The External Relations Officer is responsible for supporting resource mobilization, public information and visibility efforts as part of the External relations unit team under the supervision of the Senior External Relations Officer, and in close coordination with the Programme unit. The incumbent will also liaise with relevant functional units at UNHCR HQ and regional office. External contacts are predominantly with government embassies and other international organizations on matters of importance to the Organization.

• Stay abreast of the challenges posed by the political context, the UN and humanitarian reform, and institutional developments in the area of forced displacement and humanitarian operations.

Donor Relations:

• Assist in the dialogue with donors and embassies and provide relevant information on UNHCR operations and financial requirements by organizing regular briefings, bilateral meetings and missions and responding to donors’ requests for information on ad hoc basis.
• In close collaboration with the programme unit, draft funding proposals to mobilize additional funds to implement programmes and projects aimed at enhancing the quality of protection for persons of concern in the country operation.
• Draft narrative and financial reports on contributions, in compliance with specific donor requirements, related to donor portfolio. Maintain close relationships with the field offices and relevant technical experts to follow implementation progress of contributions in donor portfolio.
• Monitor earmarking level of funding for UNHCR Country operation and ensure appropriate visibility for donor contributions in compliance with UNHCR guidelines and specific donor requirements.
• Consolidate information on UNHCR’s country operations and identify appropriate messages for campaigns and appeals.
• In accordance with the operational context and in close cooperation with headquarters, propose new and non-traditional funding sources, as appropriate, including private sector and humanitarian pooled/basket funds.

Communications:

• Draft fact sheets, thematic notes, situation reports, briefing notes, background material, talking points, press releases and articles.
• Assist the implementation of a communications strategy that generates support for UNHCR’s operations from external partners (e.g. the general public, governments, partners, the media, academia and persons of concern).
• Assist in the dissemination of information to internal and external audiences, by keeping mailing lists up to date, and disseminating key documentation and information to support country operations and corporate communication processes and priorities.
• Support the management of media relations by, inter alia, responding to direct queries, publishing press releases, handling interview requests and organizing briefings and visits to country operations.
• Promote visibility of UNHCR’s work and donor support, and advocate for support for the people of concern through ensuring on-site visibility, external reporting and inputs for online/digital content (including leading and supervising multi-media production).
• Perform other related duties as required.

Essential minimum qualifications and professional experience required: 

• Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Journalism, Communications or other related fields, with a minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience, including a minimum of 2 years in international setting; or Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master’s) with 5 years of relevant work experience, including minimum of 2 years in international setting; or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) plus 4 years of previous relevant work experience may also be accepted.
• Excellent knowledge of English, with highly developed drafting skills.
• Experience in humanitarian operations in field settings.
• Experience in donor relations.
• Excellent computer skills (MS Word, Excel and Power Point essential), exposure to graphic design software.
• Fund-raising and programming/programme management experience.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Understanding of UNHCR’s mandate and international refugee protection principles.

Desirable qualifications:

• Experience working with refugee communities.
• Experience of working with social media and multi-media production.
• Knowledge of additional UN languages.

Key Competencies

• Strong coordination skills to manage the resource mobilization efforts between Khartoum, field offices and Headquarters;
• Strategic planning to define resource mobilization strategy and advise on advocacy positioning;
• Excellent and demonstrated drafting and analytical skills in English;
• Strong inter-personal and diplomatic skills; as the position requires to meet and brief donor representatives on a regular basis;
• Robust experience in donor relations (including EU funding sources, bilateral and pooled funding), including drafting project proposals and report;
• Knowledge of and ability to draft public messages (for external document purposes), including press releases, web stories, briefing notes, situational and operational updates, fact-sheets and other documents as necessary;
• Political and organizational awareness of UNHCR policies, procedures, structures and working environment;
• The sensitive political context in Sudan requires the ability to work collaboratively with government counterparts and understand and maintain complex relationships;
• Consensus teambuilding and cultural sensitivity are needed as the team is diverse;
• Ability to come up with innovative and creative solutions to operational challenges;
• Ability to work under pressure with multiple competing priorities while still meeting deadlines and maintaining quality of work;
• Ability to undertake regular field missions, as required

Remuneration:

Monthly fees range between US$7,000 – US$8,500, depending on the level of expertise of the candidate. Daily subsistence allowance for travel within Sudan will be payable as applicable.

To apply:

The deadline for applications is COB 05 February 2019.

Interested applicants should submit an update UNHCR P11 Form and a motivation letter online via the SudanJob.net website, or through the email address SUDKH-HR@unhcr.org.

This an international officer vacancy. Sudanese Nationals are not eligible to apply.

Only short listed candidates will be notified.

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

Candidate Assessments may include a written examination followed by a Competency Based Interview.