Associate External Relations and Reporting Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org).

Keep abreast all developments in operations to prepare appropriate briefings and reports.

Prepare periodic reports, i.e. donor updates, internal sitreps, briefing notes for senior managers, and activity-specific reports as required.

Prepare funding submissions for donors, and draft any required after-action reports.

Develop and maintain working relationships with the government, NGOs, and UN agencies to ensure cooperation in inter-related activities.

Support the UNHCR-led Cluster activities by preparing and distributing minutes, assisting in the organization of meetings; occasionally chairing meetings, and serving as the general secretariat for the relevant Cluster.

Support the supervisor in preparation for meetings and missions drafting of talking points.

Organize and accompany missions for VIP visitors, delegates to visit refugee sites or the activities of UNHCR implementing partners.

If there is no Public Information (PI) focal point in country, serve as PI focal point, contributing to and coordinating press events, interviews, PI missions and other activities related to information dissemination to the general public to promote UNHCR activities.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNHCR technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNHCR procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNHCR in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNHCR’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Fields related to external relations, communications, media relations or reporting.

Demonstrated skills in oral and written communication.

The position is based in Pemba, the capital of Cabo Delgado Province, in the north of Mozambique. Pemba is a D, Non-Family duty-station. Mozambique has a total population of about 29 million people and Maputo is its capital city. The total area of Mozambique is 799,380 Km square from North to South. It is tropical hot and humid. The hottest and wettest months are December to February, when the average daily minimum temperatures are around 22°c and the average daily highs of 30°c. The rain season is between October and April. Winters (June to August) are mild with the average daily temperature ranging from 13°C to 24°C. Cabo Delgado is bordering Tanzania, with a population of over 2.2 million individuals according to the 2017 census. The province, considered one of the poorest in the country, was hit by cyclone Kenneth in April 2019, which affected several villages, causing material damage and the displacement of many residents. The province has also been targeted by armed groups that have been attacking local villages since October 2017 to date. The number and intensity of attacks increased consistently in 2020. Communication and transport services are available at various costs. The housing market is healthy but quite expensive (from US$ 800 to US$ 1,500 per month). Pemba has one medium-large supermarket and one international airport. The metical is the local currency and exchange rate stands at USD 1 equivalent to about 63.8 meticais (MZN) as per April 2022. Pemba has 3 health facilities: ISOS clinic, CLIDIS private clinic and the Provincial hospital. There is a wide range of Banks and ATMs to meet financial needs. Credit/debit cards are accepted in most places. UNDSS-cleared hotels are available, with the rates differing depending on the availability and season. MOSS compliant apartments are available. The current operational circumstances require frequently long working hours. This is a stressful work context, making capacity for self-care critical. According to the security level system, Cabo Delgado is at level 4. Crime in Pemba and villages outside of the capital is concerning and UN personnel must remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Traffic accidents are common in Mozambique due to the poor condition of the roads and poor driving and vehicle standards.

Mozambique is a unique country and Pemba is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.