Associate External Relations and Reporting Officer – UNV

Job Description

Organization		UN OCHA Sudan’s
Description of the assignment title		Associate External Relations and Reporting Officer
Host entity		UNHCR
Assignment country		Sudan
Type		Onsite
Duration		12 months (with possibility of extension)
Sustainable Development Goal		10. Reduced inequalities
Number of assignments		1
DoA reserved for persons with disabilities		No
Advertisement end date		10/06/2022

Details

Mission and objectives

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org). The UNHCR operation in Sudan serves different refugee groups, including people from South Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, CAR, Chad, Yemen and Syria, but also internally displaced people, asylum-seekers and stateless individuals through a network of sub- and field offices as well as its Representation in Khartoum. UNHCR focuses on the protection and assistance to these groups in close coordination with national authorities and in partnership with UN and non-UN agencies as well as the civil society.

Context

• The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counter-parts, including Implementing Partners (IPs);

• Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment

• A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of Head of Sub Office Kadugli, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Keep abreast all developments in operations to prepare appropriate briefings and reports. Prepare periodic reports, e.g.,. donor updates, internal sitreps, briefing notes for senior managers, and activity-specific reports as required.

• Prepare funding submissions for donors, and draft any required after-action reports.

• Develop and maintain working relationships with the government, NGOs, and UN agencies to ensure cooperation in inter-related activities.

• Support the UNHCR-led Cluster activities by preparing and distributing minutes, assisting in the organization of meetings and serving as the general secretariat for the relevant Cluster.

• Support the supervisor in preparation for meetings and missions, including development of background notes drafting of related notes and talking points.

• Organize and accompany missions for VIP visitors, delegates to visit refugee sites or the activities of UNHCR and/or its implementing partners.

• If there is no Public Information (PI) focal point in country, serve as PI focal point, contributing to and coordinating press events, interviews, PI missions and other activities related to information dissemination to the general public to promote UNHCR activities.

• Ensure drafting of situation reports, briefing notes, background material, talking points, fact sheets, press releases, social media releases and articles, as well as draft press reports, booklets, and stories where required;

• Ensure consolidation and analysis of data on programme implementation, indicators in all sectors within area of responsibility and facilitate preparation of periodic reports, e.g., Sitreps and activity-specific reports as may be required;

• Ensure appropriate visibility for donor contributions in compliance with UNHCR guidelines and specific donor requirements;

• Assist in maintaining working relationships with the Government, NGOs, and UN agencies to develop cooperation in inter-related activities;

• Assist in organizing press events, handling interviews requests, and on behalf of the Head of Sub Office or other senior staff, providing responses to requests from media relating to UNHCR and its work in consultation with the supervisor.

• Undertake missions and field trips with UNHCR staff members, media and other official visitors in support of UNHCR and its work.

• Assist in actively maintaining media relations for UNHCR and have access to information and UNHCR expertise. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:- Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day)- Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country- Provide annual and end of assignment reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities using UNV’s Volunteer Reporting Application Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.- Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Eligibility criteria

Age

27 – 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in Knowledge of Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as social media platforms, and demonstrated skills in oral and written communication. Emergency response, immediate relief operations, and post-conflict humanitarian aid operations Mandatory.

Area(s) of expertise

Communication, Crisis and emergency response

Driving license

–

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required Arabic, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in External relations, communications, media relations or reporting.

Competencies and values

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNHCR; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNHCR procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;

• Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNHCR in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;

• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;

• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.

• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;

• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendation.

• Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations.

• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNHCR’s mission and vision.

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

Kordofan’s operation is very complex & challenging with approximately 105,531 South Sudanese refugees scattered in more than 100 villages in South, West & North Kordofan States. Of this number, around 58,743 individuals are located in West Kordofan & 38,225 individuals in South Kordofan with the remaining 8,563 individuals in North Kordofan State. In addition, over 180,000 IDPS are found in various localities in South Kordofan and some Localities in the State continue to receive returnees. An estimated of 74,000 returnees are found in South Kordofan State according to Auhorities. Majority of the refugees live in extremely poor conditions where access to services is below of the standard. Sub Office Kadugli & field offices are classified as category ‘E’ non-family duty stations with no international educational system, poor health & lack of leisure facilities in Kadugli, El Fula & Abu Jubaiha. The weather is hot during most periods of the year, with occasional spells of haboob. While Kadugli is a capital town in South Kordofan State, & El Fula the capital of West Kordofan. The environment is relatively isolated with few social activities. The security situation in the Kordofan is unpredictable with the occurrence of armed & tribal conflicts that often result in displacement in many parts of South Kordofan. Tribal conflicts in West Kordofan are common & often result in civilian casualties. The political environment in the Kordofan, is unpredictable, requiring strong security awareness when in the field. Travelling from Kadugli to the refugee settlements in Abu Jubaiha & Eleri Localities normally take 2-3 days by road. Travelling from Abu Jubaiha to the refugee settlements is often exhaustive due to the poor conditions of the road. Access to the refugee settlements during the rainy season (June to September) is extremely challenging and missions are often not encouraged during this period. Travelling from UNHCR office in El Fula to the largest refugee settlements in West Kordofan (El Meriam & Kharasana) takes over 6 hours. Health facilities are available in Kadugli town & some clinics & laboratories that provide basic medical services. There is level I clinic in UNISFA where staff can also consult. For complicated medical treatment most staff (local and international) travel to Khartoum to seek better services. There are pharmacies in town which stock basic prescriptions. International credit and debit cards are not accepted by the banks, hotels and shops. It is important that staff carry reasonable amount of cash to cover their needs or make other arrangements to receive money. All international staff are encouraged to open US Dollar bank accounts with Blue Nile Mashreg Bank who has a branch Office in Kadugli. All staff’ salary and allowances will be processed in US Dollar through EFT. All UN personnel based in Kadugli are using either UNHAS flights (twice a week) or UNISFA flights which operate 3 times a week. UNISFA flights from Kadugli to Khartoum operate every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday while UNHAS flights operating on Monday & Wednesday. Booking both flights 3 working days in advance is requested due to the procedures in place & to enable colleagues to not miss out on the travel manifest. All international staff assigned to Kadugli are based in UNISFA compound & have access to basic facilities including a gymnasium, water and electricity managed by UNISFA. Using the gymnasium is subject to payment of 20 USD per month or 40 USD for three months or 90 USD for one year usage. A cafeteria is available & common kitchen facilities are available where staff can cook their own food in case they do not want to eat in the cafeteria. Food items are available in the market in Kadugli and there is seasonal abundant supply of fruits including, bananas, grape fruits, mangoes, oranges etc

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy