External Relations Officer
Organizational Context
UNHCR is a global organization dedicated to protecting refugees and stateless people. This role is based in Bangkok, Thailand, and involves working within the UN system and with various external partners to support UNHCR's operations and advocate for the rights of displaced populations. The incumbent will contribute to a safe and inclusive working environment.
Job Purpose
The External Relations Officer plays a crucial role in supporting UNHCR's operations by developing and implementing strategies to generate support from external partners, including governments, media, and the public. The position involves articulating the needs of forcibly displaced and stateless persons and the strategies to address them, ensuring these priorities are reflected in UN Country Team communications. The officer will also assist in dialogue with donors and embassies, prepare reports, and identify new funding sources, including private sector and humanitarian pooled funds. This role is key to mobilizing additional funds for projects that enhance protection quality and representing UNHCR in inter-agency coordination forums, contributing to the overall success of UNHCR's mandate.
Responsibilities
The External Relations Officer is responsible for assisting in the planning and implementation of a consultative process with UNHCR colleagues and external actors to develop and execute protection and assistance strategies. This includes supporting a communications strategy to garner support for UNHCR's operations from diverse external partners. The role involves articulating issues related to the needs of displaced and stateless persons and the corresponding response strategies. The officer will inform the UNHCR Country Team about UNHCR priorities to ensure their adequate representation in UN Country Team documentation. Key duties include assisting in dialogue with donors and embassies, organizing briefings, and preparing reports. The incumbent will also propose new and non-traditional funding sources, disseminate information on UNHCR's global funding situation, and mobilize funds for special projects. Participation in inter-agency cooperation and communication strategies, as well as supporting senior management in representing UNHCR in UN coordination fora, are also core responsibilities. The officer will assist in managing information flows, consolidating operational information, and identifying key messages for campaigns. Drafting situation reports, briefing notes, fact sheets, and press releases, and developing targeted communications strategies and media packages are also part of the role. Proposing and coordinating events to promote UNHCR's work, managing media relations, and approving fundraising messages and related expenditures are also required. The officer will represent UNHCR in fund-raising and communication priorities within inter-agency initiatives and fora, and support risk management related to the area of responsibility.
Work Experience
Requires 6 years of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree, or 5 years with a graduate degree, or 4 years with a doctorate. Essential experience includes humanitarian operations in a field environment and excellent knowledge of local institutions, politics, and culture. Desirable experience includes knowledge of UNHCR operations, fund-raising, programming/programme management, and social media.
Skills
Humanitarian operations experience Knowledge of local institutions, politics, and culture Fund-raising experience Programming/programme management experience Social media experience Web Content Management Computer Literacy Drafting and Documentation Inter-Agency External Relations