Deadline for Applications

July 27, 2026

Hardship Level

E (most hardship)

Family Type

Non Family

Residential location (if applicable)

Grade

NOA

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

National Professional Officer

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

Target Start Date

2026-07-13

Standard Job Description

Assistant External Relations Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The incumbent is closely supervised on issues concerning external relations and public information by the External Relations Officer or the Representative who gives regular guidance and advice to the incumbent. Advice and operational support may also be received from other senior staff and support units in a country office/ operation.
External contacts are generally with a broad range of officials from national and international institutions, media or general public on matters of importance to the Organization.

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
– Assist the management in dealing with the challenges posed by the political context, the UN and humanitarian reform, and institutional developments in the area of forced displacement and humanitarian operations.
– Assist in planning and organizing communications strategy that generates support for UNHCR s operations from external partners (e.g. the general public, governments, partners, the media, academia and forcibly displaced and stateless persons).
– Assist in the dialogue with donors and embassies and provide accurate information by organizing regular briefings, bilateral meetings and missions.
– Assist the management in disseminating information on UNHCR’s global funding situation and mobilize additional funds to implement special projects aimed at enhancing the quality of protection for forcibly displaced and stateless persons.
– Participate when requested in the inter-agency cooperation and communication strategies, initiatives and tools.
– Assist in the management of information flows within the country operations by identifying priority matters, securing, analyzing and disseminating documentation and information to support country operations and corporate communication processes and priorities.
– Assist in the drafting of situation reports, briefing notes, background material, talking points, fact sheets, press releases and articles.
– Assist in planning and organizing advertisements, exhibitions, training seminars, conferences, meetings, social events and other activities to promote a better understanding of UNHCR’s activities and accomplishments by the general public and/or organized groups.
– Support the management of media relations by, inter alia, drafting responses to direct queries, draft press releases and organizing regular briefings and visits to country operations.
– Organize press briefings for external parties as required.
– Organize the distribution of UNHCR publications and the provision of materials to various institutions and individuals.
– Produce reports for donor agencies as required.

– 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
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P1/NOA – 1 year relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or no experience with Graduate degree; or no experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Political Sciences Social Sciences, International Relations
Journalism Communication or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Excellent knowledge of local institution, politics and culture.

Desirable
Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of the position.

Functional Skills
IT-Computer Literacy
IT-Web Content Management
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

* The candidate should possess exceptional drafting and communication skills in English and Arabic, as well as proven experience in donor relations, resource mobilization or external relations.
* S/he will have experience managing an assigned donor portfolio, with excellent skills in drafting proposals and concept notes that reflect the operational realities and humanitarian priorities on the ground.
* The candidate should possess good reporting skills with the ability to prepare quality and timely donor reports in compliance with specific donor requirements.
* The candidate should have good negotiation skills, with the ability to work in partnership with technical units to support negotiations for funds and follow up on donor commitments and funding gaps.
* Excellent analytical and planning skills are key, with the candidate able to analyze donor priorities, funding trends and partnership opportunities to inform strategic planning.
* S/he will have demonstrated experience in government and private sector fundraising as well as working with institutional donors.
* S/he should have experience in handling high volumes of donor proposals and reports, including in emergencies.
* Field experience with UNHCR or similar humanitarian organizations and a solid understanding of the regional and operational context is key.

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

Arabic

,

English

,

Desired languages

,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

Syria is a complex and high-profile operation characterized by protracted displacement, ongoing humanitarian needs, and a dynamic political and security environment. Syria remains one of the largest displacement crises globally, with millions of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees requiring sustained protection and assistance.

UNHCR operates in a high-visibility environment requiring sustained international donor engagement to support protection and assistance for displaced and returnee populations as well as host communities. Effective donor relations and resource mobilization are critical to the maintenance of operational capacity and the advancement of strategic priorities.

This position is based in the Country Office in Damascus, with frequent interaction and coordination with Headquarters, the Regional Bureau for the Middle East and North Africa (RB MENA), as well as with functional units across the Country and Field Offices.

The Assistant External Relations Officer operates under the overall guidance of the Strategic Partnership Adviser and other senior management members, contributing to the development and quality control of donor proposals, donor reports, and relevant information materials.

The incumbent plays a pivotal role in strengthening partnerships with donors and supporting resource mobilization efforts. S/he will manage assigned donor portfolios and support engagements with key funding partners.

S/he will ensure coherent communication with donors, high-quality stewardship and alignment between operational priorities and donor engagement strategies.

Living and Working Conditions:

Syria is classified as a high-risk duty station, operating in a complex and volatile security environment. Staff movements are subject to strict security protocols and monitoring, while accommodation and office arrangements are managed in accordance with UN security requirements. Basic medical services and emergency healthcare facilities are available, although access to specialized treatment and certain medications may be limited.
Damascus is currently relatively calm; however, the security situation remains fluid and may change rapidly. Staff should be prepared for movement restrictions, curfews, and periods of confinement to secure locations when required. While transport links to neighbouring countries and international destinations continue to improve, living conditions remain challenging, and candidates should be mentally, emotionally, and physically prepared for the demands of working in a high-risk duty station.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Education

Bachelor of Arts: Communication, Bachelor of Arts: International Relations, Bachelor of Arts: Journalism, Bachelor of Arts: Political Science, Bachelor of Arts: Social Science

Certifications

Work Experience

Working with Persons of Concern: Asylum Seekers, Working with Persons of Concern: Internally Displaced Persons, Working with Persons of Concern: Others of Concern, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees, Working with Persons of Concern: Returned IDPs, Working with Persons of Concern: Returned Refugees, Working with Persons of Concern: Stateless

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Innovation & creativity, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Teamwork & collaboration

UNHCR Salary Calculator

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

Compendium

Additional Information

No late applications will be accepted. 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. UNHCR strongly encourages qualified female applicants

Functional clearance

This position doesn’t require a functional clearance