External Relations Associate

Hardship LevelH (no hardship)

Family TypeFamily

Family TypeFamily

Residential location (if applicable)

GradeGS6

Staff Member / Affiliate TypeGeneral Service

ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment

Remote work acceptedNo

Target Start Date2023-08-02

Job Posting End DateJuly 27, 2023

Standard Job DescriptionExternal Relations Associate Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The External Relations Associate is normally supervised by the External Relations Officer or another professional staff depending on the staffing structure of the Office. The incumbent receives regular guidance and advice from the supervisor. Advice and operational support may also be received from other senior staff and support units at the Country Office/HQ. External contacts are generally with a broad range of officials from national and international institutions, media or general public involving the exchange of a wide range of information. 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 - Provide background briefings to local and international media. - Keep track of evolving issues concerning persons of concern to be able to suggest stories and topics for the media to cover. - Provide daily briefings on local developments to the Head of Office and ensure that briefing materials from other offices are available. - Accompany visits of foreign delegations and the media to refugee sites in the region, giving appropriate briefings, commentaries and prepare briefing material for visitors. - Establish contacts with local organisations to promote general interest and understanding of refugee issues - Ensure that the office is kept informed of local developments which may have a political or operational impact on the office's activities. - May be required to compile information and SitReps received from the Field Offices and/or sections within the Office and consolidate into weekly/monthly/quarterly report. - Advise the Head of Office of local aspects of external relations policies. - Liaise with external partners and local organizations on behalf of UNHCR. - Produce reports and briefings for internal and external partners. - Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level For G6 - 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher Field(s) of Education Not applicable Certificates and/or Licenses Political Sciences Social Sciences International Relations Journalism Communication (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential) Relevant Job Experience Essential Not specified Desirable Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of the position. Functional Skills IT-Web Content Management CO-Drafting and Documentation TI-Interpretation IT-Computer Literacy (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 has experience working with non-governmental organisations and/or volunteer initiatives. The successful candidate for this position should be a highly organized and detail-oriented individual, with excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders. The person is able to work independently as a portfolio holder within the overall responsibilities of the Partnership/ and Inter-Agency Stream. S/He should be analytical, adaptable, and possess strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify key themes and insights, and develop practical recommendations for action. Ideally, s/he will have a relevant academic or professional background in international development, humanitarian aid, or a related field, and experience working in a multicultural environment.

Candidates must be legally present in Switzerland at the time of application, recruitment and hire. Recruitment as a UNHCR staff member and engagement under a UNHCR affiliate scheme or as an intern is subject to proof of vaccination against Covid-19.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a test.

No late applications will be accepted.
UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): English

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Desired languagesFrench

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The Regional Bureau for Europe covers a great variety of countries, including European Union (EU) Member States as well as countries in East and South East Europe. Migration and refugee issues influence policy and political discourse, and they remain polarizing topics shaping the political landscape across Europe. EU Member States disagree on how to handle spontaneous arrivals, reception and integration of refugees, as well as return-related issues. While some call for a fairer distribution of refugees and asylum-seekers, others push for tougher border controls, including the construction/reinforcement of physical fences and walls. Some States have made attempts to further reduce the protection space and in many countries efforts to publicly spread misinformation further fueling fear and discrimination for political gain has been seen. This context requires engagement with States, the public, media and different stakeholders to inspire action and influence change in policies and public support/narrative around refugees through forging and maintaining new strategic partnerships. The main objectives of external engagement in Europe aims at influencing policies and narratives in favour of people of concern to UNHCR(asylum seekers, refugees, internally displaced persons, stateless people notably) through evidence-based advocacy. This includes developing and supporting the implementation of clear advocacy strategies (including in a joint or complementary manner with relevant stakeholders, NGOs, civil society organisations but also other UN agencies), leading the narrative, generating empathy, mobilizing support and actions. The Bureau also seeks to forge and strengthen partnerships in Europe to garner the support of a wide range of stakeholders in favour of the protection and inclusion of refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced people and stateless persons, as well as enhance joint and complementary advocacy and programming. The External Relations Associate (G6) will provide the necessary multi-dimensional support to strategic partnership engagement and Inter-Agency coordination work of the Bureau, to achieve UNHCR's strategic directions in Europe through external engagement with relevant UN agencies as well as through partnerships with civil society organizations, including refugee-led organisations and academia. The incumbent will also support Country Operations' Inter-agency coordination and partnership engagement as a second line of defense.

Living and Working Conditions:

Geneva is a HQ duty station offering high standard living conditions with a relatively high cost of living. With the exception of nationals of the European Union (EU), the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Brunei Darussalam, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Principality of Andorra, San Martin, Singapore and Vatican, nationals from other countries are subject to the visa requirement for taking up employment. In the absence of a Swiss long stay entry visa, the Swiss mission cannot issue them a 'Carte de legitimation' (equivalent to a work and residency permit). The same rule applies to family members who, depending on their nationalities, must enter Switzerland with a visa for family reunion purposes. Identifying accommodation will be a priority before arriving at the duty station. Staff members assigned to Geneva have also been granted the opportunity to reside in neighbouring France on the understanding that the preconditions to acquiring a French residency permit are respected. Medical care is up to international standards. Under the Swiss Federal Health Insurance Act health insurance coverage is compulsory for all persons domiciled in Switzerland within three months of taking up residence or being born in the country. International staff members and their family members holding a Carte de legitimation or an attestation delivered by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs are exempt from this compulsory insurance provided that they are covered by another health insurance scheme (i.e. UNSMIS). With regard to educational facilities in the Geneva area, international schools (La Grande Boissière, Châtaigneraie and Pregny) have difficulties to find places for new admissions. It is therefore advisable to make requests for admission for children as early as possible. For more information on this subject, staff can contact the Association Genevoise des écoles privées in Geneva (www.agep.ch), tel: (+41 22 735 7671). Staff members at the grade of P-5 and above, who reside in Switzerland, enjoy diplomatic status in Switzerland and may purchase goods tax-free in Switzerland. They are also entitled to the Swiss petrol card and CD plates. Switzerland is in general a safe place with little violent crime.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Education

CertificationsCommunication - Other, International Relations - Other, Journalism - Other, Political Science - Other, Social Sciences - Other

Work ExperienceWorkforce to Supervise, Working with Persons of Concern: Asylum Seekers, Working with Persons of Concern: Internally Displaced Persons, Working with Persons of Concern: Others of Concern, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees, Working with Persons of Concern: Returned IDPs, Working with Persons of Concern: Returned Refugees, Working with Persons of Concern: Stateless

CompetenciesAccountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Innovation & creativity, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Teamwork & collaboration

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Compendium

Additional Information

Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance