Senior External Relations Assistant

Organizational Context

The Senior External Relations Assistant operates under the direct supervision of an External Relations Officer or other professional staff, depending on the office's structure. This role is crucial in managing the external relations activities of the office, including organizing visits for foreign delegations, donors, press, and media, and preparing relevant materials.

Job Purpose

The Senior External Relations Assistant supports the management of external relations activities within the UNHCR office. A key function is organizing and facilitating visits for foreign delegations, donors, press, and media, ensuring they receive comprehensive briefings and relevant reports. The incumbent also plays a role in drafting various communication materials, including press releases, newsletters, and reports for external partners. Additionally, this position contributes to UNHCR's online presence by assisting with social media strategies and pitching stories for the global website. The role ensures that public information materials are readily available and supports the organization of visibility events, liaising with partners, refugees, and local communities.

Responsibilities

The Senior External Relations Assistant is responsible for drafting various communication materials such as briefing notes, press releases, bulletins, reports, and newsletters, as required. They will facilitate and accompany visits of foreign delegations, partner NGOs, donors, and the media to refugee camps. The role involves drafting and translating routine correspondence and texts. Assisting with the development and implementation of UNHCR's social media strategy, including conceptualizing and pitching stories for UNHCR's global website, is also a key responsibility. Ensuring the availability of public information materials, including fact sheets, brochures, and briefing materials, is essential. The incumbent will organize visibility events, such as World Refugee Day, and liaise with partners, refugees, and local communities for their implementation. They may also assist in compiling thematic reports (weekly, monthly, annual/quarterly) and situation reports. Daily media review to keep the office informed of local developments and providing information on UNHCR's activities to external partners are also part of the duties. Responding to non-complex media queries and incoming correspondence falls within the scope of this role. Furthermore, the assistant supports risk management by identifying and managing risks and seeking opportunities impacting their area of responsibility, ensuring risk-based decision-making and escalating concerns to supervisors.

Work Experience

2 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or 1 year of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree or higher. Previous experience in UN/UNHCR, completion of UNHCR learning programs, or specific relevant training is desirable. HQ and Field experience with UNHCR or other humanitarian organizations is also desirable.

Skills

International Relations Journalism Political Science Communication Media Drafting and Documentation Computer Literacy Interpretation

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