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Regular > Regular AssignmentTarget Start Date
Standard Job Description
Senior External Relations Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior External Relations Officer normally reports to the Representative or Deputy Representative. The incumbent has direct supervisory responsibility for External Relations staff.
External contacts are predominantly with partners, media, government, embassies and other international organizations in the country 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.
- Through a consultative process with UNHCR colleagues (Programme, Protection, etc.) with external actors and partners, develop and implement protection and assistance strategy, with clearly articulated objectives, timelines and outputs.
- Implement a communications strategy that generates support for UNHCR's operations from external partners (e.g. the general public, governments, partners, the media, academia and forcibly displaced and stateless persons).
- Articulate all issues pertaining to the needs of the forcibly displaced and stateless persons and the strategies in place to respond to their needs.
- Ensure that the UNHCR priorities are given adequate weight in the documentation of the UN Country Team.
- Maintain a close dialogue with and provide accurate information to donors by organizing regular briefings, bilateral meetings and donor missions. Prepare reports as appropriate.
- In accordance with the operational context and in close cooperation with headquarters, access new and non-traditional funding sources, as appropriate, including private sector and humanitarian pooled/basket funds (e.g. Central Emergency Response Fund, Human Security Fund).
- Through a consultative process with headquarters, disseminate information on UNHCR's global funding situation and mobilize additional funds to implement special projects aimed at enhancing the quality of protection for forcibly displaced and stateless persons in the country operation.
- Participate in inter-agency cooperation and communication strategies, initiatives and tools.
- Support senior management in representing UNHCR in the UN Country Team and other UN coordination fora.
- Support, and participate in, local UN integrated missions, Inter-Agency Standing Committee, Emergency Relief Coordinator and Cluster communication strategies and initiatives.
- Manage the information flow 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.
- Coordinate the drafting of, and/or draft, situation reports, briefing notes, background material, talking points, fact sheets, press releases and articles.
- Develop targeted communications strategies and media packages for situations and/or activities that require focused attention.
- Identify and target major events and initiatives (e.g. commercial, cultural, political and sports) to promote the work of UNHCR.
- Manage media relations by, inter alia, responding to direct queries, publishing press releases and organizing regular briefings and visits to country operations.
- Approve fund-raising messages.
- Approve any relevant expenditure for the implementation of fund-raising activities.
- Decide which donors to approach and which operations or activities to prioritize for special fundraising appeals.
- Approve the communications strategy.
- Approve budgets and expenditures for communications activities.
- Clear external relations/communication products and tools.
- Represent UNHCR fund-raising and communication priorities in inter-agency initiatives and fora.
- Lead risk assessments and discussions with team(s) to proactively manage risks and seize opportunities impacting objectives. Ensure that risk management principles are integrated in decision-making both at strategic and operational levels. Allocate resources for planned treatments with resource requirements in Strategic Plans. Ensure that risks are managed to acceptable levels and escalate, as needed. If a Risk Owner, designate the Risk Focal Point and certify that the annual risk review is completed and ensure that the risk register is updated during the year, as needed.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P4/NOD - 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Political Sciences; Social Sciences; International Relations;
Journalism; 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
Good knowledge of UNHCR operations both at Headquarters and in the Field.
Fund-raising and programming/programme management experience.
Experience of working with social media.
Functional Skills
IT-Web Content Management
IT-Computer Literacy
ER-Inter-Agency External Relations
ER-Inter-Agency Leadership/Coordination
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
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
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Desired languages
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Operational context
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:
The Senior External Relations Officer (SERO) is based in Dhaka, in the Country Representation Office. As the head of the operation’s External Engagement pillar, s/he oversees diverse and interrelated activities, ensuring strategic coherence and collaboration among the different functional areas: s/he supervises the dynamic Communications and External Relations teams in Dhaka and Cox's Bazar, and works closely with the Donor Relations, Programme and PSP teams.
As a part of the senior management team, s/he works closely with the Representative and will take the lead in refining the operation’s communications, public outreach, donor relations strategy and outreach. The incumbent will engage with a wide array of stakeholders and actors, including at seniormost level, and collaborate closely with the other functional pillars of the operation.
The SERO will lead the teams in developing and delivering an outreach strategy for building public understanding and support for refugees and UNHCR's work in Bangladesh, drawing upon global good practices, regional strategies, and including the effective use of social media. UNHCR's operation in Bangladesh has received strong backing from donors since the onset of the crisis. The SERO will look beyond optimising funding from UNHCR's traditional government supporters and seek to develop the potential of new donor countries and pursue new funding sources, including in the private sector, and leverage development funding streams to address refugee needs. The SERO must bring strategic vision, experience and expertise with government fundraising, familiarity with private sector and development finance and the skills and creativity needed to revamp UNHCR's approach to communication in Bangladesh.
The operation’s needs are expected remain high and may further increase, while the allocated humanitarian funding (incl. for UNHCR) remains in a sharp decline, with impact at both the operational and staffing levels. The SERO will therefore have to continue and further enhance strategic approaches aimed at ensuring that scarce resources are utilised in the most efficient and effective manner with a view to maximize financial resources, other forms of support and partnership. This entails innovation and the ability to stringently plan and prioritize.
Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, which is the centre of national government, trade and culture and home to over 18 million people, making it one of the most densely population city in the world.
Bangladesh has a subtropical monsoon climate characterized by wide seasonal variations in rainfall, high temperatures and humidity. There are three distinct seasons: a hot humid summer from March to June; a cool, rainy monsoon season from June to October; and a cool dry winter from October to March. Air quality is poor, particularly during the dry season.
Dhaka is a Category C duty season with a 3-year Standard Assignment Length. It is a family duty station, and educational facilities from primary to secondary school are available. There are some private hospitals in Dhaka that can provide basic care. Vaccination against the Japanese Encephalitis virus is strongly recommended. Leisure and recreational facilities are available.
UNDSS-cleared hotels are available, with the rates differing depending upon availability and the season. Apartments are available for renting. UNDSS recommends that international staff members reside in the diplomatic area of Dhaka, where the UNHCR office is located.
Dhaka has many restaurants, grocery stores. Home delivery services are available. Banks and ATMsare available, and major credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger shops. Foreign currency can be exchanged easily.
Within the UN security system, Dhaka is currently Level 3 Moderate. Although security is generally acceptable, no movement on highways at night is allowed. Walking and jogging on the street and using rickshaws are not recommended in late evening. Crowded local markets should also be avoided.
The Rohingya refugee crisis had passed the most critical emergency phase by the end of 2018. The political and operational environment also remains highly dynamic and demanding. This is a stressful working environment, making a capacity for self-care important.
The geographic location and topography of Bangladesh predisposes the country to many natural disasters including earthquakes. Floods and cyclones are the most frequent and recurring natural disasters in the country. Floods can potentially increase transmission of both water-borne diseases and vector borne diseases such as dengue hemorrhagic fever. In addition to these infections, injuries due to vehicle related accidents are common.
Air pollution in Dhaka is a significant problem. The degree of exposure and concentration of outdoor air pollutants can be detrimental to health and can contribute to breathing problems, development of chronic diseases and deterioration of health status in individuals with pre-existing chronic diseases.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
CO-Drafting and Documentation, ER-Inter-Agency External Relations, ER-Inter-Agency Leadership/Coordination, IT-Computer Literacy, IT-Web Content ManagementEducation
Certifications
Work Experience
Competencies
Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaborationUNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Additional Information
Functional clearance