Deadline for Applications March 24, 2026 Hardship Level H (no hardship) Family Type Family Residential location (if applicable) Grade GS5 Staff Member / Affiliate Type General Service Reason Regular > Regular Assignment Target Start Date 2026-04-01 Standard 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 S/he will have an important role in drafting clear and concise internal and external documents, hence needs patience, thoroughness and excellent analytical and drafting skills in English and Polish and the knowledge of key operational sectoral areas under the accountability of the office. S/he will be involved in managing and creating social media content, liaising with media and organizing cultural initiatives and events to raise awareness on refugee issues. The incumbent will also be involved in supporting and organizing events and visits. The ability to engage effectively with partners, coupled with a commitment to the principles of humanitarian work, is essential for success in this position. Experience in working in Poland on advocacy issues and in developing and maintaining partnership on humanitarian/social issues is an asset. In addition, s/he will provide support to the Representative, assisting in the coordination of external engagements, including the preparation of briefing materials, talking points, correspondence, and documentation for missions, meetings, and visits. The role also involves supporting the organization of events, preparing visit programmes, and ensuring timely follow-up on agreed actions. S/he will have a diverse profile to be able to take on different tasks and will need to be able to multi-task, and the ability to handle confidential matters with the utmost discretion. S/he needs to be a good team player who can also work independently, with strong interpersonal skills, team-player and forward-looking and solutions oriented with a strong sense of responsibility and accountability. The candidate should have prior experience in coordinating logistics, follow up on actions from meetings, and liaise effectively with internal and external stakeholders, demonstrating professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail in supporting high-level engagements. Prior experience in the field of protection and asylum is of strong value added. As a key resource for engagement with the government, media and donors the candidate should possess relevant representation and public engagement skills. S/he should also demonstrate strong writing, reporting, and editing skills, as well as willingness to learn. A track record in engagement with the external stakeholders; organization of public events or/and experience with social media are a value added. Eligibility The vacancy announcement is open only to applications from internal candidates (current GS staff members holding an indefinite or fixed-term appointment who, at the date of the deadline for application, are serving in the country of the vacancy at the grade of the position or one grade below or above) and candidates with UNHCR experience at the time of application, provided that requirements regarding professional…