Senior External Relations Assistant

Overview

Assist in managing external relations activities.

You have:

• 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher
• Certificates in International Relations, Journalism, Political Science, or Communication Media
• Knowledge of another relevant UN language is desirable
• Experience with email marketing platforms, graphic design, or multimedia editing is preferred
• Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to the position is desirable
• Must be physically based in Canberra and work in the office
• Fluent in English

Deadline for Applications

January 21, 2026Hardship Level

H (no hardship)Family Type

FamilyFamily Type

FamilyResidential location (if applicable)

Grade

GS5Staff Member / Affiliate Type

General ServiceReason

Regular > Regular AssignmentTarget Start Date

2026-02-15Standard Job Description

Senior External Relations Assistant

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Senior External Relations Assistant normally functions under the direct supervision of External Relations Officer or another professional staff depending on staffing structure of the Office. The incumbent assists in the management of external relations activities of the Office. He/she plays a key role in organising the visits of foreign delegations, donors, press and media, providing regular briefings and drafting reports/materials for external partners. He/she may also receive advice and operational support from the External Relations/Public Information Units at the Country Office /HQ.

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 - Draft briefing notes, press releases, bulletins, reports, newsletters and prepare any other public information material, as required - Facilitate and accompany visits of foreign delegations, partner NGOs, donors and the media to refugee camps - Draft and translate routine correspondence and texts. - Assist with developing and implementing UNHCR's social media strategy conceptualize and pitch stories for UNHCR's global website. - Ensure that public information materials including fact sheets, information brochures, briefing materials from the Branch Office, etc. are available. - Organize visibility events (e.g. World Refugee Day) and liaise with partners, refugees and local communities on implementation. - May be required to assist in compilation of weekly, monthly, annual/quarterly thematic reports, situations reports etc. - Review media daily and ensure the office is kept informed of local developments. - Provide information on UNHCR's activities to external partners. - Respond to non-complex media queries and incoming correspondence.

- 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 G5 - 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education Not applicable

Certificates and/or Licenses International Relations, Journalism Political Science Communication Media (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience Essential Not specified

Desirable Previous experience in UN/UNHCR. Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of position. Knowledge of another relevant UN language. HQ and Field experience with UNHCR or with other humanitarian organizations

Functional Skills TI-Interpretation IT-Computer Literacy 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

• Strong digital literacy, including proficiency with website content management systems, social media tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Suite), and various online platforms. • Advanced skills in Microsoft Office applications. • Excellent writing abilities, adaptable to different audiences, formats, and communication styles. • Strong organisational and coordination skills. • Familiarity with monitoring and analysing both traditional and social media. • Hands-on experience in updating websites and creating engaging digital content. • Demonstrated flexibility and initiative, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team. • Skilled in prioritising tasks and solving problems proactively. • High standards of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity, with discretion in handling confidential information. • Proven experience in executing communication strategies. • Understanding of UNHCR’s mission and role within the UN system, along with knowledge or interest in refugee protection and asylum issues. • Fluent in English. • Must be physically based in Canberra and work in the office.

Preferred Qualifications: • Experience with email marketing platforms, graphic design, or multimedia editing. • Prior experience in communications or external relations within a humanitarian context.

Eligibility: Candidates must be Australian nationals or have legal working status in Australia. For dual citizens, the UN recognizes the one that has the nationality of the country where the office is located.

Remuneration: A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances, and benefits, please visit the portal of the International Civil Service Commission at: http://icsc.un.org.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a written test and/or oral interview. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing, or any other fees). UNHCR strongly encourages qualified female applicants for this position. UNHCR seeks to ensure that male and female employees are given equal career opportunities. UNHCR is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

UNHCR has a zero-tolerance policy against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA). SEA is unacceptable behavior and prohibited conduct for UNHCR personnel. It constitutes acts of serious misconduct and is therefore grounds for disciplinary measures, including dismissal. Any concerns or suspicions about a possible case of SEA should be reported immediately to the Inspector General’s Office (IGO) at [email protected] through the online complain form at https://www.unhcr.org/php/complaints.php or by confidential fax: +41 22 739 73 80.Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

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Desired languages

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Nature of Position:

Living and Working Conditions:

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CO-Drafting and Documentation, IT-Computer Literacy, TI-InterpretationEducation

Certifications

Communication - Other, International Relations - Other, Journalism - Other, Media - Other, Political Science - OtherWork Experience

Competencies

Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Organizational awareness, Teamwork & collaborationUNHCR Salary Calculator

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn't require a functional clearance

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Potential interview questions

Added 5 months ago - Updated 5 months ago - Source: unhcr.org