External Relations Associate

October 13, 2026

Grade

GS6

General Service

Reason

Temporary > Temporary Assignment/ Appointment

D

Family

2026-10-01

2026-12-31

Standard Job Description

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.

- 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 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.

As part of the External Relations team, the incumbent with be supervised by the Associate External Relations Officer in Cox’s Bazar. External contacts are with a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including donors, embassies, government, media, academic, UN agencies, NGOs and other national and international organizations.
In a fast-paced and complex operation, with a dynamic environment, the incumbent will be responsible to stay abreast of the challenges posed by the operational and political context in Bangladesh. Working closely with the External Relations, Communications, and Donor Relation’s teams; the incumbent will support the implementation of the external engagement strategy.
The incumbent will be directly involved in planning and execution of visits by external stakeholders to Cox’s Bazar, including high-level donor missions. This requires working closely with all units, and other agencies, to develop strategic agendas, oversee logistics, ensure the accurate sharing of information, and accompany delegations in the field.
He/she will assist in the development, drafting and distribution of situation and thematic reports, briefing notes, and background material, liaising with technical units, partners and key stakeholders to ensure high-quality content and timely dissemination of information.
The incumbent will monitor and provide guidance on the use of UNHCR branding elements, and support the planning, design, procurement and distribution of visibility items for external stakeholders

In addition to the outlined job requirements, the ideal candidate must possess strong interpersonal skills, organizational skills, strategic thinking, and excellent drafting and communicating in English is required. Solid experience in donor relations, communications, inter-agency coordination, logistics, and planning are required. Photography skills, as well as knowledge of Rohingya language and experience working in a field setting would be an advantage.

Skills
- Organization
- Coordination
- Logistical management
- Design
- Reporting
- Communications

Essential
- Exceptional organizational skills.
- Exceptional coordination skills.
- Strong logistical management skills.
- Strategic thinking and analytical skills.
- Excellent speaking, writing and communication skills in English.
- Ability to extract, interpret and analyse data.
- Design skills.
- Reporting skills.
- Ability to work in close partnership with a wide range of counterparts.

Desirable
- Field experience working in the Rohingya refugee camps.
- Photography skills.
- Knowledge of Rohingya language.
- Excellent ICT skills.
- Experience working in public information/communications.
- Experience working in donor relations.
- Experience in Inter-agency coordination.

This position doesn't require a functional clearance

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Skills

CO-Drafting and Documentation, IT-Computer Literacy, IT-Web Content Management, TI-Interpretation

Education

Certifications

Communication - Other, International Relations - Other, Journalism - Other, Political Science - Other, Social Sciences - Other

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