External Relations Associate
Organizational Context
The External Relations Associate is supervised by the External Relations Officer or another professional staff member, receiving guidance and support from senior staff and units. External contacts involve a wide range of officials from national and international institutions, media, and the general public, facilitating the exchange of information.
Job Purpose
The External Relations Associate plays a crucial role in managing UNHCR's external communications and relationships. This involves providing essential background briefings to local and international media, and actively monitoring evolving issues concerning persons of concern to identify potential stories for media coverage. The associate is responsible for daily briefings to the Head of Office on local developments and ensuring access to briefing materials from other offices. A key function is accompanying foreign delegations and media to refugee sites, delivering appropriate briefings and preparing visitor materials. Furthermore, the role involves establishing and maintaining contacts with local organizations to foster understanding of refugee issues and advising the Head of Office on external relations policies.
Responsibilities
The External Relations Associate is tasked with providing background briefings to local and international media, and tracking issues concerning persons of concern to suggest story ideas. Daily briefings on local developments are provided to the Head of Office, with briefing materials from other offices made available. The associate accompanies foreign delegations and media to refugee sites, offering briefings and preparing materials for visitors. Establishing contacts with local organizations to promote understanding of refugee issues is a key responsibility. The role ensures the office is informed of local developments impacting its activities. The associate may compile information and SitReps from Field Offices for consolidated reporting. Advice is provided to the Head of Office on local aspects of external relations policies. Liaising with external partners and local organizations on behalf of UNHCR is also required. The associate produces reports and briefings for internal and external partners, and supports risk management by identifying and managing risks and opportunities impacting their area of responsibility, ensuring risk-based decision-making and escalating concerns as needed.
Work Experience
3 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or 2 years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
Skills
Web Content Management Drafting and Documentation Computer Literacy Providing background briefings Tracking evolving issues Accompanying delegations Establishing contacts with local organizations Reporting and briefing Liaising with external partners Risk management