In a world where forced displacement has reached unprecedented levels, the ability to communicate, advocate, and mobilize support is more critical than ever. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency, plays a central role in protecting and assisting people who have been forced to flee due to conflict, persecution, or violence.
Behind every humanitarian intervention is a strong external relations function that ensures partnerships are nurtured, donor confidence is maintained, and the voices of displaced communities are heard.
One such opportunity to contribute meaningfully to this mission is the Senior External Relations Assistant position based in Lima, Peru. This full-time role, offered under a Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA/UNOPS – Level 5), provides a unique chance for experienced professionals in communications, external relations, or international development to work at the heart of UNHCR’s engagement with donors, partners, media, and the public.
About the Role
The Senior External Relations Assistant is an integral member of UNHCR’s External Relations Unit, which encompasses External Relations, Reporting, and Public Information/Communications (PI/Comms) teams. Reporting directly to the External Relations Officer, the incumbent supports a wide range of activities designed to strengthen UNHCR’s visibility, credibility, and partnerships in Peru.
This position is presential, located in Lima, and is open to candidates who are legally present in the country at the time of application, recruitment, and appointment. With a target start date of 1 January 2026, the contract runs until mid-year, with the possibility of extension depending on operational needs, budget availability, and performance.
Key Responsibilities and Daily Impact
The Senior External Relations Assistant plays a hands-on role in shaping how UNHCR engages with the outside world. Core responsibilities include drafting and editing high-quality external and internal materials such as briefing notes, talking points, press releases, newsletters, fact sheets, and donor reports. These documents are essential tools for communicating UNHCR’s work, results, and funding needs to diverse stakeholders.
A significant part of the role involves organizing and supporting visits by foreign delegations, institutional donors, partner NGOs, and media representatives. This includes coordinating logistics, preparing background materials, accompanying visitors to the field, and ensuring that visits effectively highlight UNHCR’s impact on refugee and host communities.
The role also contributes to public information and media engagement. The incumbent helps monitor local media, responds to non-complex media inquiries, and ensures that the office remains informed of relevant developments. Supporting UNHCR’s social media strategy and pitching compelling stories for the global UNHCR website are additional responsibilities that enhance the organization’s public profile.
Visibility and outreach are central to the job. From organizing high-profile events such as World Refugee Day to ensuring donor visibility requirements are met, the Senior External Relations Assistant helps translate humanitarian action into clear, engaging narratives that resonate with partners and the public alike.
Donor Relations and Reporting Excellence
One of the defining features of this role is its strong focus on donor relations and reporting. The position requires demonstrated experience in preparing project proposals with medium to large budgets and monitoring visibility for major institutional donors such as Japan, the European Union, Canada, and the United States. High-quality donor reporting, database management, and the preparation of operational updates are essential to maintaining trust and securing continued support for UNHCR’s programmes.
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By contributing to regular reports—weekly, monthly, quarterly, or thematic—the Senior External Relations Assistant helps ensure transparency, accountability, and strategic alignment with donor priorities.
Required Profile and Skills
UNHCR is seeking a candidate with at least two years of relevant experience in external relations, communications, or a related field, preferably within an international or humanitarian organization. For this G5-level role, candidates may qualify with a high school diploma and two years of experience, or with a bachelor’s degree and at least one year of relevant work experience.
Language skills are critical. Fluency in English and Spanish is required, with strong writing and speaking abilities in both languages (English at a minimum B2 level and native Spanish). The ability to draft, translate, and adapt content for different audiences is central to success in this position.
The ideal candidate demonstrates excellent interpersonal, coordination, and organizational skills, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Experience in refugee contexts, mixed movements, development settings, or working with high-level stakeholders such as donors and diplomatic missions is highly desirable. Familiarity with social media, event planning, and UN or UNHCR systems is considered an asset.
Professional Values and Work Environment
All UNHCR staff are expected to uphold the organization’s core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity. The Senior External Relations Assistant contributes to a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace, with zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination, sexual exploitation, or abuse of power.
UNHCR actively promotes diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Adjustments can be made during the recruitment process for candidates with disabilities, ensuring equal access and fair assessment.
Recruitment Process and Important Notes
The application deadline is 24 December 2025, and late applications will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and may be required to complete a written test. Recruitment is subject to reference checks and proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
Applicants are reminded that UNHCR does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and applications are accepted only through the official UNHCR online recruitment platform. Submissions via email will not be reviewed.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Working as a Senior External Relations Assistant at UNHCR in Lima means contributing directly to one of the world’s most important humanitarian missions. It is a role that blends strategic communication, donor engagement, and advocacy, offering both professional growth and the satisfaction of supporting displaced populations in meaningful ways.
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For professionals passionate about international cooperation, storytelling with purpose, and building partnerships that save lives, this position represents a powerful opportunity to make a difference.
