African
UNHCR and An Associate External Relations Officer
Deadline for Applications December 17, 2025
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
UNOPS IICA1
Target Start Date 2026-01-01
Target Start Date 2026-01-01
Terms of Reference of the UNHCR Post
The ideal candidate must have a solid understanding of UNHCR‘s programming. S/he should have prior experience working in country operations supporting reporting and resource mobilization, a solid understanding of UNHCR’s key donors, and experience engaging with private sector partners.
The candidate should have a proven track record of effectively supporting communication/PI activities and demonstrate creativity in producing engaging web and social media content that showcases the impact of UNHCR’s work. Experience managing media is essential.
S/he should have strong representation skills and the ability to speak on messages. Fluency in English is required.
To foster diversity within the operation, including geographic diversity, candidates from underrepresented nationalities in the Nigeria operation are especially encouraged to apply. A written test may be administered for this position.
Standard Job Description of Associate External Relations Officer
Direct supervision is normally exercised by a (Senior External Relations Officer or Representative who provides guidance on the applicable procedures. Relevant functional units at HQ may also offer advice. External contacts are with a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including inter alia, government, media, embassies, donors, UN agencies, NGOs and other national and international organizations, as well as the general public on matters of importance to the Organization.
All UNHCR staff members are accountable for performing their duties as reflected in their job descriptions. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the UNHCR regulatory framework, including the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions, as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional, and managerial competencies, as well as UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity.
Responsibilities
- Stay abreast of the challenges posed by the political context, the UN and humanitarian reform, and institutional developments in the area of forced displacement and humanitarian operations.
- Assist the implementation of a communications strategy that generates support for UNHCR’s operations from external partners (e.g. the general public, governments, partners, media, academia, NGOs, private sector and forcibly displaced and stateless persons).
- Assist in the dialogue with donors and embassies and provide relevant information on UNHCR operations and financial requirements by organizing regular briefings, bilateral meetings and missions and responding to donors¿ requests for information on an ad hoc basis.
- Through a consultative process with headquarters, disseminate information on UNHCR’s global funding situation and mobilize additional funds to implement programmes and projects aimed at enhancing the quality of protection for forcibly displaced and stateless persons in the country operation.
- Assist in the coordination of the drafting of situation reports, briefing notes, background material, talking points, fact sheets, press releases and articles.
- Draft narrative and financial reports on contributions in compliance with specific donor requirements.
- Monitor earmarking of funding for the UNHCR Country operation and ensure appropriate visibility for donor contributions, in compliance with UNHCR guidelines and specific donor requirements.
- Participate, on behalf of the Representative and other supervisors, in inter-agency cooperation and communication strategies, initiatives, and tools.
- Assist in the management of information flows within the country operations by identifying priority matters, securing, analyzing and disseminating documentation and information to support country operations and corporate communication processes and priorities.
- Consolidate information on UNHCR’s country operations and identify appropriate messages for campaigns and appeals.
- Propose events and initiatives (e.g. commercial, cultural, political and sports) to promote the work of UNHCR and take action as appropriate.
- Support the management of media relations by, inter alia, responding to direct queries, publishing press releases, handling interview requests and organizing regular briefings and visits to country operations.
- Promote visibility of UNHCR’s work and advocate for support for the forcibly displaced and stateless persons through providing inputs for social media and other web content.
- Organize missions to the field and press briefings for external parties as required.
- Implement all aspects of a communications strategy.
- Represent UNHCR on behalf of senior management in fundraising and communication priorities in inter-agency initiatives and fora.
- Support the identification and management of risks, and seek to seize opportunities that impact objectives within the area of responsibility. Ensure decision-making is based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.
The Required Qualifications
- Education & Professional Work Experience
- Years of Experience / Degree Level
- For P2/NOB – 3 years relevant experience with an Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with a Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with a Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
- Political Sciences, Social Sciences, International Relations, Journalism, Communications or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
- Not specified
- Relevant Job Experience
Essential
- Experience in humanitarian operations in a field environment.
- Excellent knowledge of local institutions, politics and culture.
Desirable
- Fund-raising and programming/programme management experience.
- Experience in working with social media.
Functional Skills
- CO-Drafting and Documentation
- PS-Fundraising (incl. operations, programmes)
- PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards)
- IT-Computer Literacy
- IT-Web Content Management
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Language Requirements
- For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and the UN working language of the duty station, if not English.
- For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and the UN working language of the duty station, if not English and the local language.
- For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or the UN working language of the duty station, if not English.
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe and empowered to perform their duties. This includes demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speak up and seek guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.
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