Hardship LevelH (no hardship)
Family TypeFamily
Family TypeFamily
Residential location (if applicable)
GradeGS7
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeGeneral Service
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Target Start Date2024-04-01
Job Posting End DateApril 30, 2024
Standard Job Description
Senior External Relations Associate
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior External Relations Associate is to be a key external point of contact for the UNHCR office with media and other external organisations. The incumbent will be responsible for creating greater public (Donors, NGOs, Government, Refugees, Civil Society, etc.) awareness and understanding of refugee issues and the work of UNHCR and for amplifying the voice of refugees and other people of concern (PoC). S/he will have a pivotal role in drafting reports, updates, briefing documents, maintenance of the UNHCR local web site and social media channels and providing support to the supervisor.
The Senior External Relations Associate supports activities, events, campaigns and outreach, working with partner organisations to support the protection of PoC. Essential to these efforts are coherent and consistent visual and verbal messaging and linking the substantive media elements (news) to milestone events (World Refugee Day, Nansen Refugee Award, #IBelong Campaign to end Statelessness, HCs Dialogues, and the launch of one off campaigns and events.) The overall aim is to mobilise further financial support, increase awareness and empathy for forcibly displaced people.
The incumbent normally reports to a Representative, Head of Office/Section or a Senior Communication or External Relations Officer, depending on the office setup.
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
- Support UNHCR's media relations and advocacy work in the geographic and thematic area.
- Monitor evolving issues concerning asylum seekers, stateless persons and refugees within the Area of Responsibility (AoR) and suggest stories and topics for media coverage.
- Provide support to Senior Management in dealing with the challenges posed by the political context, the UN and humanitarian reform, and institutional developments.
- Ensure that the office is kept informed of local developments which may have a political or operational impact on its activities.
- Provide background briefings to local and international media.
- Accompany visits of foreign delegations and the media to refugee sites, give appropriate briefings, commentaries and prepare briefing material for visitors.
- Assist in the dialogue with donors and embassies and provide accurate information by organizing regular briefings, bilateral meetings and missions.
- Assist Senior Management in disseminating information on UNHCR's global funding situation and mobilize additional funds to implement special projects aimed at enhancing the quality of protection for PoC.
- Manage budget, when requested, including tracking expenditures and incoming donations. Ensure payments through UNHCR and prepare budget documents for partners and reports on spending.
- Assist in the drafting of situation reports, briefing notes, background material, talking points, fact sheets, press releases and articles.
- Assist in planning and organizing advertisements, exhibitions, training seminars, conferences, meetings, social events, campaigns and other activities to promote a better understanding of UNHCR's activities and accomplishments by the general public and/or organized groups.
- Organize press briefings for external parties as required.
- Reach out proactively to a broad range of external actors, including social media influencers, good will ambassadors and the private sector to build new alliances within the AoR in order to promote the protection of PoC.
- Manage preparation of contracts for artists, production companies, journalist, photographers etc.
- 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
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For G7 - 4 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 or Social Sciences, International Relations, Journalism, Communication
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential:
Not specified
Desirable:
Experience with event management. Demonstrated ability to work against tight deadlines.
Functional Skills
MS-Advocacy
CO-Journalism (incl. print, broadcast, photography, video )
CO-Multimedia storytelling
ER-External Relations in UNHCR or other humanitarian agencies
EX-Experience in an international, decentralized and/or multinational environment
MG-Project Management
FR-Marketing
MG- Partnership Development
(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 1. Operational Context:
The war in Ukraine triggered the displacement of more than 580,000 refugees to the Czech Republic who applied and received temporary protection in the country. Today over 380,000 continue to seek refuge in Czechia. While the Czech Republic is not a frontline state, it is amongst the top 3 destinations for Ukrainian fleeing the war.
UNHCR Czechia is seeking a talented candidate to take on its external relation portfolio. The diverse portfolio includes donor engagement; UNHCR visibility; content creation and engagement with the media and digital platforms to highlight UNHCR’s work and promote fact – based discourse on refugees as well as reporting to internal and external stakeholders including donors on activities carried out by the Prague national office and its partners. The position also leads the organization of events including World Refugee Day and the engagement of the office in public events and debates.
The position is based in Prague. The candidate will work directly under the supervision of the head of national office and in close coordination with the External Relations Unit in the Representation office in Budapest (which covers the Czech Republic). The candidate will be an integral part of a diverse international team and will closely work with colleagues in other units. S/he will also ensure strong coordination with partner organizations, authorities, and other relevant stakeholders and support the Office’s efforts in broadening engagement with external audiences, the donor community, partners, and other stakeholders.
UNHCR's workplace is international and multicultural and therefore inclusive and diverse. It offers opportunities that contribute to professional growth and development, and it requires cultural awareness and sensitivity and adaptation to different communication styles and behaviours. Prior experience in the field of migration and asylum is a strong value added. As a key resource for engagement with the media and donors the candidate should possess relevant representation and public engagement skills. The candidate should also demonstrate strong writing, reporting, and editing skills, as well as willingness to learn. A track record in engagement with the media; organization of public events or/and graphic design are a value added.
UNHCR National Office in the Czech Republic operates under the Representation for Central Europe (MCO Hungary), which covers 4 countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia).
2. Desirable Candidate Profile
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills and a high level of precision and attention to detail.
• Flexible and able to manage a diverse portfolio of responsibilities.
• Ability to act as spokesperson and engage with the media.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to work harmoniously and effectively as part of a team in multicultural settings.
• Proactive, positive, open-minded, and willing to learn.
3. Language Requirements:
Knowledge of English as the UN working language of the duty station and Czech language is required.
4. Remuneration:
In case of appointment, a competitive compensation and benefits package is offered.
G-7 monthly salary range: NET CZK 55,946 - CZK 68,886
5. Benefits:
Annual leave: UNHCR staff members holding a fixed-term appointment will accrue annual leave at the rate of 2.5 working days for each full calendar months of service (i.e. 30 working days per year).
Pension system: Staff members holding a fixed-term appointment will become participants in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF).
Health insurance plan: locally recruited staff members in the Czech Republic will be enrolled in the National Health System of Czech Republic.
4. Additional information:
Candidates must be legally present in the Czech Republic at the time of application, recruitment and hire.
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
,Czech
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Additional Qualifications
Skills
Education
Certifications
Work Experience
CompetenciesAccountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Innovation & creativity, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration
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Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance