UNOPS Senior External Relations Associate, Quito

Deadline for ApplicationsJuly 9, 2026

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)A (least hardship)

Family Type (not applicable for home-based)

Family

Staff Member / Affiliate TypeUNOPS LICA7

Target Start Date2026-08-01

Terms of ReferenceTERMS OF REFERENCE
(Individual Contractor Agreement)

Title: UNOPS Senior External Relations Associate
Project: ACNUR – Fortalecimiento del Proceso para la Determinación de la Condición de Refugiados en el Ecuador
Duty station: Quito, Ecuador
Section/Unit: Subsecretaria de Protección Internacional del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana SPIAI
Contract/Level: Local Support, LICA 7
Duration: 01 August –31 December 2026
Supervisor: Subsecretario de Protección Internacional y Atención a Inmigrantes - MREMH/ Assistant Protection Officer - ACNUR

1. General Background

UNHCR is the United Nations Refugee Agency. Since 2000, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has been operating in Ecuador, supporting the Government in protecting the country's refugee population.

Ecuador hosts the largest refugee population in Latin America. According to statistics provided by the Directorate for International Protection, approximately 81,000 individuals have been recognized as refugees. The vast majority of asylum seekers are Venezuelan and Colombian nationals.

Ecuador is a State Party to the 1951 Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (since 1955) and to the 1967 Protocol relating to the 1951 Geneva Convention (since 1969). Ecuador is also a State Party to the principal international and regional human rights instruments recognizing the right to seek asylum. In addition, Ecuador acceded to the 1954 Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons (since 1970) and, in 2012, joined the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.

UNHCR's operation in Ecuador began in 2000 as part of the organization's strategy to protect and assist victims of the Colombian conflict. The operation aims to support the Government of Ecuador in: (i) strengthening protection mechanisms; (ii) developing the national asylum system; and (iii) identifying durable solutions for refugees. The operation is coordinated at the national level through the Country Office in Quito. In addition, UNHCR maintains Field Offices in Guayaquil and Tulcán; Field Units in Esmeraldas, Lago Agrio, and Manta; and Field Presence in Ibarra and Cuenca.

Within this context, UNHCR and the Directorate for International Protection of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility have developed a project to strengthen the Refugee Status Determination (RSD) process in Ecuador. The project aims to establish efficient procedures that enable the timely and appropriate resolution of individual cases, improve decision-making in accordance with due process, and further consolidate the national refugee status determination system.

2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The Senior External Relations Associate will provide specialized technical support to the Undersecretariat of International Protection and Assistance to Immigrants- SPIAI to strengthen institutional coordination with international organizations, regional mechanisms and inter-agency coordination platforms on matters related to international protection, asylum, refugee protection, statelessness, mixed movements and migration, with particular attention to cooperation initiatives developed within the framework of the partnership between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility and UNHCR.

The incumbent will support the Government of Ecuador in strengthening its engagement with international organizations, regional consultative processes and multilateral coordination mechanisms, contributing to policy coherence, effective inter-institutional coordination, information exchange and the identification of opportunities for technical cooperation and international support in the areas of international protection and migration.

The incumbent will support the preparation of country positions, technical briefs, speaking points, reports and background documents for bilateral and multilateral meetings, while ensuring follow-up to international commitments and cooperation initiatives relevant to Ecuador's asylum system, international protection framework and migration policies.

The position will also contribute to identifying international standards, comparative experiences and good practices that may strengthen the national asylum system and broader international protection framework.

The incumbent will work under the day-to-day supervision of the Undersecretariat of International Protection and Assistance to Immigrants- SPIAI. In order to ensure alignment with the objectives of the UNHCR-supported project, the incumbent will maintain regular technical coordination with the designated UNHCR focal point, including periodic planning, progress review and reporting on activities implemented under the project framework.

3. Duties

Under the day-to-day supervision of the Undersecretariat of International Protection and Assistance to Immigrants (SPIAI), and in close technical coordination with UNHCR's Protection Unit, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

- Serve as a technical focal point for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility in its engagement with international organizations, regional coordination mechanisms and inter-agency platforms on issues related to international protection, asylum, refugee protection, statelessness, and mixed movements.
- Facilitate coordination between the Government of Ecuador and international organizations, regional consultative processes, inter-agency coordination mechanisms and other relevant stakeholders on issues related to international protection and mix movements.
- Support the preparation of country positions, technical briefs, speaking points, background notes, reports and interventions for bilateral and multilateral meetings.
- Monitor commitments arising from international and regional forums, ensuring appropriate follow-up and coordination with the relevant national institutions.
- Prepare analytical reports on international standards, comparative experiences and good practices related to refugee protection, asylum procedures, statelessness, mixed movements and migration governance.
- Identify opportunities for technical cooperation, capacity strengthening and policy dialogue with international organizations and development partners.
- Contribute to the preparation of briefing materials for senior government authorities participating in regional and international meetings.
- Support the organization and technical coordination of official missions, bilateral meetings, workshops and high-level visits involving international organizations, cooperation partners and government counterparts.
- Coordinate the collection, consolidation and analysis of information requested by international organizations, regional mechanisms and cooperation partners.
- Support the preparation and review of cooperation initiatives, work plans, concept notes and technical documents related to international protection and migration.
- Promote information sharing and coordination among relevant governmental entities and international partners to strengthen the implementation of protection-related initiatives and avoid duplication of efforts.
- Maintain updated records of international commitments, cooperation initiatives and follow-up actions related to Ecuador's participation in regional and international protection mechanisms.
- Maintain regular technical coordination between SPIAI and UNHCR regarding project implementation, progress against agreed work plans, identification of technical priorities, and follow-up to activities implemented under the cooperation framework.
- Perform other related duties as required.
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4. Qualifications and Experience

a. Years of Experience

- 4 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher
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a. Field(s) of Education

- Not applicable.

b. Certificates and/or Licenses

- Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Journalism, Communication
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c. Relevant Job Experience

Essential

- Not applicable.

Desirable

- Experience with event management. Demonstrated ability to work against tight deadlines.

d. Functional Skills

- MS-Advocacy;
- CO-Journalism (incl. print, broadcast, photography, video )
- CO-Multimedia storytelling
- ER-External Relations in UNHCR or other humanitarian agencies
- EX-Experience in an international, decentralized and/or multinational environment
- MG-Project Management
- FR-Marketing
- MG- Partnership Development

e. Language Requirements

- Knowledge of English is desirable

5. Competency Requirements

a. Core Competencies

- Accountability
- Communication
- Organizational Awareness
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Commitment to Continuous Learning
- Client & Result Orientation

b. Managerial Competencies:

- Managing Resources
- Empowering and Building Trust

c. Cross-Functional Competencies

- Innovation and Creativity
- Political Awareness
- Stakeholder Management

5. Submission of applications

A. English Desirable. Level intermediate.
B. Foreign candidates, to be considered eligible for this position, must have a temporary or permanent residence in Ecuador that allows them to carry out work activities in the country.
C. If recommended, the candidate must submit a current and updated RUC Unique Taxpayer Registry and a voluntary contribution certificate to the Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security IESS. Voluntary IESS securities will be covered by the staff member. The salary offered is in net terms.
D. If you wish to be considered for this vacancy, please submit your application according to the following instructions:

i. CANDIDATES WITH ACCESS TO THE WORKDAY: In order to apply, you must first create your profile in the WORKDAY system.

ii. EXTERNAL CANIDATES: Candidates who do NOT have access to the WORKDAY system should submit their application through UNHCR's official site for applications:

WHEN CREATING A CANDIDATE PROFILE IN WORKDAY, PLEASE USE CAPSLOCKS FOR LAST NAME AND NO SPECIAL CHARACTERS (Ñ OR ACCENTS)

CVs WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED BY EMAIL. ONLY THOSE APPLICATIONS SENT THROUGH THE SYSTEM WILL BE CONSIDERED.

NOTE

UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).

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Desired Languages

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Additional Qualifications

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Education

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Other informationThis position doesn't require a functional clearance

RemoteNo