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EXTERNAL RELATIONS ASSISTANT

TERMS OF REFERENCE

UNOPS Contract – LICA-5 equivalent to GS-5 level

Organizational Unit: UNHCR Representation in Central Asia, RO Almaty, Kazakhstan

Duty station: Almaty

Type of Contract: UNOPS Contract – LICA-5 equivalent to GS-5 level

Duration of contract: From 01 July 2018 through 31 December 2018

Expected start date: 01 July 2018

 Organizational Context

 The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Central Asia strives for: 1) Strengthening the national asylum systems, 2) Achieving solutions for the current population of refugees and 3) Reducing and preventing statelessness.  The UNHCR Regional Office (RO) for Central Asia based in Almaty, Kazakhstan, provides strategic planning, direction, coordination, support, administration of resources, and carries out oversight functions of the UNHCR activities.

 Purpose and Scope of Assignment

 The aim of the assignment is to primarily support the Regional Protection Unit (RPU) as well as the regional office in Almaty and the Country Offices in Astana, Bishkek and Dushanbe in the area of external relations, information management and protection perspectives in accordance with the existing protection strategy.  The RO Almaty regularly compiles statistical and narrative reports, based on data collected from the countries in the region, that are used to raise awareness and funds for UNHCR’s operations in Central Asia.  In addition, the RO plays a role in systematizing and analysing available information and support the Country and National UNHCR Offices in Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

 In the framework of its advocacy strategy, UNHCR Almaty promotes a number of events and advocacy forums. One of them is the Almaty Process on refugee protection and international migration, which is supported by UNHCR and IOM in coordination with Member States. As a regional consultative process on refugee protection and international migration to, from and within Central Asia, the Almaty Process aims to address the multiple challenges resulting from mixed migration dynamics and enhance regional cooperation and coordination on mixed migration.

 Statelessness in CA is largely a result of the dissolution of the Soviet Union, after which some people did not secure citizenship of the newly independent States. New cases are being created due to cross border marriages, as well as gaps and lack of safeguards in nationality laws in all States. Currently the region hosts 108,899 stateless persons, largest figure (85,555 state recognized stateless persons) is in Uzbekistan.  Statelessness in the region prompts increase of illegal migration, poverty, concern for national security by the governments and abuse of human rights. Promoting prevention and reduction of statelessness in the region will be one of the priorities of the incumbent.

 One of UNHCR’s communication tools in Central Asia is the regional website (www.unhcr.kz). This site is in need of regular update and delivery of professional and timely key messages on UNHCR activities in Central Asia to positively influence public opinion on issues relevant to refugees and stateless people.

 Duties and Responsibilities

 Under the direct supervision of the Senior Regional Protection Officer, the External Relations Assistant will be required to work with a wide range of issues and will perform the following duties:

Protection

  • Support the RPU in providing information and orientation to Persons of Concern (PoCs) that approach the RO;
  • Identify the need for protection interventions on a case by case basis and take appropriate action by liaising with the authorities or other relevant actors;
  • Coordinate protection actions with UNHCR RO or Country or National Offices;
  • Support the RPU in drafting, translating and proof reading official correspondence.

Legal and institutional frameworks

  • Regularly monitor and analyse developments in the institutional framework of Central Asian countries on issues related to statelessness, nationality and asylum.

Event support and coordination

  • Oversee the coordination of the logistics of UNHCR RO’s advocacy events and in support of the Almaty Process yearly work plan.

Information management

  • Compile on a weekly basis a short report of operational, institutional and political highlights from the RO perspective;
  • Compile and systematize the available statistical information and indicators in the Region;
  • Analyse and improve the presentation of the statistical and indicator information as a final product to be used during awareness raising and advocacy interventions by UNHCR;
  • Support the technical roll out of database systems in the Region and design of Standard Operational Procedures for its use.

Web content management and social media support

  • Manage the protection and legal content of the UNHCR Central Asia website;
  • Ensure quality control (or professional packaging of) on content and adherence to the established style of UNHCR in maintaining UNHCR.kz website;
  • Facilitate regular update of information on UNHCR and Almaty Process;
  • Analyse website and social network usage statistics and bring key information to the attention of the supervisor;
  • Ensure quality of translations and proof reading of content on the website;
  • Build network and relationship with local media outlets at regional and country levels;
  • Perform other duties, as required and agreed with the Regional Office.

 Monitoring and Progress Controls

 Clear set of data is systematized on a regular basis;

  • User-friendly public information products (e.g., infographics);
  • UNHCR’s protection public reports are presented in a professional manner and up to state-of-the-art standards;
  • Events are organized successfully and in an professional manner;
  • The corporate image of UNHCR is represented accurately, its activities are promoted and clearly transmitted to the public;
  • Protection related communications/messages received through the website and social networking are promptly responded and brought to the attention of the Regional Office.

 Essential Requirements and Professional Experience

 a. Education (Level and area of required and/or preferred education):

  • Bachelor degree in International Law/Political Science, journalism, corporate communications or related field;
  • Master’s degree is an asset.

 b. Work Experience

  • Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience in refugee protection, statelessness issues, human rights advocacy, corporate communications, protection of migrants’ rights, civil service on documentation, migration, nationality or registration issues.

 c. Language requirements

  • Fluency in written and oral English and Russian are required;
  • Knowledge of another UN language or local languages in Central Asia would be an asset.

 Key Comptenecies

 Political Awareness

  • Technological Awareness
  • Entrepreneurial, creative, and innovative thinker who can also translate ideas into practical applications
  • Aptitude to quickly comprehend new concepts, applications and associated risks and opportunities
  • Ability to work as part of a team in a diverse work environment
  • Teamwork
  • Communications
  • Creativity
  • Commitment to Continuous Learning
  • Integrity
  • Attention to details
  • Excellent writing skills

 Living Conditions:

 The Regional Office of UNHCR for Central Asia is located in Almaty, Kazakhstan.  As the commercial capital of the country (whereas the political capital is Astana), Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan and is a category-A duty station.  The city is well connected by air with international destinations, including direct connections to some of the capital cities in Europe.  There is a good choice of apartments and houses for rent.  There are several international schools located in Almaty.  Medical facilities are available, however, some specialized medical interventions might be sought abroad.  There are a number of supermarkets and shopping centres with local as well as imported products.

 Security Considerations

 The current security situation in Kazakhstan re essentially quiet and stable, with UN Security Level I. The main risk in Almaty Regional Office is linked to seismic activities.  Risks associated with earthquakes are always identified as the main concern factor in the city.

 How to apply:

 Candidates who wish to be considered for this position should send their motivation letter and Curriculum Vitae + Personal History Form to the following email address: kazal@unhcr.org indicating “External Relations Assistant UNOPS, Almaty – Kazakhstan’’ in the subject of the email.

  • This vacancy is local vacancy, therefore Kazakhstan citizens are encouraged to apply.
  • Only applications received by 25 June 2018 (COB) will be considered and late submissions will not be accepted.
  • Only short listed candidates will be invited to participate to the selection process.

 The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.


14.06.2018
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