Hardship LevelA (least hardship)
Family TypeFamily
Family TypeFamily
Residential location (if applicable)
GradeGS5
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeGeneral Service
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Target Start Date2025-09-01
Deadline for ApplicationsAugust 11, 2025
Standard Job Description
Senior External Relations Assistant
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior External Relations Assistant normally functions under the direct supervision of External Relations Officer or another professional staff depending on staffing structure of the Office. The incumbent assists in the management of external relations activities of the Office. He/she plays a key role in organising the visits of foreign delegations, donors, press and media, providing regular briefings and drafting reports/materials for external partners. He/she may also receive advice and operational support from the External Relations/Public Information Units at the Country Office /HQ.
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
- Draft briefing notes, press releases, bulletins, reports, newsletters and prepare any other public information material, as required
- Facilitate and accompany visits of foreign delegations, partner NGOs, donors and the media to refugee camps
- Draft and translate routine correspondence and texts.
- Assist with developing and implementing UNHCR's social media strategy conceptualize and pitch stories for UNHCR's global website.
- Ensure that public information materials including fact sheets, information brochures, briefing materials from the Branch Office, etc. are available.
- Organize visibility events (e.g. World Refugee Day) and liaise with partners, refugees and local communities on implementation.
- May be required to assist in compilation of weekly, monthly, annual/quarterly thematic reports, situations reports etc.
- Review media daily and ensure the office is kept informed of local developments.
- Provide information on UNHCR's activities to external partners.
- Respond to non-complex media queries and incoming correspondence.
- 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 G5 - 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher
Field(s) of Education
Not applicable
Certificates and/or Licenses
International Relations, Journalism Political Science
Communication Media
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified
Desirable
Previous experience in UN/UNHCR.
Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of position.
Knowledge of another relevant UN language.
HQ and Field experience with UNHCR or with other humanitarian organizations
Functional Skills
TI-Interpretation
IT-Computer Literacy
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 This is a national position offered under a Fixed-term contract for an initial period of 1 year. Candidates applying to the position must be nationals of Panama or non-Panamanian residing in the country with a valid work and residency permit attached to the application. Candidates must comply with all eligibility requirements for employment in line with the prevailing legislative prerequisites in the country.
The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.
Levels of language knowledge: A1-beginner, A2-elementary, B1-lower intermediate, B2-upper intermediate, C1-advanced/proficient, C2-fluent
Candidates may be required to sit for a written test.
A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on United Nations salaries, allowances and benefits, visit the International Civil Service Commission web portal at http://icsc.un.org as well as https://careers.un.org/payandbenefits?language=en
The UNHCR Multi-Country Office (MCO) in Panama oversees operations in Panama, Nicaragua, Belize, and the Eastern and Southern Caribbean. This diverse region presents a complex operational environment characterized by forced displacement of refugees and asylum seekers, internal displacement due to violence and climate change, statelessness, and varying levels of institutional capacity in unique multilingual and cultural settings.
Under the supervision of the Reporting Associate, the incumbent will support the drafting and dissemination of internal and external reporting products, including weekly highlights, donor visibility updates, media monitoring summaries, briefing notes, bulletins, reports, newsletters, and other public information materialsโwith emphasis on digital engagement with donors. The role also involves translating documents, supporting social media and audiovisual content creation, and pitching stories for UNHCRโs regional and global platforms. Additionally, the incumbent will assist in drafting concept notes, monitoring the implementation of donor visibility commitments, and managing the delivery and inventory of visibility items (e.g., calendars, notebooks, bags), ensuring proper branding and alignment with donor requirements. A key aspect of the role is to support UNHCRโs positioning through events and outreach initiatives, with a strategic focus on donor engagement and funding priorities. The incumbent is expected to stay informed about developments within the MCOโs area of coverage and use this information to keep the donor community regularly updated. Strong organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to coordinate across teams and stakeholders are essential for this position.
Key Competencies & Experience
- Excellent communication and writing skills for drafting clear, engaging content tailored to diverse audiences, including donors and media partners.
- Proficiency in digital and media literacy for managing social media platforms, creating audiovisual content, and supporting digital engagement strategies.
- Analytical and strategic thinking to synthesize updates from the MCOโs area of coverage and aligning messaging with UNHCRโs broader positioning and funding priorities.
- Experience in monitoring traditional and digital media, summarizing key findings, and translating documents accurately and efficiently for internal and external use.
- Strong organizational and coordination skills are needed to manage multiple tasks, track donor visibility items, and collaborate efficiently across teams and events
- Experience working with refugees and/or in the UN system.
Education & Technical Skills
- Degree in Communications, or International Relations, or Journalism, Political Science, or a related field is desirable.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word and PowerPoint, for preparing reports, presentations, and visibility materials in required.
- Familiarity with media monitoring platforms, basic graphic design tools (e.g., Canva), and content management systems is desirable.
Languages:
- Mandatory: Fluency in English and Spanish
- Desirable: Working knowledge of French and/or Dutch
Required competencies:
- Accountability
- Communication
- Organizational Awareness
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Commitment to Continuous Learning
- Client & Result Orientation
- Technological Awareness
- Political Awareness
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): English
,Spanish
,
Desired languagesDutch
,French
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
Nature of Position:
Living and Working Conditions:
Additional Qualifications
SkillsCO-Drafting and Documentation, IT-Computer Literacy, TI-Interpretation
Education
CertificationsCommunication - Other, International Relations - Other, Journalism - Other, Media - Other, Political Science - Other
Work Experience
CompetenciesAccountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Organizational awareness, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
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Compendium
Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance