External Relations Associate

This position is open to internal and external applicants. The usual eligibility requirements are waived. Please refer to para. 20-22 of the PPAL Procedural Rules and Regulations. External Relations Associate

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The External Relations Associate is supervised by the External Relations Officer or another professional staff depending on the staffing structure of the Office. The incumbent receives regular guidance and advice from the supervisor. Advice and operational support may also be received from other senior staff and support units at the Country Office/HQ. 

External contacts are generally with a broad range of officials from national and international institutions, media or general public involving the exchange of a wide range of information.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability

- UNHCR Country Office establishes and manages external relations activities in the country to protect, assist and find durable solutions for all persons of concern.

Responsibility

- Provide background briefings to local and international media. 
- Keep track of evolving issues concerning persons of concern to be able to suggest stories and topics for the media to cover.
- Provide daily briefings on local developments to the Head of Office and ensure that briefing materials from other offices are available.
- Accompany visits of foreign delegations and the media to refugee sites in the region, giving appropriate briefings, commentaries and prepare briefing material for visitors.
- Establish contacts with local organisations to promote general interest and understanding of refugee issues
- Ensure that the office is kept informed of local developments which may have a political or operational impact on the office's activities.
- Compile information and SitReps received from the Field Offices and consolidate into a weekly SitRep emanating from the Sub-Office.
- Advise the Head of Office of local aspects of external relations policies
- Perform other related duties as required.

Authority

- Liaise with external partners and local organizations on behalf of UNHCR.
- Produce reports and briefings for internal and external partners.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

- Completion of Secondary education with certificate/training in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Journalism, Communication or other related fields.
- Minimum 6 years of relevant work experience.
- Computer and IT skills (MS Office, website preparation etc.).
- Fluency in English and working knowledge of another relevant UN language or local language.

(In offices where the working language is not English, excellent knowledge of UN working language of duty station and working knowledge of English.)

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

- Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of the position.
- Knowledge of another relevant UN language. C001L2 - Accountability Level 2
C002L2 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 2
C003L2 - Communication Level 2
C004L2 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 2
C005L2 - Client & Result Orientation Level 2
C006L2 - Organizational Awareness Level 2
X001L2 - Analytical Thinking Level 2
X002L2 - Innovation and Creativity Level 2
X007L2 - Political Awareness Level 2 English Essential, French Essential, German Essential, Italian would be an asset.

Closing date for submissions or applications is 2 December 2019.