Overview:
The Senior External Relations Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the management of external relations activities within the UNHCR office. This position involves direct supervision by the External Relations Officer or another professional staff member, depending on the office's staffing structure. The incumbent is responsible for organizing visits from foreign delegations, donors, and media representatives, ensuring that these visits are informative and productive. The role also includes drafting reports and materials for external partners, providing regular briefings, and maintaining effective communication with various stakeholders. The assistant will be expected to contribute to the development and implementation of UNHCR's social media strategy, ensuring that the organization's activities and messages are effectively communicated to a broader audience. Additionally, the position requires a proactive approach to identifying and managing risks while seizing opportunities that align with the organization's objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior External Relations Assistant include drafting briefing notes, press releases, bulletins, reports, and newsletters, as well as preparing any other public information materials as required. The assistant will facilitate and accompany visits of foreign delegations, partner NGOs, donors, and media to refugee camps, ensuring that all necessary arrangements are made for a successful visit. The role also involves drafting and translating routine correspondence and texts, assisting in the development and implementation of UNHCR's social media strategy, and conceptualizing stories for the organization's global website. The assistant will ensure that public information materials, including fact sheets and information brochures, are readily available and will organize visibility events such as World Refugee Day. Additionally, the incumbent may be required to compile thematic reports and situation reports, review media daily to keep the office informed of local developments, and respond to non-complex media queries and incoming correspondence. The assistant will also support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in their area of responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Senior External Relations Assistant position include relevant experience in external relations, communications, public information, media, journalism, or international relations. Candidates must possess excellent drafting and communication skills in English and French, including the ability to prepare briefings, reports, and communication materials. Proven experience in supporting external engagement, visits, events, media, or partner relations is essential. Proficiency in digital communication and design tools, such as Canva, Photoshop, or Adobe Creative Suite, is also required. The candidate should have the ability to prepare and disseminate accurate and audience-appropriate communication and visibility materials, as well as previous experience with UN/UNHCR or other humanitarian organizations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma with 2 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with 1 year of relevant work experience. While specific fields of education are not applicable, certificates and licenses in International Relations, Journalism, Political Science, or Communication Media are considered essential for this role.

Experience:
Candidates for the Senior External Relations Assistant position should have a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience if they hold a High School Diploma, or 1 year of relevant work experience if they possess a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Previous experience in UN/UNHCR or completion of UNHCR learning programs or specific training relevant to the functions of the position is desirable.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English and the UN working language of the duty station (if not English) is mandatory. For General Service jobs, knowledge of English and/or the UN working language of the duty station is required. Proficiency in French is also mandatory, and knowledge of Arabic is considered an advantage. The expected overall ability in the required languages should be at least at the B2 level.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a General Service role at the GS5 grade level. The contract is a regular assignment with a target start date of November 2, 202

• The position is family-friendly, and the hardship level is classified as D. All UNHCR workforce members are expected to contribute to a safe and empowering working environment, demonstrating zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination. The position does not require a functional clearance.