Deadline for Applications
September
Hardship Level
H (no hardship)
Family Type
Family
Grade
GS5
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
General Service
Reason
Regular >
Regular Assignment
Target Start Date
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 additional staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core functional cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCRs 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 UNHCRs social media strategy conceptualize and pitch stories for UNHCRs 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 UNHCRs 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
Strong digital literacy including proficiency with website content management systems social media tools (e.g. Canva Adobe Suite) and various online platforms.
Advanced skills in Microsoft Office applications.
Excellent writing abilities adaptable to different audiences formats and communication styles.
Strong organisational and coordination skills.
Familiarity with monitoring and analysing both traditional and social media.
Hands‑on experience in updating websites and creating engaging digital content.
Demonstrated flexibility and initiative with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
Skilled in prioritising tasks and solving problems proactively.
High standards of professionalism integrity and respect for diversity with discretion in handling confidential information.
Proven experience in executing communication strategies.
Understanding of UNHCRs mission and role within the UN system along with knowledge or interest in refugee protection and asylum issues.
Fluent in English.
Must be physically based in Canberra and work in the office.
Preferred Qualifications
* Experience with email marketing platforms graphic design or multimedia editing.
* Prior experience in communications or external relations within a humanitarian context.
Eligibility
Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents with full-time work rights as of the vacancy closing date.
Remuneration
A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries allowances and benefits please visit the portal of the International Civil Service Commission at :
No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a written test and / or oral interview. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application interview processing or any other fees).
Equal Opportunity
UNHCR strongly encourages qualified female applicants for this position. UNHCR seeks to ensure that male and female employees are given equal career opportunities. UNHCR is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender nationality and culture. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
UNHCR has a zero‑tolerance policy against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA). SEA is unacceptable behaviour and prohibited conduct for UNHCR personnel. It constitutes acts of serious misconduct and is therefore grounds for disciplinary measures including dismissal. Any concerns or suspicions about a possible case of SEA should be reported immediately to the Inspector Generals Office (IGO) at through the online complain form at or by confidential fax :
Required Languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level)
Desired languages
Additional Qualifications
Skills
CO-Drafting and Documentation IT-Computer Literacy TI-Interpretation
Certifications
Communication - Other International Relations - Other Journalism - Other Media - Other Political Science - Other
Competencies
Accountability Client & results orientation Commitment to continuous learning Communication Organizational awareness Teamwork & collaboration
Functional clearance
This position doesn't require a functional clearance
Required Experience
Senior IC
Key Skills
Marketing,Public Relations,Google Docs,Organizational skills,Communication skills,Press Releases,Office Experience,Constant Contact,InfusionSoft,Social Media Management,Child Protective Services,Writing Skills
Employment Type
Full-Time
Experience
years
Vacancy
1
#J-18808-Ljbffr