UNHCR: External Relations Specialist – Bogotá

Organization Mission

UNHCR works to ensure that everybody has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge, having fled violence, persecution, war or disaster at home. 

Since 1950, UNHCR has provided support in the face of multiple crises globally, and provided vital assistance to refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced and stateless people, many of whom have nobody left to turn to. 

UNHCR helps save lives and build better futures for millions forced from their homes.

Context

Colombia is a complex and dynamic humanitarian and peacebuilding context, marked by the coexistence of a long‑standing internal armed conflict, emerging violence dynamics, and significant mixed movements of refugees and migrants, particularly from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. UNHCR has been present in the country since 1997 and works closely with national and local authorities, communities and civil society to protect and find solutions for internally displaced persons, refugees, asylum‑seekers, returnees, stateless persons and host communities. The office operates through a central coordination structure and an extensive field presence in conflict‑ and violence‑affected territories, combining legal and policy work with community‑based protection, emergency response and support to inclusion in national systems.

Within this setting, the External Relations Specialist will contribute to positioning UNHCR’s protection and solutions agenda, ensuring that the voices and priorities of persons of concern are reflected in public information, advocacy and resource mobilization efforts. The assignment will involve drafting and editing external communications products, supporting donor reporting and visibility, contributing to events and campaigns, and helping to maintain partnerships with government counterparts, United Nations agencies, NGOs, the diplomatic community, private sector actors and the media.

The Specialist will work as part of a diverse, multi‑functional team that values collaboration, initiative and creativity, and will interact regularly with programme, protection and field colleagues to generate compelling, evidence‑based narratives. The role offers an opportunity to gain first‑hand experience of UNHCR’s work in a high‑profile operation, with exposure to strategic discussions, participation in inter‑agency coordination processes, and, where security and operational considerations allow, visits to the field to better understand the realities of displacement and the impact of UNHCR’s interventions.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Senior External Relations Officer, the UN Volunteer will support the External Relations Unit by undertaking the following tasks:

– Donor Relations and Funding: Serve as a focal point for selected governmental UNHCR donors in Colombia, supporting the consolidation of funding submissions and ensuring alignment with project objectives and donor requirements. The UN Volunteer will also contribute to the drafting of interim and final reports, providing analysis of project results and donor contributions.

– Monitoring: Support the monitoring of developments related to the Resource Mobilization Project Strategy, contributing to the preparation of accurate and timely briefings and internal updates.

– Reporting: Assist in the preparation of regular reports, including donor updates, situational reports, briefing notes for senior management, and activity‑specific reports, to ensure stakeholders are informed of progress, challenges, and emerging issues.

– Stakeholder Engagement: Contribute to the development and maintenance of effective working relationships with government counterparts, NGOs, and UN agencies, supporting coordination and collaboration on activities related to the Resource Mobilization Project Strategy.

– Preparation for Engagements: Support the Senior External Relations Officer and the Office of the Representative in preparing for meetings and missions, including drafting talking points and briefing materials to ensure coherent and consistent communication of project priorities and objectives.

– Mission Organization: Assist in organizing and accompanying missions for high‑level visitors (including Ambassadors and Heads of Development Agencies), delegations, and other stakeholders to project locations or partner activities, providing logistical and background support as required.

– Public Information Support: Contribute to press events, interviews, field missions, and other public information activities, supporting efforts to enhance visibility and public understanding of the Resource Mobilization Project Strategy and UNHCR’s work in Colombia.

The UN Volunteer will undertake additional tasks, as required, to support the effective implementation and visibility of the Resource Mobilization Strategy and UNHCR Colombia’s operation.

The External Relations Unit of UNHCR plays a critical role in managing and strengthening the organization’s engagement with external stakeholders, including governments, public and private donors, international organizations, non‑governmental organizations (NGOs), media, and the public. The Unit’s work supports UNHCR’s mandate by raising awareness, mobilizing resources, building partnerships, advocating for refugee‑responsive policies, and promoting public engagement in support of refugees and forcibly displaced populations.

Within this context, the UN Volunteer will contribute to the Unit’s activities as part of a team‑based learning role. Responsibilities will focus on supporting, assisting, and contributing to ongoing resource mobilization, reporting, coordination, and visibility efforts under close supervision, in line with UN Volunteer learning and professional development objectives.

Required Skills and Experience

Experience in:

– Humanitarian, development, or refugee protection work, particularly in areas related to donor engagement, reporting, and coordination.
– International cooperation, donor relations, communications, stakeholder management.
– Internet in working in a multicultural environment.

Skills in:

– Strong written communication skills, with the ability to draft clear and well‑structured reports, briefings, and summaries in English and Spanish.
– Good organizational and time‑management skills, with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
– Ability to collect, consolidate, and synthesize information from different sources in a clear and structured manner.
– Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds.
– Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with reporting tools or information management systems is an asset.
– Ability to work independently under supervision, with a proactive and learning‑oriented attitude.
– Working knowledge of Spanish and English necessary; knowledge of additional languages is an asset.

Core Competencies

– Accountability
– Adaptability and Flexibility
– Client Orientation
– Commitment and Motivation
– Commitment to Continuous Learning
– Communication
– Creativity
– Ethics and Values
– Integrity
– Judgement and Decision-making
– Planning and Organizing
– Professionalism
– Respect for Diversity
– Self-Management
– Technological Awareness
– Working in Teams

Living Conditions

The UN Volunteer will be in Bogotá. All public and health services are available in Bogotá, as well as cultural and other recreational activities. Since this is an international UNV assignment, the holder will be responsible for the organization of his or her own home and the other essential elements of life. Bogotá is the capital of Colombia and one of the most populated cities in Latin America, so that subsistence expenses (including housing expenses) are higher than in other cities. Living and working conditions in Bogotá present “low” risks. The city has security problems common to most growing capitals, however this does not create a permanent risk exposure for national and international staff.

Living in Bogotá, Colombia offers a vibrant and culturally rich experience. As the capital city, Bogotá is the political, economic, and cultural heart of the country. The city boasts a diverse climate due to its high altitude, with mild temperatures averaging between 9°C and 22°C.

Residents enjoy a range of cultural attractions, including museums, historic sites, and festivals, alongside modern amenities, and extensive public transportation options, such as the TransMilenio bus system. Healthcare services are robust, with numerous hospitals and clinics providing quality care.

UNHCR’s office in Bogotá is 15 minutes away by foot from the safest residential neighbourhood of the city, which is called “Chapinero”. Also, 30 minutes away by car from the downtown (10km). The city is known for its green space.