Hardship LevelB
Family TypeFamily
Family TypeFamily
Residential location (if applicable)
GradeNOB
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeNational Professional Officer
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Target Start Date2025-01-01
Deadline for ApplicationsDecember 19, 2024
Standard Job Description
Associate External Relations Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
Direct supervision is normally exercised by a (Snr) External Relations Officer or Representative who provides guidance on the applicable procedures. Advice may also be provided by relevant functional units at HQ. External contacts are with a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including inter alia, government, media, embassies, donors, UN agencies, NGOs and other national and international organizations, as well as general public on matters of importance to the Organization.
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
- Stay abreast of the challenges posed by the political context, the UN and humanitarian reform, and institutional developments in the area of forced displacement and humanitarian operations.
- Assist the implementation of a communications strategy that generates support for UNHCR¿s operations from external partners (e.g. the general public, governments, partners, media, academia, NGOs, private sector and persons of concern).
- Assist in the dialogue with donors and embassies and provide relevant information on UNHCR operations and financial requirements by organizing regular briefings, bilateral meetings and missions and responding to donors¿ requests for information on ad hoc basis.
- Through a consultative process with headquarters, disseminate information on UNHCR¿s global funding situation and mobilize additional funds to implement programmes and projects aimed at enhancing the quality of protection for persons of concern in the country operation.
- Assist in the coordination of the drafting of, situation reports, briefing notes, background material, talking points, fact sheets, press releases and articles.
- Draft narrative and financial reports on contributions in compliance with specific donor requirements.
- Monitor earmarking level of funding for UNHCR Country operation and ensure appropriate visibility for donor contributions in compliance with UNHCR guidelines and specific donor requirements.
- Participate on behalf of the Representative and other supervisors in inter-agency cooperation and communication strategies, initiatives and tools.
- Assist in the management of information flows within the country operations by identifying priority matters, securing, analyzing and disseminating documentation and information to support country operations and corporate communication processes and priorities.
- Consolidate information on UNHCR¿s country operations and identify appropriate messages for campaigns and appeals.
- Propose events and initiatives (e.g. commercial, cultural, political and sports) to promote the work of UNHCR and take action as appropriate.
- Support the management of media relations by, inter alia, responding to direct queries, publishing press releases, handling interview requests and organizing regular briefings and visits to country operations.
- Promote visibility of UNHCR¿s work and advocate for support for the people of concern through providing inputs for social media and other web content.
- Organize missions to the field and press briefings for external parties as required.
- Implement all aspects of a communications strategy.
- Represent UNHCR on behalf of senior management in fundraising and communication priorities in inter-agency initiatives and fora.
- 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 P2/NOB - 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Political Sciences, Social Sciences, International Relations, Journalism, Communications
or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Experience in humanitarian operations in a field environment.
Excellent knowledge of local institution, politics and culture.
Desirable
Fund-raising and programming/programme management experience.
Experience of working with social media.
Functional Skills
CO-Drafting and Documentation
PS-Fundraising (incl. operations, programmes)
PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards)
IT-Computer Literacy
IT-Web Content Management
(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 Familiarity with displacement and refugee issues in Kenya. Experience working with the government, intergovernmental, private sector foundations, and donors, and in external engagement. Ability to provide support and work with various technical teams when developing proposals and reports. Demonstrated capacity to review and analyse a wide range of documents, synthesize, and provide relevant advice and support to the Senior Management. The incumbent will be expected to contribute to high-quality products when drafting and reviewing various strategic documents. Programme management experience would be an added advantage with added knowledge in budgeting, financial reporting, and working on indicator reports. The ability to work independently and creatively will be an added advantage alongside adeptness/flexibility in learning quickly and applying this knowledge in briefings and meetings including when developing reports, proposals, and other documentation on behalf of the country office. Demonstrated leadership qualities in leading teams and processes in resource mobilization processes. Demonstrated experience in coordination with partners, donors, and other stakeholders. Experience of working within the scope of humanitarian-peace-development nexus. Demonstrated ability to think creatively and to explore, harness, and translate innovative concepts into relevant practical approaches for programming, policy, and advocacy purposes’.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel.
Nature of Position:
Kenya remains the fifth largest host country in Africa and the thirteenth biggest asylum country in the world. The total number of refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya stands at approx. 800,000, in addition to some 8,000 stateless persons. UNHCR Kenya Operation maintains three main offices as follows: Representation Office in Nairobi, Two sub-offices in Kakuma and Dadaab. A Joint Refugee Service Centre has also been established, operated jointly with the Department of Refugee Services, to provide all protection services to affected populations in Nairobi.
In line with the Global Compact for Refugees (GCR) and the 2023-2026 UNHCR Kenya Multi-Year Strategy, the operation will continue to focus on further expanding the protection of refugees and promoting solutions as well as to continue working on the activities/targets partially by partners and through direct implementation and in close coordination with other stakeholders.
The Associate External Relations Officer will report to the External Relations Officer (ERO) and work closely with all the units in the Representation Office and support the two field locations and the urban programme. In addition to the duties listed in the Job Description, the incumbent will also; Support the ERO and act as a functional deputy in his/her absence. Lead specific fundraising opportunities as assigned including negotiating, contracting, recording of funds, follow-up on implementation and reporting. Coordinate various missions for government, intergovernmental, private sector, and other donors to the Sub-Offices. Draft proposals and reports against various funds and grants for the UNHCR Kenya Office. The incumbent will liaise with the Sub-Offices when developing proposals and drafting reports to ensure information is factual and coherent, and in line with contractual obligations promptly. Draft briefing kits and notes, key documents, and communication for the External Relations Unit and in support of the Executive Office. Support with analysis of data using MS systems for various reports. Work closely with the Communications team and track donor communications and visibility requirements.
Living and Working Conditions:
Additional Qualifications
SkillsCO-Drafting and Documentation, IT-Computer Literacy, IT-Web Content Management, PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards), PS-Fundraising (incl. operations, programmes)
EducationBachelor of Arts (BA): Communication, Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Journalism, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Social Science
Certifications
Work Experience
CompetenciesAccountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Innovation & creativity, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance