UN Youth Volunteer in Government Liaison

The High Commissioner for Refugees is mandated by the United Nations to lead and coordinate international action for
the worldwide protection of refugees and the resolution of refugee problems.
UNHCR’s primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. In its efforts to achieve this objective,
the Office strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State,
and to return home voluntarily. By assisting refugees to return to their own country or to settle permanently in another
country, UNHCR also seeks lasting solutions to their plight.
UNHCR’s Executive Committee and the UN General Assembly have authorized involvement with other groups. These
include former refugees who have returned to their homeland; internally displaced people; and people who are
stateless or whose nationality is disputed.
The Office seeks to reduce situations of forced displacement by encouraging states and other institutions to create
conditions which are conducive to the protection of human rights and the peaceful resolution of disputes. In all of its
activities, it pays particular attention to the needs of children and seeks to promote the equal rights of women and girls.
The Office works in partnership with governments, regional organizations, international and non-governmental
organizations. It is committed to the principle of participation, believing that refugees and others who benefit from the
organization’s activities should be consulted over decisions which affect their lives.

The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Government Liaison Associate and will perform a variety of functions related to issues and agendas involving support in the coordination with government authorities, United Nations system agencies, and other key stakeholders. The supervisor exercises close control and regular review of the work processes and provides regular advice and guidance.

The incumbent keeps frequent internal contacts with staff members to exchange information. Additionally, with guidance and support, the volunteer may support establishing contact with public officials at the technical level from both central and local government, as well as with

In order to carry out this work, the UN Volunteer will be properly trained both formally, through available workshops, seminars, e-Learning platforms; and informally through on-the-job training, intensive coaching/mentoring, shadowing other colleagues to familiarize his/herself with the relevant global and local policy and procedures related to liaison activities.
The UN Volunteer will be closely supervised by both senior and middle-level management within the unit and it is expected that within a few months, s/he will have the necessary skills to carry out many of the daily tasks with limited guidance.

Under the direct supervision of the Government Liaison Associate, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

- Draft routine correspondence and reports, prepare tables and draft corresponding text, prepare background material for use in discussions and briefing sessions. Collect, register and maintain information on the Government, local, and international developments which may have a political or operational impact on the office’s relationship with the Government. Systematize relevant information, maintain updated stakeholders’ mappings, and disseminate relevant information to an internal and external audience.
- Assist in administrative tasks as required, such as the preparation of reports and meeting authorized personnel, and assisting them during meetings, workshops, field missions, etc.
- Contribute to related liaison activities and respond directly to routine queries.
- Assist the supervisor in the preparation and facilitation of workshops, trainings, seminars, and other meetings.
- Collect and maintain information on statistics in regard to persons of concern.
- Support close working relations with the local authorities, governmental and non-governmental implementing partners and other external parties, providing co-operation and guidance if necessary.
- Support the management of the with Government partners to provide requested information and follow up on pending issues.
- Manage external queries and information flows by identifying and anticipating required action.
- Prepare reports and correspondence related to the office´s contacts and activities.
- Manage budget, when requested, including tracking expenditures.
- Act as interpreter and translator when needed.
- Perform other related duties as required.

As the role involves collecting and disseminating information, maintaining stakeholder mappings, and potentially dealing with politically sensitive topics, it is important that the UNV abides by confidentiality and neutrality principles.