Deadline for Applications
May 27, 2026
Hardship Level
B
Family Type
Family
Residential location (if applicable)
Grade
GS5
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
General Service
Reason
Regular > Regular Assignment
Target Start Date
2026-01-16
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
OPERATIONAL CONTEXT:
Honduras is characterized by a situation of protracted internal displacement due to violence, with escalating protection risks, including human rights violations, forced recruitment, violence against women and girls, compounded by extreme weather events and natural hazards. More than 247,000 people are currently internally displaced in the country, with many more at risk of displacement. The high levels of violence continue to represent a challenge in terms of protection and assistance. Strengthening the prevention of internal displacement and the response remain key priority. Support for returnees with protection needs is also an area of focus to support their sustainable integration.
Honduras has traditionally been a country of origin and, in recent years, has also become a transit country in the context of mixed movements and a country of asylum. Since January 2025, northbound migration flows have decreased; while some individuals are returning to their countries of origin or relocating within the region, others have chosen to seek international protection in Honduras. The increasing number of asylum claims is straining the Government’s response capacities. This trend highlights the urgent need to strengthen the national asylum system and bolster efforts to expand protection and sustainable solutions for refugees and asylum-seekers. While many advancements have been made over the years to strengthen the asylum system, there is an urgent need to provide technical assistance to ensure an efficient, effective, and updated process, incorporating best practices and international standards.
UNHCR is committed to supporting the national institutions, ensuring more agile and accessible procedures, expanding territorial presence, improving the technical capacity of personnel, and broadening integration opportunities, moving towards durable solutions for refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced people, and returnees with protection needs.
ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING
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.
The Senior External Relations Assistant is responsible for drafting weekly updates, monthly operational reports, annual report narratives, fact sheets and briefing documents. They are also responsible for correspondence with donors and government actors and supporting the organization of events with key external stakeholders and partners. Experience working with government actors in protocol, international cooperation and project development is valued. Experience drafting talking points, speeches and agendas for high-level missions is also key. The Senior External Relations Assistant assists with interagency coordination on reporting, indicators and the UN Cooperation Framework. Strong English drafting skills are valued.
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.
ELIGIBILITY
Candidates must be present in the country at the moment of selection. This vacancy is open for Internal/Former staff/external candidates. Candidates must be legally present in Honduras at the time of application, recruitment, and hire. Only Honduran citizens or candidates legally present in Honduras with a valid work permit will be considered eligible. Applicants must attach proof of permanent residency at the time of application. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS:
English and Spanish are mandatory (B2 level).
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to sit a technical test.
If you wish to be considered for this INTERNAL/EXTERNAL vacancy, please submit your application according to the following instructions:
CANDIDATES WITH ACCESS TO THE WORKDAY: In order to apply, you must first create your profile in the WORKDAY system.
WHEN CREATING A CANDIDATE PROFILE IN WORKDAY, PLEASE USE CAPSLOCKS FOR LAST NAME AND NO SPECIAL CHARACTERS (Ñ OR ACCENTS)
Former UNHCR locally recruited staff member who held a fixed-term or indefinite appointment, can apply for regular positions in their staff category as candidate with UNHCR-experience (within 2 years following separation for males and 5 years for females). To apply for vacancies as Former staff, please access Workday and create your profile there in the Former staff section (eligibility will be verified).
EXTERNAL CANDIDATES: Through the UNHCR Career Portal.
CVs WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED BY EMAIL. ONLY THOSE APPLICATIONS SENT THROUGH THE SYSTEM WILL BE CONSIDERED.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Only short-listed candidates will be notified. The recruitment process might include a written test and/or oral interview for this job opening. No late applications will be accepted.
UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training, or any other fees).
The evaluation of applicants will be conducted based on the information submitted during the application. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision, or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.
UNHCR is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, sexual orientation, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. UNHCR seeks to ensure that male and female employees are given equal career opportunities. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
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.
UNHCR has a zero-tolerance policy against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA). SEA is unacceptable behavior and prohibited conduct for UNHCR personnel. It constitutes acts of serious misconduct and is therefore grounds for disciplinary measures, including dismissal.
REMUNERATION
A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, please visit the portal of the International Civil Service Commission at: http://icsc.un.org
International Civil Service Commission (ICSC)
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
English
,
Spanish
,
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, TI-Interpretation
Education
Certifications
Communication - Other, International Relations - Other, Journalism - Other, Media - Other, Political Science - Other
Work Experience
Competencies
Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Organizational awareness, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium
Additional Information
Functional clearance
This position doesn't require a functional clearance
