Senior External Relations Assistant

February 15, 2026

H (no hardship)

FamilyFamily

GS5

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-04-01

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.

S/he will have a diverse profile to be able to take on different tasks and will need to be able to multi-task, and the ability to handle confidential matters with the utmost discretion. S/he needs to be a good team player who can also work independently, with strong interpersonal skills, team-player and forward-looking and solutions oriented with a strong sense of responsibility and accountability.

S/he will have an important role in drafting clear and concise internal and external documents, hence needs patience, thoroughness and excellent analytical and drafting skills in English and Polish and the knowledge of key operational sectoral areas under the accountability of the office. S/he will be involved in managing and creating social media content, liaising with media and organizing cultural initiatives and events to raise awareness on refugee issues. The incumbent will also be involved in supporting and organizing events and visits. The ability to engage effectively with partners, coupled with a commitment to the principles of humanitarian work, is essential for success in this position. Experience in working in Poland on advocacy issues and in developing and maintaining partnership on humanitarian/social issues is an asset.

Prior experience in the field of protection and asylum is a strong value added. As a key resource for engagement with the government, media and donors the candidate should possess relevant representation and public engagement skills. S/he should also demonstrate strong writing, reporting, and editing skills, as well as willingness to learn. A track record in engagement with the external stakeholders; organization of public events or/and experience with social media are a value added.

Eligibility
The vacancy announcement is open only to applications from internal candidates (current GS staff members holding an indefinite or fixed-term appointment who, at the date of the deadline for application, are serving in the country of the vacancy at the grade of the position or one grade below or above) and candidates with UNHCR experience at the time of application, provided that requirements regarding professional experience, academic qualifications, language, etc. are fulfilled.

TO THE ATTENTION OF ALL CANDIDATES:
Your application will NOT be considered if the application form is not duly filled.

Additional Information
UNHCR’s workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. We seek to sustain and strengthen this diversity and to ensure equal opportunities, as well as an inclusive working environment, for our entire workforce. Joining us means living, sharing and promoting these core values of inclusion, diversity and gender equality.

Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on the grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.

UNHCR reserves the right to retain applications and consider external candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNHCR at the same grade or lower level and with similar job descriptions, experience, and educational requirements for the appointment of a shorter duration (Temporary Appointment).

UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).
Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a test. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. No late applications will be accepted.

Remuneration & Benefits
A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. The monthly net salary is between PLN 7,797 and PLN 9,524, depending on relevant experience, dependency status and language proficiency. For more information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, please visit the portal of the Office of HR Management of United Nations.

UNHCR also offers comprehensive medical insurance and pension plans.

Polish

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English

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Please copy and paste the following link visit/copy this link: https://www.cdc.gov/travel.

Nature of Position:

Poland’s eastern borders with Belarus, the Russian Federation, and Ukraine serve as the European Union’s external borders. The country currently hosts around 980,000 refugees from Ukraine, in addition to a smaller number of asylum seekers and refugees from other countries.

UNHCR has been in Poland for over 30 years (since 1992), working with national authorities on refugee-related matters. Following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and subsequent refugee response in Poland in 2022, UNHCR has substantially scaled up its presence and operations. It currently has a Representation for Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, and Frontex Liaison Office in Warsaw, with a workforce of 50 staff members, both national and international.

The UNHCR Representation for Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic is supporting government-led efforts through a multi-sectoral response, with a focus on ensuring access to asylum and protection (including access to legal status, documentation, and rights), assisting the most vulnerable refugees, and facilitating inclusion and solutions for refugees. UNHCR works with central and local authorities, partners, media, civil society, hosting communities, and more.

As the UN-mandated agency to provide international protection to refugees, UNHCR leads the refugee coordination structure in support of national authorities, to enhance the government-led response, ensure complementarity, localization and avoid duplication. Under the Regional Refugee Response Plan for the Ukraine situation, UNHCR currently coordinates the response of some 58 organizations in Poland and 16 in Slovakia, the majority of which are local NGOs.

UNHCR's workplace is international and multicultural and therefore inclusive and diverse. It offers opportunities that contribute to professional growth and development. The position requires cultural awareness, sensitivity and adaptation to different communication styles and behaviours.

The incumbent will join a small team working on external relations, including donor relations, humanitarian and governmental partners, media, civil society, refugees, to amplify the voices of refugees and create awareness on refugee issues and the work of UNHCR.

Living and Working Conditions:
Poland is a country in Central-Eastern Europe, stretching from the Baltic coastline in the north to the Carpathian mountain range in the south. It has a temperate transitional and continental climate, with four distinct seasons and evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year. The official language is Polish.

Warsaw, the capital city of Poland, is located in the Central European Time (CET) zone (GMT+1). The local currency is the Polish Zloty (PLN), and all major foreign currencies can be freely exchanged in banks or exchange offices. Warsaw is the largest city in Poland, with a population of around 1.8 million people. It is located in central Poland and serves as the country’s main political, economic, and administrative hub. The city is an important centre for culture, education, and business, hosting numerous universities, research institutions, and international organisations. Warsaw offers a wide range of cultural events, museums, theatres, restaurants, and cafes. All major international hotel chains are present in the city. The real estate market in Warsaw is well developed, with accommodation available across all price ranges. The healthcare system is accessible at all levels, including public and private facilities. The overall security risk is minimal.

Public transport in Warsaw is highly developed and includes an extensive network of metro lines, trams, buses, and suburban trains. Using public transport is often faster than driving within the city. Parking in the city centre is paid and finding free parking can be difficult. Warsaw also has many bike lanes, parks, and pedestrian areas. Warsaw is well connected with other European and international destinations by train and direct flights. Warsaw Chopin Airport offers numerous connections across Europe and long-haul flights worldwide.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Certifications

Communication - Other, International Relations - Other, Journalism - Other, Media - Other, Political Science - Other

Competencies

Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Organizational awareness, Teamwork & collaboration

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

Compendium

Additional Information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance