Job Description

Deadline for Applications

September 29, 2026

Hardship Level

D

Family Type

Family

Residential location (if applicable)

Grade

GS5

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

Target Start Date

2026-11-02

Standard Job Description

Senior External Relations Assistant

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Senior External Relations Assistant normally functions under the direct supervision of 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. He/she plays a key role in organising the visits of foreign delegations, donors, press and media, providing regular briefings and drafting reports/materials for external partners. He/she 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

• Draft briefing notes, press releases, 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
• Draft and translate routine correspondence and texts.
• Assist with developing and implementing UNHCR's social media strategy conceptualize and pitch stories for UNHCR's global website.
• Ensure that public information materials including fact sheets, information brochures, briefing materials from the Branch Office, etc. are available.
• Organize visibility 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.
• Review media daily and ensure the office is kept informed of local developments.
• Provide information on UNHCR's activities to external partners.
• Respond to non-complex media queries and incoming correspondence.
• 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 G5 - 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education

Not applicable

Certificates and/or Licenses

International Relations, Journalism Political Science

Communication 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

TI-Interpretation

IT-Computer Literacy

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

Essential Attributes

• Relevant experience in external relations, communications, public information, media, journalism or international relations.
• Excellent drafting and communication skills in English and French, including preparation of briefings, reports and communication materials.
• Proven experience supporting external engagement, visits, events, media or partner relations.
• Proficiency in digital communication and design tools, such as Canva, Photoshop or Adobe Creative Suite.
• Ability to prepare and disseminate accurate and audience-appropriate communication and visibility materials.
• Previous experience with UN/UNHCR, humanitarian or international organizations.

Desirable Attributes

• Experience in social media, website content and visibility activities.
• Experience engaging with donors, government authorities, partners, media and local communities.
• Completion of relevant UNHCR or professional training.
• Proficiency in English and French mandatory, Arabic is an advantage.
• Excellent drafting skills in English and French mandatory

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

Desired languages

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Nature of Position:

Living and Working Conditions:

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CO-Drafting and Documentation, IT-Computer Literacy, TI-Interpretation

Education

Certifications

Communication - Other, International Relations - Other, Journalism - Other, Media - Other, Political Science - Other

Work Experience

Competencies

Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Organizational awareness, Teamwork & collaboration

UNHCR Salary Calculator

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn't require a functional clearance