External Relations Associate

Deadline for Applications September 14, 2026 Hardship Level H (no hardship) Family Type Family Residential location (if applicable) Grade GS6 Staff Member / Affiliate Type General Service Reason Regular > Regular Assignment Target Start Date 2026-10-01 Standard Job Description External Relations Associate Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The External Relations Associate is normally supervised by the External Relations Officer or another professional staff depending on the staffing structure of the Office. The incumbent receives regular guidance and advice from the supervisor. Advice and operational support may also be received from other senior staff and support units at the Country Office/HQ. External contacts are generally with a broad range of officials from national and international institutions, media or general public involving the exchange of a wide range of information. 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 - Provide background briefings to local and international media. - Keep track of evolving issues concerning persons of concern to be able to suggest stories and topics for the media to cover. - Provide daily briefings on local developments to the Head of Office and ensure that briefing materials from other offices are available. - Accompany visits of foreign delegations and the media to refugee sites in the region, giving appropriate briefings, commentaries and prepare briefing material for visitors. - Establish contacts with local organisations to promote general interest and understanding of refugee issues - Ensure that the office is kept informed of local developments which may have a political or operational impact on the office's activities. - May be required to compile information and SitReps received from the Field Offices and/or sections within the Office and consolidate into weekly/monthly/quarterly report. - Advise the Head of Office of local aspects of external relations policies. - Liaise with external partners and local organizations on behalf of UNHCR. - Produce reports and briefings for internal and external partners. - 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 G6 - 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher Field(s) of Education Not applicable Certificates and/or Licenses Political Sciences Social Sciences International Relations Journalism Communication (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential) Relevant Job Experience Essential Not specified Desirable Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of the position. Functional Skills IT-Web Content Management CO-Drafting and Documentation TI-Interpretation IT-Computer Literacy (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 Under Multi-country Office Belgium, the Fundraising and Partnerships - EU Section leads UNHCR's engagement with the European Union on issues related to forced displacement and asylum, overseeing donor relations, strategic partnerships, policy engagement and outreach with EU institutions and other Brussels-based stakeholders. The Section works to mobilize political, strategic and financial support from the European Union in support of UNHCR's global programmes and funding requirements. Through engagement in Brussels and support to operations worldwide, the Section seeks to expand and strengthen EU contributions to protection, assistance and solutions for refugees, internally displaced and stateless persons. Strategic partnership management and effective oversight of EU-funded actions are central components of the Section's work. Under the supervision of an External Relations Officer, the External Relations Associate will support resource mobilization efforts with the European Commission and other EU institutions, with a particular focus on the management and oversight of EU-funded contributions and partnerships. The incumbent must have a strong understanding of the EU institutional architecture, decision-making processes and political landscape. Demonstrated experience in the management, monitoring and reporting of European Commission-funded grants, contracts or contribution agreements is essential, in particular pertaining to ECHO and INTPA. Familiarity with other EU funding instruments, contractual requirements, compliance frameworks and donor reporting obligations is highly desirable. S/he must have a sound understanding of programme management and of policy and operational frameworks relevant to the protection of and solutions for refugees, internally displaced and stateless persons. Excellent knowledge of English is essential; French and Spanish are is highly desirable; a legal background with the ability to interpret rules, regulations and contracts are also desirable. Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): , , Desired languages , , Operational context Occupational Safety and Health Considerations: Nature of Position: Living and Working Conditions: Additional Qualifications Skills CO-Drafting and Documentation, IT-Computer Literacy, IT-Web Content Management, TI-Interpretation Education Certifications Communication - Other, International Relations - Other, Journalism - Other, Political Science - Other, Social Sciences - Other Work Experience Competencies Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Innovation & creativity, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Teamwork & collaboration UNHCR Salary Calculator Compendium Additional Information To be eligible, candidates should be able to legally reside and work in Belgium. Functional clearance This position doesn't require a functional clearance