External Relations Associate, G6 level

The UNHCR Representation for Northern Europe based in Stockholm is looking for a dynamic, flexible and proactive person to take up the position as External Relations Associate. The Office is engaged with maintaining close contact with Governments interlocutors, civil society, non-governmental organisations and refugees in the five Nordic countries - Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and in the three Baltic Countries - Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, on matters relating to UNHCR´s work and mandate in providing international protection and seeking durable solutions to the situation of the world´s refugees, internally displaced and stateless persons.

The role of the External Relations Associate is to contribute to the work on external relations under the direct supervision of the Senior External Relations Associate. The work involves maintaining close contact and liaising with Government counterparts in the countries covered by the Office, especially with regards to UNHCR´s worldwide activities. All countries provide important levels of financial assistance to UNHCR as well as political support for upholding the mandate of UNHCR. Officials from the countries regularly meet with UNHCR and the Office also provides our governmental interlocutors with updated information on UNHCR´s activities and facilitates missions by senior UNHCR staff to capitals. The work also involves coordinating, attending and preparing meetings and events of relevance to UNHCR´s work.

The position requires advanced level of English drafting skills and the ability to prioritize tasks as well as to organize work independently. This position works in close cooperation with a team of 20+ colleagues involved in Communications, PI and Protection matters. Ability to quickly adapt to changing situations and working in teams are therefore important attributes for the candidate.

The position is in the Local Staff category at the G-6 level.

UNHCR offers work in an interesting international office environment with a wide variety of tasks conducted both independently and together with other members of the Office team.

Areas of responsibility:
-Assist in keeping the office informed of regional and national developments which may have a political or financial impact on support for UNHCR´s worldwide activities.
-Assist the office in maintaining an open and supportive dialogue with Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Ministries for International Development, development agencies and international/national organisations to promote general interest and understanding of global refugee issues and UNHCR´s activities worldwide.
-Assist in maintain an overview of key developments within the area of forced displacement and humanitarian operations, including the UN, humanitarian reform and institutional developments.
-Assist in preparing comprehensive and accurate information and talking points for all bilateral meetings, missions and briefings involving Government entities and officials with regards to their global engagement with UNHCR activities.
-Assist in planning and organizing high level UNHCR missions, conferences and other activities to promote a better understanding of UNHCR's mandate, activities and global funding situation and to mobilize political and financial support.
-Assist in planning and implementing the preparation of donor visibility material using a range of media, including print, video, and web-stories and disseminates the material using a variety of channels including twitter, website, articles in newspapers and magazines, etc.
-Perform other related duties as required

Standard Job Description for this type of position is available here: https://www.unhcr.org/neu/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/01/G6-External-Relations-Associate-000226-Dec-2013-1.docx

Qualifications and Professional experience:
-Completion of Secondary education with post-secondary training in Social Science, Journalism, Communication or other related fields.
-Excellent drafting skills.
-Minimum 6 years of relevant experience.
-Fluency in English and one or several Scandinavian language/s.

Send your application to: UNHCR, Sveavägen 166, 113 46 Stockholm, SWEDEN or by email to salakaia@unhcr.org

Mark your application "ER ASSOC". Applications must be submitted in English with a personal motivation letter, a CV and a P11 form available here: https://www.unhcr.org/recruit/UNHCR_Personal_History_Form.docm

IMPORTANT: The position is only open to persons with permanent work permit in Sweden.

For more information: Please contact swest@unhcr.org