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 United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a global organization dedicated to ensuring the international protection and achieving durable solutions for forcibly displaced persons and eradicate statelessness. To achieve its mandate, UNHCR relies on dedicated professionals to contribute to its crucial work in the field. The External Relations and Reporting Officer will play a pivotal role in fostering external partnerships, enhancing visibility, and ensuring effective communication and reporting for the UNHCR Country Operation in the Republic of Congo.

I. External Relations: • Participate in the development and management of strong partnerships with government officials, diplomatic missions, non-governmental organizations, and other key stakeholders to advance the objectives of UNHCR as per the objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees. • Participate in the organization of meetings, conferences, and events to enhance collaboration and advocate for the inclusion of refugees and eradication of statelessness. • Act as a liaison between UNHCR and external partners, ensuring clear communication and mutual understanding. II. Visibility and Advocacy: • Develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy to raise awareness about forcibly displaced persons, statelessness and UNHCR's role in the Republic of Congo. • Engage in media relations activities, including drafting press releases, organizing press conferences, and facilitating interviews to promote UNHCR's mandate and achievements. • Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to organize advocacy campaigns and events. III. Reporting and Documentation: • Coordinate the timely and accurate preparation of reports, including donor reports, situation reports, and other relevant documents. • Ensure compliance with UNHCR reporting guidelines and standards, maintaining high-quality documentation for internal and external stakeholders. • Work closely with all UNHCR sections at Country Operation, Field Offices and with partners to gather information and data for reporting purposes.

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

external relations, communications, or reporting, preferably in a humanitarian or development context.

• Strong understanding of refugee and displacement issues, as well as the UN system. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders. • Excellent written skills • Proven experience in media relations and advocacy campaigns. • Familiarity with UNHCR's mandate and operations is an asset

Solid overall computer literacy including proficiency in Microsoft Office: Word, Excel and presentation software (Power-point).

The Congolese economy is continuing to recover in 2023, growing 1.5% in 2022, driven by both the oil and non-oil sectors. However, poverty incidence consequently increased slightly to an estimated 46.6%. Congo remains a lower middle-income country with a 4.2 human development index. The country is one of the least densely populated in Africa, with 14.8 inhabitants per square kilometer. More than half of the population live below the poverty line.

Congo has a history of hosting refugees from neighboring countries, with recent influxes triggered by post-electoral violence in the Central African Republic (CAR) in 2021 and inter-communal violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 2022. As of 30 June 2023, the Republic of Congo, with a total population of less than 6.0 million, hosts 61,258 refugees and asylum seekers. The largest populations are from the Central African Republic (30,290), the Democratic Republic of Congo (27,476), and Rwanda (3,057).

The Republic of Congo acceded to the 1951 Convention relating to the status of refugees (and 1967 Protocol) and the 1969 OAU convention governing the specific aspects of refugee problems in Africa, as well as to the two conventions on statelessness. It adopted a new law on refugees in September 2021. Since its 2017 Letter of Development Policy, the Government committed to integrate refugees into its basic social protection services across the country.

The Republic of Congo has two UN security levels: Level 2 in the southern part from Pointe-Noire to Pool department (including Brazzaville); and Level 1 in the northern part from Plateaux to Likouala. Brazzaville is a quiet city and one can circulate freely. However, UN staff must be living within the security perimeter in centre neighbourhoods, and private accommodation must be approved by UNDSS.

The UNV will be based in Brazzaville, the capital city, where all facilities are available: restaurants, sport centres, cultural centres. Food and non-food commodities are readily available, including in supermarkets, where imported goods are easily available. Medical facilities are fair. Pharmacies are well stocked. Cost of living is expensive.