Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA) is looking to recruit a young Islander to become Jersey’s fourth United Nations (UN) Junior Professional Officer (JPO). Based in Kyiv, this fully-paid opportunity will see a Jersey resident employed for two years by the UN’s refugee agency, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
This year’s recruit will help those displaced by the war in Ukraine by improving the flow of information about the evolving humanitarian needs. Entitled ‘Associate Reporting Officer’, the role would suit someone with a background in Journalism, Communications, Public Administration, International Relations, Political Science or Law. Reflecting the difficulty of the posting, the successful candidate will receive a high level of security training, and will likely be given ‘Rest and Relaxation’ (R&R) rotations away from Ukraine every few weeks.
“I am immensely proud that Jersey stands alongside other countries such as France, Italy, US, Australia and Canada in supporting the fantastic UN JPO programme” said Minister for International Development, Deputy Carolyn Labey. “This programme allows us to demonstrate our solidarity with the people of Ukraine whilst supporting Islanders who want to establish a career in the humanitarian sector. These dedicated individuals not only help some of the most vulnerable people in the world, and build their own skills while doing so, they also serve as ambassadors for our caring, outward-looking Island on the global stage”.
JOA joined the United Nations’ JPO scheme in 2021 and has now given three young Islanders the extraordinary opportunity of embarking on a career within the UN system. Faye Coggins, who is based in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh and Johnny Rebours, who is in Tyre, Lebanon, were appointed late 2021 and have six months remaining in their roles. Rebecca Curtis, who was appointed in 2022, was deployed to Egypt in January this year, and is now working hard on the recent Sudan crisis.
“Being able to contribute towards international efforts to support refugees and displaced persons has been my dream ever since university. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work with UNHCR in Egypt and to be supporting their efforts to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers receive the protection they deserve,” said Rebecca.
The international JPO scheme provides a unique opportunity for Islanders to start an international career with the UN, and to contribute at the frontline of an ongoing humanitarian emergency. Typically they will be aged between 25 and 35, and have at least a Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience. They must also have strong connections to Jersey through birth or residency.
To find out more about the opportunity please visit www.joa.je/get-involved/jobs/
The closing date for applications is August 11th
To find out more about what life is like as one of Jersey’s UN JPOs, visit the JPO page on our website.