Associate External Relations Officer

Organizational Context

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) leads and coordinates international action to protect refugees and resolve global refugee issues. Operating in Bangladesh, UNHCR addresses the protracted crisis of over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, facing funding declines and focusing on life-saving needs. The Associate External Relations Officer will support strategic advocacy towards donors, civil society, media, and academia, working within the Dhaka-based External Relations team.

Job Purpose

The Associate External Relations Officer will support UNHCR's strategic advocacy efforts in Bangladesh, a country hosting over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees in a protracted and underfunded crisis. Based in Dhaka with regular travel to Cox's Bazar, the role involves assisting the External Relations team in preparing communication and outreach materials for diverse external audiences, including donor reports and funding briefs. The incumbent will play a key role in planning and organizing activities to enhance UNHCR's outreach capacity, fostering engagement with stakeholders, and effectively presenting the agency's work to promote its mandate and secure support amidst challenging humanitarian conditions.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Senior External Relations Officer, the UN Volunteer will prepare periodic reports, including donor updates, internal situation reports, and briefing notes for senior management. They will assist in preparing funding submissions for donors and drafting after-action reports. The role involves contributing to developing and maintaining working relationships with government entities, NGOs, and UN agencies to foster cooperation. The incumbent will support UNHCR's coordinating role by preparing meeting minutes, assisting in meeting organization, and serving as secretariat for relevant Clusters. Additionally, they will support senior management in preparing for meetings and missions, drafting talking points, and organizing/accompanying VIP visits to refugee sites or implementing partner activities. The role also includes supporting the Public Information team with press events, interviews, and other dissemination activities to promote UNHCR's work to the general public.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience is required, preferably in external relations or engagement within international NGOs, the UN, or UNHCR. Proven experience in reporting and high-quality drafting is essential. Experience in handling public information and media relations is desirable.

Skills

Key competencies include accountability, adaptability, flexibility, creativity, commitment to continuous learning, communication, integrity, judgment, decision-making, planning, organizing, professionalism, and self-management. Expertise in communication, advocacy, and public information is also valued.

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