Assistant External Relations Officer

Deadline for ApplicationsJanuary 6, 2026

Hardship LevelA (least hardship)

Family TypeFamily

Family TypeFamily

Residential location (if applicable)

GradeNOA

Staff Member / Affiliate TypeNational Professional Officer

ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment

Target Start Date2026-03-01

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 persons of concern).

- 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 persons of concern.

- 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

Education & Professional Work Experience

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.

(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)

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 National Professional Officers should be nationals of/ legally present in Armenia at the time of application. UNHCR will not sponsor/facilitate residency and work permits. Excellent command of Armenian and English language is mandatory.

UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. UNHCR has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and sexual harassment. Successful candidates will be subject to mandatory UN Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment clearance check prior to receiving an offer.

UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).

Only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited for competency based interview and written test might be required.

The ideal candidate will bring to the position:

•Expertise in Communications. Solid education background in comms related disciplines and relevant continuative experience in the profession (such as journalism, PI/Comms media specialist, donor relations). Knowledge of media related networks and capability of developing communications strategies, visibility material, and other information products, and using innovative approaches in communications.

•Expertise in using social media for institutional purposes. Familiarity with emerging technologies in the field, such as AI and other innovative tools and methods to increase efficiency and effectiveness in communications.

•Expertise in fundraising and donor relations. Experience in donor relations and fundraising, and knowledge of/familiarity with donor funding modalities and reporting requirements relevant to Armenia (EU, ECHO, bilateral). Capability to work with the team to collect relevant information to draft project proposals and coordinate reporting. Ability to organize donors’ briefings, donors’ missions, design briefing materials, concise briefing notes, updates, talking points, visibility material.

•Excellent analytical and drafting skills in English and Armenian as well as presentation skills in both languages and ability to act as a spokesperson, if necessary.

•Solid understanding of UNHCR protection and solution mandate and familiarity with Global Compact on Refugees (GCR), Sustainable Responses approach, Nexus approach, within the SDG framework, and other relevant organizational processes and initiatives.

•Understanding of Armenia’s displacement and inclusion landscape, including asylum, social protection, employment pathways, housing solutions, municipal governance, and disaster risk management and preparedness.

•Ability to engage effectively with Armenian governmental counterparts regionally and centrally, with UN Agencies, CSOs, private sector and other relevant stakeholders.

•Important personal attributes: Strong inter-personal skills, with the ability to build trust, foster networks, work collaboratively, and navigate complex environments. Demonstrates strict adherence to the principles of political neutrality, independence, and impartiality, exercising sound judgment and diplomatic sensitivity in all engagement. Results-driven and accountable, proactive and solutions-oriented, and guided by UN values, including the principle of leaving no one behind. Demonstrates openness to innovation, while engaging with colleagues, partners, and persons of concern and host communities with professionalism, empathy, and respect.

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

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Desired languages

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

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

Nature of Position:

The Assistant External Relations Officer supports UNHCR Armenia’s external engagement and communication with Government counterparts, the media, donors, UN agencies, civil society including refugees, youth, women, and other segmented audiences, the private sector, and development partners. The role involves supporting the operation to project UNHCR as a reliable and trusted partner to advance the protection agenda in the country as per the set strategic priorities and direction.

Working under the direct supervision of the External Relations Officer, this position provides guidance on external relations and engagement, resource mobilization, communication, and visibility to support progress on operational priorities. In these same domains, the position contributes to developing and implementing strategies and internal policies.

In line with the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) and Armenia’s Global Refugee Forum (GRF) pledges to advance refugee protection and solutions, the Assistant External Relations Officer supports communication, advocacy, and engagement efforts related to ongoing developments in asylum procedures, protection and nationally led inclusion processes, and preparedness initiatives. This position leverages key UN and national processes, such as the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), the National Framework for Inclusive Livelihoods, Armenia’s GRF pledges, the DRM Strategy, and other relevant national reform agendas. Furthermore, it supports UNHCR’s engagement in areas aligned with evolving organizational priorities, including system-based inclusion (sustainable responses), the humanitarian–development–peace nexus, the route-based approach, data-driven advocacy, and alignment with bilateral global agency agreements (e.g., UNHCR–World Bank, UNHCR–UNDP). It also ensures coherence with SDG and broader UN frameworks.

The role requires close collaboration with colleagues across different units in UNHCR Armenia and the wider UN Country Team to support inter-agency coordination and to ensure that technical information is conveyed accurately and consistently.

The incumbent must ensure adherence to UNHCR internal guidance, rules, and regulations, and that external materials reflect these developments factually and sensitively, with careful consideration of how various actors may interpret national planning and reform processes.

The incumbent will represent UNHCR in working-level engagements with partners and is expected to uphold professionalism, confidentiality, neutrality, and adherence to UNHCR’s mandate in all external communication and public representation.

Living and Working Conditions:

Yerevan is safe city with occasional public unrest related to the current political and post conflict situation. The climate is continental, with hot and dry summers, cold and snowy winters. The air pollution is quite high . The city offers a huge variety of restaurants, cafes, clubs, and other possibilities of diversion. Culturally highly active, all over the year one can enjoy on-going programmes of theater (also international), classic and modern music, ballet, concerts, at everyone 's average. Art expositions are organised quite often, and spring and autumn programmes of international cinema are shown at the National Gallery. Water and electricity are mostly available everywhere in the city, and shops offer all kind of goods (though mostly of local production). Health facilities are good. No need of complicated vaccinations. Diseases with most incidences are normal gastroenteritis, colds, and flues. Further information on living conditions are available on the UNHCR intranet sites in a booklet by the RCO on Armenia

Additional Qualifications

SkillsCO-Media relations, DE-Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus (HDP), EM-Emergency Coordination (Cluster, RCM), ER-Funding Proposals Submission Preparation, ER-Inter-Agency External Relations, ER-Inter-Agency Resource Mobilisation, ER-Stakeholder engagement, PR-Asylum/Migration, PR-Refugee protection standards

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

Certifications

Work ExperienceAnnual Budget OL in Operation/Office, External Relations, Number of Persons of Concern Served, Number of Workforce in Operation/Work Setting, Private Sector Partnerships, Workforce to Supervise, Working with Persons of Concern: Asylum Seekers, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees, Working with Persons of Concern: Stateless

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

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Compendium

Additional InformationAll applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality. In case of any queries, please contact the HR Team at .

Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance

JR2562622