Associate External Relations Officer

Deadline for Applications

July 11, 2026

Hardship Level

A (least hardship)

Family Type

Family

Residential location (if applicable)

Grade

NOB

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

National Professional Officer

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

Target Start Date

2026-09-01

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

The South Africa Multi‑Country Office (SAMCO) seeks a strategic and analytically strong Associate External Relations Officer (NOB) with deep expertise in humanitarian and development engagement and understanding across nine countries. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a solid understanding of SAMCO’s external relations priorities and the ability to design, implement, and adapt strategies that advance UNHCR’s mandate within complex and mixed‑migration contexts.

The candidate must bring a proven track record in managing multifaceted external relations issues, including donor relations, partnerships with humanitarian, development and legal actors, communications, advocacy, and reporting. Strong political awareness of the regional humanitarian landscape—and the challenges and opportunities it presents—is essential. The role requires exceptional communication and negotiation abilities to build and sustain effective relationships with governments, donors, media, UN Agencies, civil society, private sector stakeholders, and other partners.

The successful candidate will demonstrate cultural sensitivity and diplomacy, operate with transparency and accountability, and uphold UNHCR’s core humanitarian principles. Strong leadership, planning, and managerial skills are required to guide and motivate a diverse team, foster collaboration, and drive results. The individual should be a proactive change agent capable of navigating operational complexities and promoting innovative approaches.

The candidate must bring proven expertise in resource mobilization and donor relations. This includes preparing high‑quality briefing materials, funding proposals, concept notes, and strategic engagement plans tailored to varied donor priorities. They should show clear evidence of successful fundraising, effective multi‑stakeholder management, and the ability to build and sustain partnerships with both new and established donors across bilateral, multilateral, philanthropic, and private‑sector channels.

The candidate should ideally also have clear understanding on international law and of global governance, humanitarian policy, and contemporary development debates. They should have demonstrated experience engaging with a diverse range of actors, including governments, international organizations, civil society, research institutions, and think tanks on these issues, including the ability to represent UNHCR as a spokesperson. Experience participating in or supporting high‑level dialogues on emerging development challenges—such as forced displacement, climate resilience, human rights, and geopolitical shifts—is essential.

Outstanding drafting and communication skills are required. The candidate must be able to produce compelling written products, including reports, press releases, web stories, thought pieces, social media content, cover stories, and talking points for senior‑level engagements. As a spokesperson for UNHCR, they must possess excellent oratory and public‑speaking skills, strong presentation abilities, and demonstrated experience delivering clear, impactful messages in both formal and digital communication spaces. This includes giving media interviews, participating in press conferences, engaging effectively on social media, and presenting complex legal, humanitarian, or policy issues to a wide range of audiences—donors, government authorities, media outlets, civil society partners, academic institutions, and private‑sector stakeholders.

In addition, the candidate should have solid experience in planning and managing events and conferences, including high‑level roundtables, donor briefings, expert panels, and strategic dialogues. This includes agenda design, speaker coordination, partnership cultivation, and ensuring high‑quality substantive outcomes.

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

,

,

Desired languages

,

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The general situation in Southern Africa remains calm. Increasing movements of asylum seekers from other parts of Africa and Asia continue and this has resulted in significant backlogs in refugee status determination (RSD), compounded by mixed migratory flows. UNHCR is promoting accession to international and regional refugee instruments in these countries while also enhancing efforts to find comprehensive solutions that ease pressure on host nations.

The UNHCR Associate External Relations Officer (NOB) is a mid‑level, externally facing role responsible for building and maintaining strategic relationships with donors, UN agencies, NGOs, media, and other key partners to strengthen political, financial, and public support for UNHCR’s operations.

The position operates under the supervision of the Representative and focuses on staying abreast of political and humanitarian developments, supporting the design and communication of UNHCR’s protection and assistance strategies, and ensuring that the needs of populations of concern are clearly articulated to external stakeholders. It involves implementing communications strategies that generate backing for UNHCR’s work, organizing briefings and missions for donors and embassies, and preparing high‑quality reports, updates, and talking points. The role also contributes to donor engagement and resource mobilization including identifying non‑traditional funding sources and works closely with internal colleagues (Programme, Protection, etc.) to reflect UNHCR priorities within broader UN coordination structures. The incumbent will travel across the MCO countries (Botswana, Comoros, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, Namibia and Seychelles) to support relationship building with various stakeholders. Overall, the External Relations Officer functions as a key diplomatic, advocacy, and partnership‑building interface between UNHCR and the external environment, helping to secure political goodwill, visibility, and funding essential for operational effectiveness.

Living and Working Conditions:

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CO-Drafting and Documentation, IT-Computer Literacy, IT-Web Content Management, PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards), PS-Fundraising (incl. operations, programmes)

Education

Bachelor of Arts: Communication, Bachelor of Arts: International Relations, Bachelor of Arts: Journalism, Bachelor of Arts: Political Science, Bachelor of Arts: Social Science

Certifications

Work Experience

Competencies

Accountability, 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

Compendium

Additional Information

A written assessment may form part of the selection process.

Functional clearance

This position doesn't require a functional clearance