External Relations Associate

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)B

Family Type (not applicable for home-based)

Family

Staff Member / Affiliate TypeUNOPS LICA6

Target Start Date2025-07-01

Deadline for ApplicationsMay 27, 2025

Terms of ReferenceOperational Context

India currently hosts more than 261,000 refugees and asylum seekers. These include some 91,000 Sri Lankan refugees and 73,400 Tibetans directly assisted by the Government of India. There are 47,881 individuals registered under UNHCR’s mandate primarily from Afghanistan, Myanmar, and other countries. In addition, around 49,000 Myanmar nationals have sought refuge in the Northeast of India and live in a refugee-like situation. UNHCR works with the Government of India to offer protection and find solutions for refugees and asylum seekers.
As a result of reprioritization, UNHCR India is refocusing its efforts on three core objectives: mandate-critical protection and solutions work; lifesaving and emergency activities with a focus on the most vulnerable; and essential resource mobilization and advocacy for protection and inclusion.

With refugees and asylum seekers spread across 13 different locations across the country, UNHCR relies on its 8 NGO partners for support. It funds activities that complement or facilitate access to essential services and assist the most vulnerable people with humanitarian assistance. UNHCR also works with various partners and key stakeholders to advocate for greater inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers as part of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). The office is engaged in advocacy with the government to support the development of a national framework for refugee protection, and advocates on issues related to the use of alternatives to detention, access to documentation amongst other key areas. UNHCR’s office is in New Delhi and has a field presence in Chennai, Tamil Nadu State.

Desired Candidate Profile

The External Relations Associate reports to the Assistant Government Liaison Officer and is a member of the Executive Office of UNHCR India. He/she will work closely with the Chief of Mission and Deputy Chief of Mission in support of the implementation of UNHCR India’s Government Engagement Strategy. Based in New Delhi, the incumbent receives regular guidance from the supervisor and collaborates closely with colleagues across the operation, the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, and UNHCR Headquarters. The External Relations Associate will play a key role in strengthening and expanding UNHCR India’s external engagement with the Government stakeholders. Key responsibilities shall include the following:

 Support UNHCR India in the delivery of UNHCR’s mandate for the protection of and solutions to refugees through working with select state Governments on the development and implementation of responses in line with applicable international standards and the GCR – promote the inclusion of refugees into State level systems by coordinating with other actors - including development actors.
 As part of the Executive Office, supporting government engagements of UNHCR’s Chief of Mission and Deputy Chief of Mission, through scheduling meetings, preparing briefing packs, taking notes and coordinating internal and external follow up.
 The candidate shall support in assessment, monitoring and analysis concerning the relationship with relevant state governments and other government entities.
 The incumbent will support the UNHCR India office in maintaining a constant dialogue between State Governments and UNHCR India and follow-up within the overall protection and solutions context.
 Mindful of relevant policies of select state governments, support UNHCR India in its positioning, coordination, advocacy, and information sharing.
 Support the Assistant Government Liaison Officer in the broader efforts of developing a conducive ecosystem that promotes a UNHCR-GoI collaborative approach grounded on the principles of humanitarian action, partnership and communication.
 Assist in the establishment of close working relations with Government Officials including but not limited to state level officials.
 Provide suggestions for promoting UNHCR’s policies and strategies and facilitating consultations with state government authorities on issues related to the protection and inclusion of refugees.
 Support coordination of meetings at State level as required, including by preparing meetings and background information, drafting minutes and follow-up documentation.
 Draft correspondence, documents, and reports, and ensure follow-up.
 Assist in ensuring appropriate links with the Government through establishment/maintenance of appropriate coordination and information exchange.
 Accompany senior management as and when required.
 Act on behalf of the supervisor to convey, clarify and explain UNHCR’s positions to State Governments or other external parties as applicable.
 In consultation with the supervisor, develop state specific strategies and workplans.
 Perform other related duties as required by the Supervisor.
 In line with Government of India issued protocol norms on UN engagement with State Governments, navigate the complexities of the politico-bureaucratic system, to limit irritants, to know (and notice) the gatekeepers and “red lines”, and to find the right level of transparency/predictability.
 Ensure alignment at all times (centre/state, between ministries, within the office and with Bureau/HQ).
 Balance a cautious approach with the need to be creative and innovative
 Work opportunistically and from areas of convergence, including generating debate, convening discussions.
 Maintaining a long-term vision on deliverables, work on a 2-3 year time frame.
 Collaboration and Teamwork: Ensure collective decision making and transversality within the Country office by closely working with relevant units. To that end, the candidate shall collaborate and act upon the request/directions of his/her Supervisor including where there are overlaps in responsibilities with other roles.

The ideal candidate is a highly organized and detail-oriented professional with a proven track record in government relations, policy and advocacy, as demonstrated through published work or professional outputs. They should possess:
• Advanced English language skills, with strong writing and editing capabilities for government communications, reports, and public-facing materials.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including high-level representatives from national and State authorities.
• A proactive, diplomatic, and collaborative approach to problem-solving and teamwork.
• Familiarity with UNHCR’s mandate and operations, and a commitment to the core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity.

Experience in working directly or in partnership with government institutions or in policy and advocacy is highly desirable. The candidate should also demonstrate a willingness to undertake field missions.

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Other informationThis position doesn't require a functional clearance

RemoteNo