External Relations Associate (Re-advertised)

This position is advertised and open to both internal and external applicants. All applicants must have legal residence with valid work permit in the US at the time of submitting their applications. External 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. All jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies. The six core competencies are listed below.

Core Competencies
Accountability
Communication
Organizational Awareness
Teamwork & Collaboration
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Client & Result Orientation

Managerial Competencies
Not specified.

Cross-Functional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
Innovation and Creativity
Political Awareness Please note that person interested in applying must be US national or legally present in the US at the time of application, selection process and hire. Only those shortlisted candidates will be contacted. CVs/Resumes will not be accepted by email. ONLY THOSE APPLICATIONS SENT THROUGH THE SYSTEM WILL BE CONSIDERED.
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See below for this postion's Operational Context
======================================================================================================== The External Relations Assoicate reports to the Sr. External Relations Officer and is part of the External Relations unit in the UNHCR Multi-Country office in Washington (MCOW). The ER unit works to engage and inform U.S. government officials, Congress, the diplomatic community, and civil society about UNHCR¿s global strategic priorities and operations and the needs of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons, and to ensure continued bipartisan U.S. political and financial support for the organization¿s work around the globe. The ER Associate will work closely with the Sr. ER Officer and External Relations Officer to build and maintain strong relationships with Congressional staff involved in shaping U.S. policies and funding impacting refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced people, and stateless people worldwide. The ER Associate will monitor key U.S. legislative/policy developments related to global refugee protection; attend Congressional hearings and briefings; maintain strong relationships with UN agency colleagues and civil society advocates; regularly share analysis and info with HQ, Bureau, and field colleagues on relevant U.S. political and policy developments; help organize field visits by UNHCR staff and partners; and provide support to the Sr. ER Officer on budget and planning processes, among others. The ER Associate will draft, edit, and format materials such as talking points for meetings, as well as briefs, updates, and fact sheets for distribution to key external audiences and partners.

As the ER team works closely with colleagues across the office and organization, the position requires a strong team player with an ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural and international environment and a demonstrated interest in refugee and humanitarian policies. This position also requires strong writing and communication skills, including the ability to brief senior colleagues and external stakeholders and convey information clearly and succinctly, as well as strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills. Strong awareness of political and public sensitivities around global refugee policies is required, and a solid understanding of and experience with the U.S. policymaking and legislative processes is a must. A network of contacts throughout the Congress and U.S. government is highly desirable. Prior experience working in Congress on related issues or on humanitarian policy/legislative advocacy is highly desirable. The closing date for submission of application is MONDAY, 29 AUGUST 2022 (Midnight Geneva time // 6 PM EST). No late applications will be accepted.

HOW TO APPLY:
Internal candidates: Your application must be submitted by: MSRP - Self-Service - Recruiting - Careers - USA - NAME OF THE POSITION
External candidates: Candidates must submit their application through UNHCR's official application site: www.unhcr.org/careers.html
In case of technical problems, please login with a different browser
For any technical problems encountered during the online application, please contact the Global Service Desk (hqussd@unhcr.org) prior to the deadline to allow sufficient time to resolve the issues. For any questions regarding the selection process, please contact Human Resources (usawaadm@unhcr.org)

CVs/Resumes will not be accepted by email. ONLY THOSE APPLICATIONS SENT THROUGH THE SYSTEM WILL BE CONSIDERED.

We are committed to maintaining diversity in terms of gender, ethnicity and culture.  Persons belonging to minority groups, persons with special abilities, men and women, are encouraged to apply for vacancies. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

We do not confirm receipt of applications or report on the status of the process. Only qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview and possibly a written test.
UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing or any other fees).