Only candidates who are not nationals of the country of assignment are eligible to apply to this position
Hardship LevelB
Family TypeFamily
Residential location (if applicable)
GradePR2
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeProfessional
* Staff members will not normally serve in International Professional positions in the country of their nationality. In addition, in case of a first appointment upon recruitment, the assignment must be outside the staff memberโs country of nationality.
In practical terms this means that you are not eligible to apply for International Professional vacancies advertised in the country where you are national of.
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Remote work acceptedNo
Target Start Date2024-01-01
Job Posting End DateNovember 28, 2023
Standard Job Description
Associate External Relations Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
Direct supervision is normally exercised by a (Snr) External Relations Officer or Representative who provides guidance on the applicable procedures. Advice may also be provided by relevant functional units at HQ. External contacts are with a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including inter alia, government, media, embassies, donors, UN agencies, NGOs and other national and international organizations, as well as 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
- Stay abreast of 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 the implementation of a communications strategy that generates support for UNHCRยฟs operations from external partners (e.g. the general public, governments, partners, media, academia, NGOs, private sector and persons of concern).
- Assist in the dialogue with donors and embassies and provide relevant information on UNHCR operations and financial requirements by organizing regular briefings, bilateral meetings and missions and responding to donorsยฟ requests for information on ad hoc basis.
- Through a consultative process with headquarters, disseminate information on UNHCRยฟs global funding situation and mobilize additional funds to implement programmes and projects aimed at enhancing the quality of protection for persons of concern in the country operation.
- Assist in the coordination of the drafting of, situation reports, briefing notes, background material, talking points, fact sheets, press releases and articles.
- Draft narrative and financial reports on contributions in compliance with specific donor requirements.
- Monitor earmarking level of funding for UNHCR Country operation and ensure appropriate visibility for donor contributions in compliance with UNHCR guidelines and specific donor requirements.
- Participate on behalf of the Representative and other supervisors in 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.
- Consolidate information on UNHCRยฟs country operations and identify appropriate messages for campaigns and appeals.
- Propose events and initiatives (e.g. commercial, cultural, political and sports) to promote the work of UNHCR and take action as appropriate.
- Support the management of media relations by, inter alia, responding to direct queries, publishing press releases, handling interview requests and organizing regular briefings and visits to country operations.
- Promote visibility of UNHCRยฟs work and advocate for support for the people of concern through providing inputs for social media and other web content.
- Organize missions to the field and press briefings for external parties as required.
- Implement all aspects of a communications strategy.
- Represent UNHCR on behalf of senior management in fundraising and communication priorities in inter-agency initiatives and fora.
- 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 P2/NOB - 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Political Sciences, Social Sciences, International Relations, Journalism, Communications
or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Experience in humanitarian operations in a field environment.
Excellent knowledge of local institution, politics and culture.
Desirable
Fund-raising and programming/programme management experience.
Experience of working with social media.
Functional Skills
CO-Drafting and Documentation
PS-Fundraising (incl. operations, programmes)
PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards)
IT-Computer Literacy
IT-Web Content Management
(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 The successful candidate should have solid experience in external engagement and donor relations. S/he should possess excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing, and experience in dealing with partners diplomatically. A demonstrated capacity to work closely with diverse teams and to work collaboratively would also essential. Familiarity with fundraising and the programmatic requirements of some of UNHCRโs donors is necessary. The incumbent is expected to be a forward-thinker and solutions-oriented.
The incumbent should have proven competencies and experience in:
- Maintaining close dialogue with, and provide information to donor/partners on UNHCR operations and financial requirements,
- Keeping abreast of latest developments to be able to serve donor/partnersโ information needs on all aspects of UNHCRโs work,
- In consultation with the supervisor, negotiating contributions, draft and follow up on bilateral agreements with the donor partners (incl. Government, private sector, development partners and pool funds), while striving for timeliness, predictability and maximum flexibility,
- Preparing submissions for specific funding from partners or provide other information donors may require in determining their support to UNHCR,
- Drafting narrative and financial reports on contributions, in compliance with specific donor requirements,
- Monitoring and analyzing donor policies on humanitarian assistance, potential for accessing transition and development funding sources, policies/strategies of organizations competing with UNHCR over funds,
- Drafting internal and external correspondence as well as support management in the preparation of their meetings with external actors, through the preparation of talking points and key messages, as well as the development and maintenance of internal UNHCR donor profiles / fact sheets and
- Coordinating programmes of visits, meetings and field missions with relevant donors and other partners, as required.
- Performing other related duties as required.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Nature of Position
As result of multiple and overlapping crises in the country, including the recent conflict in Northern Ethiopia, the worst drought in 40 years, and, in recent months, heavy floods in several parts of the country, more than 28 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia in 2023.
UNHCR supports the Government of Ethiopia and regional authorities to provide life-saving assistance and protection services to close to a million refugees, including those recently arrived from Sudan and Somalia, and over 3 million internally displaced persons. The Agency is also supporting the implementation of the engagements made by the Government of Ethiopia during the 2019 Global Refugee Forum with regards to the creation of additional jobs and livelihoods, the provision of quality training, the strengthening of the asylum system and social protection as well as the provision of renewable energy solutions. The needs of refugees and IDPs are significantly underfunded in Ethiopia at only 33% so far in 2023. Funding gaps deeply impacts the provision of live saving interventions, including in the areas of protection, shelter, health, WASH, education, as well as in urban settings.
Based in Addis Ababa, under the direct supervision of the Senior External Relations Officer, the Associate External Relations Officer has a key role in supporting donor engagement efforts and securing additional Government, development, private sector and pooled funds.
Living and Working Conditions
Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia. the city has an estimated population of 3 million inhabitants. It is where the African Union is headquartered. It also hosts the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), as well as various other continental and international organizations.
UN staff members and members of the Affiliate Workforce reside in commercial accommodation available in town. There are limited medical facilities in Addis that are equipped to deal with moderate medical cases. Evacuation opportunities are also limited. However, air ambulance evacuation can be organized for life- threatening emergencies during day time. Candidates with conditions requiring regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised.
The climate of Ethiopia and the regions varies greatly. It is temperate on the plateau and hot in the lowlands. Generally, the high elevation of the land affects one's adjustment to the environment. At Addis Ababa, which ranges from 2,200 to 2,600 m (7,218 to 8,530 ft), the maximum temperature is 26 ยฐC (78.8 ยฐF) and minimum 4 ยฐC (39.2 ยฐF). The weather is usually sunny and dry, but the short (belg) rains occur from February to April and the large (meher) rains from mid-June to mid-September.
The economy of Ethiopia is a mixed and transition economy with a large public sector. The Government of Ethiopia is in the process of privatizing many of the state-owned businesses and moving toward a market economy. However, the banking, telecommunication and transportation sectors of the economy are dominated by Government-owned companies.
The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr. Foreign currency may only be changed at authorized banks and hotels. Exchange of foreign currency outside the regulated banks (Black Market) is a criminal offence, and international UN personnel caught by police sting operations have been known to be arrested and detained for several days. Any entry or exit of cash in excess of US$3,000 (or the equivalent in other foreign currencies) must be declared to the customs authority. ATM cash withdrawals are largely available in Addis. AMEX is generally not accepted. Payment with credit card is possible in a few selected shops and tourism areas, but this form of payment is expanding.
There is an acceptable access to communication means, such as internet, telephone sim cards etc.
Additional Qualifications
SkillsER-Donor Relationship Development and Management, ER-Donor Relations - Humanitarian Financing, ER-Donor Reporting and Related Tracking Systems
EducationBachelor of Arts (BA): Communication, Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Journalism, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Social Science
Certifications
Work Experience
CompetenciesAccountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Innovation & creativity, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium Add. 1 to Bi-annual Compendium 2023 - Part B
Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance