External Relations Officer

Position description

This post is located in the Donor and External Relations Section (DEXREL), External Outreach and Partnerships Service (EOPS) of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Brussels. The incumbent will be under the supervision of the Chief of Section. 

Responsibilities 

Under the supervision of the Chief of Section in Geneva, through the P4 in Brussels, the External Relations Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

Develops and maintains key strategic partnerships with donors (governments, intergovernmental organizations, in particular the European Commission) in order to achieve a broad donor base for OHCHR by:
a) Developing an in-depth understanding of assigned donors’ (governments and intergovernmental organizations) human rights, development and humanitarian policies and analyzing opportunities for enhanced cooperation with OHCHR;
b) Developing and implementing fundraising and outreach strategies for governments and intergovernmental organizations;
c) Organizing and participating in donor briefings; meeting with interlocutors in relevant Ministries/Directorates or partners as appropriate.

Contributes to ensuring an office-wide consistent and coherent approach to fundraising by:
a) Providing advice to the High Commissioner, the Deputy High Commissioner, the ASG – New York Office as well other senior managers in Divisions/Branches and field offices on office-wide fundraising policies, strategies and approaches. Keeping assigned donor profiles updated. Accompanying the Chief of Section and senior management as appropriate on their missions to State capitals or relevant donor headquarters for fundraising purposes;
b) Preparing various written outputs like briefing notes, strategic and position papers for the senior management as requested. Drafting correspondence for donors; researching, compiling, maintaining and updating information on donor relations;
c) Ensuring, in cooperation with the Administrative Section and other relevant units, that UN rules and procedures are duly respected;
d) Providing technical support to programme managers, in particular Regional and Country offices, in raising funds for OHCHR;
e) Monitoring the use of contributions in order to provide accurate and relevant information to donors. Informing donors in writing or orally about implementation of ongoing projects and future planned needs in order to ensure maximum funding stability for OHCHR activities. Undertaking missions to the field offices in order to meet with the community of donors and coordinate fundraising activities with relevant staff members in the offices.

Works on a portfolio of donors (governments and intergovernmental organizations, in particular the EC) to generate and encourage the highest level of contributions by:
a) Negotiating contributions and funding arrangements with assigned donors governments and intergovernmental organizations: preparing funding submissions; coordinating the presentations of strategies and programmes to the donors with OHCHR Divisions/Branches and field offices as appropriate, including during annual consultations;
b) Reviewing and following-up of funding agreements with all donors;
c) Traveling to capitals to discuss with interlocutors in the relevant Ministries or Headquarters of partners.

Contributes to the organizational effectiveness of OHCHR by:
a) Representing the Chief of Section in relevant meetings, when requested;
b) Participating in the planning and preparation of Section’s annual budget and work programme;

Assists the Chief of Section in any of her/his tasks as required. 

Competencies 

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of external and donor relations including the donor community; knowledge of programme management; knowledge of international affairs and the UN system, especially regarding Financial Rules and Regulations; knowledge of and exposure to human rights/humanitarian or development issues and international affairs. Knowledge of OHCHR’s mandates and activities. Ability to identify issues, analyse and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Capacity to analyse and assess as well as the skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the Internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Outstanding drafting skills in English are essential. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of the subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively, listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; share credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. 

Education 

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in social science, political science, public administration, business administration and management, economics, international relations, or related fields. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

Work Experience 

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in the field of human rights, humanitarian or development work is required.

Out of the five years, four years of experience in donor relations and resource mobilization, including partnership building with governments and donors is required.

Experience in donor relations with the European Commission is desirable.

Experience in international affairs and working within the United Nations common system or similar international organizations is desirable. 

Languages 

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English and knowledge of French are required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. 

Assessment 

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview. 

Special Notice 

Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or availability of funds.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongy encouraged to apply for this position.

Application instructions

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