Representative in Washington, D.C.

Organizational Context

As the High Commissioner’s senior representative in the United States, the Representative provides strategic vision and managerial leadership to ensure UNHCR's effective performance. The Director of the DC office leads efforts to develop and sustain a robust network of support, engaging diverse stakeholders to advance UNHCR’s mission and generate political and financial support.

Job Purpose

The Representative is responsible for translating UNHCR's organizational objectives and policies into an effective advocacy, visibility, and programmatic campaign to generate broad political and financial support from across the United States among multiple private and public sector stakeholders. Through continuous analysis and public outreach, the Representative and team identify strategic objectives, opportunities, and challenges, developing coherent and effective responses in a changing political climate. Serving as a member of the senior leadership team, the incumbent contributes to global strategy and decision-making, ensuring UNHCR is perceived as an effective and trusted partner by building relationships with governments, NGOs, civil society, and other key actors. The role aims to lend visibility to strategic issues, promote concerted action, and secure sufficient resources and expertise to address UNHCR's concerns.

Responsibilities

The Representative will drive advocacy and fundraising initiatives, leveraging strategic partnerships and outreach to generate political and financial backing for refugee protection and humanitarian action. This involves maintaining and deepening relationships across the US ecosystem, including the Executive Branch, Congress, state and local authorities, civil society, NGOs, faith-based actors, think tanks, private philanthropy, the private sector, and media. The incumbent must articulate UNHCR’s value proposition effectively to diverse audiences. In a complex political environment, the Representative strives to build a dynamic, integrated team to expand UNHCR’s profile, reach, and influence in the US, including on regional issues. This requires building traditional and non-traditional coalitions to support UNHCR’s priorities. The role involves devolving appropriate authorities, facilitating expertise sharing, and creating a collaborative climate that empowers colleagues to innovate and engage skeptical audiences. The Representative leads an integrated team capable of combining political analysis, strategic communications, donor engagement, partnership development, and evidence-based advocacy, while providing timely advice on political, funding, and reputational developments. The Representative's conduct must reflect UNHCR's core values and principles, ensuring the organization's credibility and the protection of persons of concern. Effective coordination with UN entities and inter-agency partners is also crucial.

Work Experience

No specific work experience requirements are mentioned in the provided text.

Skills

Strategic vision and managerial leadership Stakeholder engagement (government, civil society, philanthropy, private sector) Advocacy and fundraising Political and situational analysis Public outreach and communications Partnership development Resource mobilization Team leadership and management Risk assessment and management Knowledge management Donor engagement and liaison Compliance with rules and procedures

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