External Relations Associate - UNHCR - G6 - P.N 10021436 - Tripoli, Lebanon

Seven years into the Syria crisis, Lebanon remains the country hosting the largest number of refugees per capita, with over one million Syrian refugees, and around 20,000 refugees of Iraqi, Sudanese, Ethiopian and other origins, in addition to the Palestine refugees under UNRWA’s mandate.  There are no formal camps for Syrian refugees in the country, and refugees are living in hundreds of communities and locations across the country. 

The refugee response is led by the Government and local actors, supported by the international community. As the designated lead agency in the refugee response, UNHCR has established a sector-based structure in Beirut and in the field. The structure brings together over 100 UN agencies, national and international NGO partners in identifying and agreeing on the strategic priorities to address the needs of Syrian refugees and other affected populations. The Lebanon national response falls under the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan (3RP), whereby UNHCR guides the refugee response and UNDP facilitates the resilience and stabilization component.

The UNHCR operational response in Lebanon is one of the largest for the organization. Media attention and the frequency of influential high-profile visitors is high. Aside from the country office in the capital city of Beirut, UNHCR has offices in Mt Lebanon, Qobayat, Tripoli, Tyre and Zahle.

The External Relations Associate is supervised by the Assistant Liaison Officer who provides regular guidance and advice. The incumbent will also work closely with senior staff and support units at the Country Office.   External contacts are generally with a broad range of officials from national and international institutions, media or general public involving the exchange of a wide range of information.

Very good knowledge of written and spoken English and Arabic is crucial for this position.

Accountability (key results that will be achieved)

• UNHCR Country Office establishes and manages external relations activities in the country to protect, assist and find durable solutions for all persons of concern.

Responsibility (process and functions undertaken to achieve results)

• Provide background briefings to local and international media.
• Keep track of evolving issues concerning persons of concern to be able to suggest stories and topics for the media to cover.
• Provide daily briefings on local developments to the Head of Office and ensure that briefing materials from other offices are available.
• Accompany visits of foreign delegations and the media to refugee sites in the region, giving appropriate briefings, commentaries and prepare briefing material for visitors.
• Establish contacts with local organizations to promote general interest and understanding of refugee issues
• Ensure that the office is kept informed of local developments which may have a political or operational impact on the office's activities.
• May be required to compile information and SitReps received from the Field Offices and/or sections within the Office and consolidate into weekly/monthly/quarterly report.
• Advise the Head of Office of local aspects of external relations policies
• Perform other related duties as required.

Authority (decisions made in executing responsibilities and to achieve results)

• Liaise with external partners and local organizations on behalf of UNHCR.
• Produce reports and briefings for internal and external partners.