Deadline for ApplicationsSeptember 30, 2025
Hardship LevelA (least hardship)
Family TypeFamily
Family TypeFamily
Residential location (if applicable)
GradeNOA
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeNational Professional Officer
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Target Start Date2025-11-01
Standard Job Description
Assistant External Relations Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The incumbent is closely supervised on issues concerning external relations and public information by the External Relations Officer or the Representative who gives regular guidance and advice to the incumbent. Advice and operational support may also be received from other senior staff and support units in a country office/ operation.
External contacts are generally with a broad range of officials from national and international institutions, media or general public on matters of importance to the Organization.
All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCRยฟs core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Duties
- Assist the management in dealing with the challenges posed by the political context, the UN and humanitarian reform, and institutional developments in the area of forced displacement and humanitarian operations.
- Assist in planning and organizing communications strategy that generates support for UNHCR s operations from external partners (e.g. the general public, governments, partners, the media, academia and persons of concern).
- Assist in the dialogue with donors and embassies and provide accurate information by organizing regular briefings, bilateral meetings and missions.
- Assist the management in disseminating information on UNHCRยฟs global funding situation and mobilize additional funds to implement special projects aimed at enhancing the quality of protection for persons of concern.
- Participate when requested in the inter-agency cooperation and communication strategies, initiatives and tools.
- Assist in the management of information flows within the country operations by identifying priority matters, securing, analyzing and disseminating documentation and information to support country operations and corporate communication processes and priorities.
- Assist in the drafting of situation reports, briefing notes, background material, talking points, fact sheets, press releases and articles.
- Assist in planning and organizing advertisements, exhibitions, training seminars, conferences, meetings, social events and other activities to promote a better understanding of UNHCRยฟs activities and accomplishments by the general public and/or organized groups.
- Support the management of media relations by, inter alia, drafting responses to direct queries, draft press releases and organizing regular briefings and visits to country operations.
- Organize press briefings for external parties as required.
- Organize the distribution of UNHCR publications and the provision of materials to various institutions and individuals.
- Produce reports for donor agencies as required.
- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P1/NOA - 1 year relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or no experience with Graduate degree; or no experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Political Sciences Social Sciences, International Relations
Journalism Communication or other relevant field.
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Excellent knowledge of local institution, politics and culture.
Desirable
Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of the position.
Functional Skills
IT-Computer Literacy
IT-Web Content Management
CO-Drafting and Documentation
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.
Desired Candidate Profile Additional Information
โข This position is classified as a National Professional Officer (NPO) role. Applicants must be nationals of the Russian Federation and legally authorized to reside and work there.
โข UNHCR is committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from qualified individuals regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.
โข UNHCR does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, processing, training, or any other related activities.
โข Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
โข Shortlisted candidates will undergo a competency-based interview
โข Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo a written test as part of the assessment process.
โข In accordance with UNHCR policy, individuals who have an immediate family member (parent, child, sibling) employed by UNHCRโincluding those on Temporary Appointments or serving as part of the Affiliate Workforceโare not eligible for appointment.
Applicant Profile
โข The ideal candidate will bring a strategic mindset and strong political acumen, with the ability to operate effectively across diverse and sensitive political contexts. They will demonstrate excellent interpersonal and representational skills, enabling them to build and sustain constructive relationships with government counterparts and institutional partners in the Russian Federation, as well as in Belarus. A proactive and solutions-oriented approach is essential, along with the capacity to identify and pursue opportunities for collaboration that advance UNHCRโs protection and advocacy objectives across the region.
โข The successful applicant will be a confident communicator, capable of synthesizing complex information and delivering clear, targeted messaging to varied audiences. Experience in leading small teams and coordinating across functional areas will be valuable, as will familiarity with regional political dynamics and institutional frameworks. Prior experience working with government entities, international organizations, or diplomatic missions will be considered a strong asset.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel.
Nature of Position:
The Assistant External Relations Officer will lead the External Relations Unit within the UNHCR Representation in Moscow, supporting the officeโs external relations, information management, and communications functions. In addition, the incumbent will provide support to the UNHCR office in Minsk, Belarus, contributing to regional coherence in external engagement and communications. Operating in politically complex and sensitive environments, the incumbent will play a central role in advancing UNHCRโs strategic engagement with government counterparts, including line ministries and other national institutions in both countries. The position requires a high level of political awareness and diplomatic acumen to support advocacy efforts, promote UNHCRโs mandate, and explore opportunities for partnerships that enhance protection and solutions for persons of concern regionally and globally. The incumbent will be expected to coordinate closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure coherent messaging, effective information flow, and visibility of UNHCRโs work in the Russian Federation, Belarus, and beyond.
Living and Working Conditions:
Additional Qualifications
SkillsCO-Drafting and Documentation, IT-Computer Literacy, IT-Web Content Management
EducationBachelor of Arts: Communication, Bachelor of Arts: International Relations, Bachelor of Arts: Journalism, Bachelor of Arts: Political Science, Bachelor of Arts: Social Science
Certifications
Work Experience
CompetenciesAccountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Innovation & creativity, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium
Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance