External Relations Assistant

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)B

Family Type (not applicable for home-based)

Family

Staff Member / Affiliate TypeInternship

Target Start Date2023-06-01

Job Posting End DateMay 18, 2023

Terms of ReferenceUNHCR’s Representation in Cameroon covering Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Sao Tome and Principe, is seeking an intern for a six-month internship from January 2023 in its Communications Unit in Yaounde. The internship would suit candidates with interest and studies or experience in fundraising, communications, media and public outreach, campaigning, and online communication. Familiarity with international and private sector affairs, international humanitarian affairs and/or refugee related issues is an asset.
Background:
Since 1950, UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, has helped tens of millions of people restart their lives. Today, a staff of more than 10,000 people in 130 countries continues to help and protect millions of refugees, returnees, internally displaced and stateless people.
In Cameroon, UNHCR provides lifesaving assistance, protection, shelter, food, clean water, education and medical care to some of the world’s most vulnerable. UNHCR also provides assistance to refugees who want to return home when it is safe to do so and helps integrate refugees within the country or resettle to a third country when returning home is no longer an option.
The Cameroon MCO External Relations team leads the development and the implementation of UNHCR’s integrated communication strategy aimed at building awareness of, empathy with, and concrete support for refugees and other forcibly displaced persons while positioning UNHCR as an effective, impactful organization. Seeking to achieve the UNHCR’s resource mobilization goals within the region while simultaneously enhancing the visibility and reputation of the country operation’s programme, the intern will support the External Relations Officer in developing and implementing partnership and coordination and external engagement strategies in order to strengthen UNHCR’s position in Cameroon and MCO countries, and in the mobilization of public, political, operational and financial support for the work of UNHCR.
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Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will gain unique knowledge about UNHCR’s global, regional and national role, capabilities, programs, and impact, and the role of communications and outreach in achieving UNHCR’s mandate as they
- Assist in collecting information, identifying and developing proposals and external documents, such as Operational Update and other support documents;
- Assist in revision of external documents to ensure consistent and cohesive messaging aligned with the Organization’s strategic and operational plans.
- Assist in ensuring that MCO Operation implement and adhere to UNHCR corporate fund-raising priorities and procedures.
- Work together with communications team to prepare print and digital communication materials (web stories, photo essays, factsheets, info graphics etc.), visibility items, and in publication design management;
- Assist in implementing campaigns and staging events;
- Support outreach, including media relations, digital media and multi-media projects, to ensure public support for refugees and other people served by UNHCR;
- Support the open dialogue and information sharing with NGOs and civil society partners to enlarge UNHCR’s support and tap into complementary resources/ support to refugees;
- Undertake other projects as needed to further assist the External Relations Unit’s work.
Eligibility:
- Current students or recent graduates (have completed studies within one year of applying from a university or higher education facility accredited by UNESCO) with Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in international relations, management, journalism, communications or related field.
- Superior command of French and English languages with excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Working knowledge in Microsoft Office is desired. Knowledge of InDesign and Photoshop is a plus.
- Ability to multi-task and prioritize with minimal supervision. Attention to detail required.
- Have no direct family ties with a UNHCR staff member (including Temporary Appointment holder) nor with a member of the Affiliate Workforce.

Standard Job Description External Relations Assistant Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The External Relations Assistant normally functions under the direct supervision of a (Snr) External Relations Officer or another professional staff depending on staffing structure of the Office. The incumbent assists in the management of external relations activities of the Office. Under the supervision of the manager, s/he provides support in organising visits of UNHCR senior management, foreign delegations, donors, press and media by contributing to the drafting of briefings and reports/materials for external partners. S/he may also receive advice and operational support from the External Relations/Public Information Units at the Country Office /HQ. 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 UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity. Duties - Support the drafting of briefing notes, bulletins, reports, newsletters and prepare any other public information material, as required. - Facilitate and accompany visits of foreign delegations, partner NGOs, donors and the media to refugee camps. - Assist in the drafting and translation of routine correspondence and texts. - Ensure that public information materials including fact sheets, information brochures, briefing materials from the Branch Office, etc. are available. - Support the organization of events (e.g. World Refugee Day) and liaise with partners, refugees and local communities on implementation. - May be required to assist in compilation of weekly, monthly, annual/quarterly thematic reports, situations reports etc. - Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level For G4 - 1 year relevant experience with High School Diploma; or Bachelor or equivalent or higher Field(s) of Education Not applicable. Certificates and/or Licenses International Relations, Journalism, Political Science, Law Media, (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential) Relevant Job Experience Essential Not specified. Desirable Previous experience in UN/UNHCR. Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of position. Knowledge of another relevant UN language. HQ and Field experience with UNHCR or with other humanitarian organizations. Functional Skills IT-Computer Literacy CO-Drafting and Documentation TI-Interpretation CO-Media monitoring and analysis (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.

Required Languages

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Desired Languages

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Additional Qualifications

Skills

Education

CertificationsInternational Relations - Other, Journalism - Other, Law - Other, Media - Other, Political Science - Other

Work Experience

Other informationThis position doesn't require a functional clearance