Hybrid Associate Communications Officer, P2 (TA), Geneva Associate Communications Officer, P2 (TA), Geneva with verification

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

In line with its Global Communications Strategy, UNHCR requires skilled communications professionals to conceive and execute a range of activities that help us lead the narrative on forced displacement, generate empathy and mobilize action. This body of work spans communications strategy and coordination, news and media relations, multimedia content production, social media engagement, Goodwill Ambassadors and other influencers, public outreach and campaigns, fundraising, analytics and brand.

UNHCR¿s Associate Communications Officers need to cultivate a keen understanding of our target audiences¿including an up-to-the-minute grasp of the methods and tone of voice that resonate deeply, win trust and spark quality engagement. They must be vigilant about editorial and journalistic standards, attentive to protection concerns and political sensitivities, and focused on communicating successfully with key demographics. These audiences will vary by location, language and platform, among other factors, as well as whether the aim is to inform, advocate or raise funds.

Duties

- Support the implementation of communications strategies for countries, situations and special projects; identify thematic priorities and target audiences to meet UNHCR¿s global communications objectives.

- Monitor news and popular trends to insert UNHCR¿s messaging into ongoing conversations; identify key moments for proactive communications.

- Forge strategic partnerships with individuals and organizations who can help produce and promote UNHCR content, activities and messaging as well as provide research insights to improve communications; promote the work of engaged businesses and civil society actors.

- Contribute to the development of news-driven and authoritative content to lead the narrative on forced displacement and show UNHCR¿s impact (e.g. interviews, press releases, flagship reports, speeches), create emotive storytelling to generate empathy (e.g. stories, multimedia content) and mobilize action by signposting concrete steps people can take to help refugees (e.g. digital diplomacy, action-driven campaigns, fundraising).

- Support the supervisor in ensuring content created reaches maximum impact by developing strategies for distribution from the outset, boosting the visibility of our content on relevant UNHCR channels and placing it on external channels.

- Closely monitor the implementation of communications projects and adjust accordingly. Benchmark the results of communications projects against set success indicators; build on communications successes.

Additional duties for news and media roles:

- Implement communications strategies, campaigns, events and other initiatives in support of UNHCR's strategic objectives, including its need for leading share of voice on refugee and related matters, and ensure coverage of refugee situations in their country or region in global and domestic media.

- Research, prepare, fact-check, edit and produce professional media and communications materials for target audiences and ensure their timely dissemination via UNHCR's communications channels, ensuring highest quality standards.

- Draft media releases, statements and media briefing notes, and secure clearances, working in conjunction with relevant focal points and keeping sensitive to needs of both internal and external audiences.

- Act as a spokesperson for UNHCR, organizing press events, handling interviews requests and providing responses to requests from media relating to UNHCR and its work.

- Engage with journalists and public audiences via social media channels.

- Regularly provide ideas for communications initiatives and considered professional communications advice to senior staff of UNHCR.

- Undertake missions and field trips with media and other official visitors in support of UNHCR and its work.

- Actively maintain media relations for UNHCR, ensuring that media (and other important external stakeholders, such as governments, embassies, NGOs etc.) are briefed regularly on issues of importance to UNHCR, and have access to information and UNHCR expertise.

- Prepare and manage communications budgets.

- Ensure alignment with UNHCR¿s global branding and messaging.

- Continually maintain and upgrade communications skills, keeping abreast of emerging platforms and tools, and systematically reviewing media impact results and other measurement tools for learning purposes.

- Perform other related duties as required.¿

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Professional Work Experience

Years of Experience / Degree Level

For P2/NOB - 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education

Journalism; International Relations; Political Science;

Communications; Public Information; Media

Film / Video; or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses

Not specified

(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

Minimum 1 year of professional experience in journalism and/or communications, mainly at international level.

Desirable

Strong social media presence. Experience working on advocacy campaigns. Experience working with goodwill ambassadors and other high-profile influencers. Experience with brand management. Experience with measurement and evaluation, especially providing analysis of media coverage, social media engagement, web traffic, etc. Experience reporting, writing, editing for magazines, newspapers and websites. Experience using digital asset management systems. Experience with digital analytics and performance reporting.

Language Requirements

For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.

For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

Desired Candidate Profile

Home-based, preferably in a CET location or a similar time zone.

This position is part of the UNHCR Innovation Service, which aims to foster and support a culture of innovation within UNHCR. In pursuit of its strategy and goals, the Innovation Service implements five strategic programs: 1) Digital Inclusion, 2) Refugee Led Innovation, 3) Data Innovation, 4) Environment and Resilience Innovation, and 5) Innovation Learning (Fellowship). These programs require extensive communication support to ensure the service's work is visible, accessible, and actionable for UNHCR colleagues and other relevant stakeholders.

The Innovation Service is seeking a creative and motivated individual to lead and coordinate the Service's communication efforts. In this role, you will collaborate with Innovation Service colleagues and UNHCR operations globally to develop communication strategies, support the creation of communication materials, and contribute to delivering content that showcases the value of innovative approaches to humanitarian work.

Desired Profile:

- Demonstrable experience in developing communication strategies and managing their implementation.

- Professional experience in project management, social media management, and coordinating communication teams.

-Experience in developing and managing editorial calendars.

-Experience in creating donor fundraising and reporting materials from a communication perspective (reports, proposals, briefs, teasers, presentations).

- Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects, pay attention to detail, and effectively prioritize workstreams.

- Interest in displacement issues, passion for UNHCR's mandate, and curiosity about emerging dynamics and new approaches in humanitarian work.

- Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Audition) and audiovisual editing and production is a plus.

- Experience with content management systems and proficiency in basic web design.

- Working proficiency in languages other than English is a plus.

Functional Clearance

This position requires Functional Clearance

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level)

,

,

Desired languages

French

UNHCR Salary Calculator

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Other information

How to apply

For a full job description and to apply, interested candidates are requested to

https://bit.ly/3TwZTgW

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.

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

Closing date of receipt of applications: 2 October 2024