EXTERNAL RELATIONS OFFICER (CAPACITY BUILDING) - TJO

Organizational Context

This position is within the Donor and External Relations Section of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva. The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Donor External Relations Section, contributing to the office's resource mobilization efforts and strategic partnerships.

Job Purpose

The External Relations Officer is responsible for building resource mobilization capacity across the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) at Headquarters and in field operations. This involves leading training activities, developing standardized tools and guidelines, and exploring innovative training methods. The role also ensures a consistent office-wide approach to resource mobilization by providing expert advice, coordinating proposals, and preparing key documents for senior management. Furthermore, the officer develops and maintains strategic partnerships with donors, including governments and intergovernmental organizations, to broaden the donor base and advance UN Human Rights priorities. The position contributes to overall organizational effectiveness by representing the Chief of Section and coordinating unit activities.

Responsibilities

The External Relations Officer is tasked with enhancing resource mobilization capacity through training at HQ and field levels, acting as a focal point, and developing training materials and tools. Responsibilities include providing strategic advice on resource mobilization policies and priorities to divisions and field offices, and ensuring project management principles are applied to proposals. The role involves drafting donor correspondence, maintaining donor relations, and overseeing fundraising proposals for quality and compliance with UN rules. A key duty is developing and maintaining strategic partnerships with diverse donors, including governments and intergovernmental organizations, by advising senior management on strategies, promoting UN common system partnerships, and coordinating outreach efforts. The officer will also analyze donor policies and opportunities for cooperation, organize donor briefings, and travel for fundraising missions. Additionally, the role contributes to organizational effectiveness by representing the Chief of Section in meetings and coordinating unit activities.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in human rights, humanitarian, or development work is required. This includes at least five years specifically in donor relations and resource mobilization. Experience in capacity building is also a mandatory requirement. Experience with results-based management is considered desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Communication, Accountability, Public information and communication, Information campaign design and implementation, Information analysis, Diplomacy, Relationship cultivation, Written and oral communication, Meeting commitments, Achieving results, Persistence, Calmness under stress, Gender perspective integration, Effective listening and responding, Openness in sharing information.

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