UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Communications Associate is normally supervised by a Communication Officer or other position as decided by the senior management in the area of responsibility. The supervisor provides the incumbent with regular guidance. The incumbent works quite independently on regular assignments with an oversight from the supervisor. S/he keeps frequent contacts with staff at various levels in the office and occasionally with staff at the same level in other duty stations and/or Headquarters; with media, local suppliers, NGO, implementing partners, embassies and UN agencies.
The Communications Associates, depending on the organizational structure and location, may also be required to provide support in executing a range of communications activities in the fields of news and media relations, multimedia content production, social media engagement, video production, Goodwill Ambassadors and other influencers, public outreach and campaigns, fundraising, analytics and brand. The incumbents may also be required to help strengthen coordination and editorial planning in the area of responsibility, support advocacy, awareness-raising and digital fundraising efforts as well as strengthening analytics to inform the social media strategies and work plans.
All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Duties
– Support the implementation of communications strategies for countries, situations and special projects within the area of responsibility; help identify thematic priorities and target audiences to meet UNHCR’s global, regional and country-level communications objectives of leading the narrative, generating empathy and mobilizing action for forcibly displaced and stateless people.
– Monitor news and popular trends to insert UNHCR’s messaging into ongoing conversations; identify key moments for proactive communications.
– Help 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.
– Support 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).
– Help ensure that content created reaches maximum impact by supporting the development of strategies for distribution from the outset, boosting the visibility of out content on relevant UNHCR channels and placing it on external channels.
– Help monitor the implementation of communications projects and adjust accordingly.
– Assist in research, preparation, editing and production of professional media and communications materials for target audiences and ensure their timely dissemination via UNHCR’s communications channels, ensuring highest quality standards. – 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.
– May be required to assist in implementation of campaigns, events and other initiatives in support of UNHCR’s strategic objectives, including its need for a leading share of voice on refugee and related matters.
– May be required to undertake missions and field trips with media and other official visitors in support of UNHCR and its work. – Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For G6 – 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher Field(s) of Education Not applicable. (Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential) Certificates and/or Licenses Journalism, Social Sciences, Humanities or related fields (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience Essential Excellent computer skills and knowledge of MS Office applications. Excellent drafting skills. Desirable Experience implementing communications strategies. Professional writing and editing skills. Experience working on advocacy campaigns.
Functional Skills CO-International Media Contacts CO-Journalism (incl. print, broadcast, photography, video, layout & graphics) CO-Video production for digital platforms (including news organizations) CO-Editing CO-Drafting and Documentation CO-Digital content production (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential) 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.
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power. As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.
Desired Candidate Profile
S/he will assist the team by researching, preparing, editing and drafting, as required, internal and external products in collaboration with colleagues in the External Engagement pillar and colleagues in country offices. S/he is expected to have the ability to handle large amounts of information within short timeframes and articulate relevant matters in a concise manner. Organizational and political awareness, team spirit and a collegial attitude will be key for the job.
Candidates must be legally present in Switzerland at the time of application, recruitment and hire.
Recruitment as a UNHCR staff member and engagement under a UNHCR affiliate scheme or as an intern is subject to proof of vaccination against Covid-19.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
Desired languages
French
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:
Nature of Position:
The Regional Bureau for Europe is producing many reports and documents for various internal and external audiences. The Communications Associate – Editing English Editing will support the Reporting and Resource Mobilisation team within the External Engagement pillar of the Bureau to ensure the internal and external documents produced are of high quality, finalized timely and displaying the correct EU and legal terminology. The editor will closely collaborate with all colleagues in the External Engagement pillar of the Bureau and colleagues in other units.
The Communications Associate – Editing English reports to the Reporting Officer (P3) in the Reporting and Resource Mobilisation team, part of the External Engagement pillar in the Regional Bureau for Europe.
The Regional Bureau for Europe covers the EU Member States as well as countries in East and South East Europe. Persons of concern to UNHCR in Europe include refugees and asylum-seekers but also stateless and internally displaced populations. Migration and refugee issues dominate policy and political discourse and remain polarizing issues shaping the political landscape across Europe. EU Member States disagree on how to handle spontaneous arrivals, reception and integration of refugees. While some call for a fairer distribution of refugees and asylum-seekers, others push for tougher border controls.
This context requires engagement with States, the public, media and different stakeholders to inspire action and influence change in policies and public support/narrative around refugees through the strategic and creative use of data. For UNHCR to operate effectively in this environment, there is a clear need for timely, relevant information and analysis to support evidence-based operational decisions and to underpin advocacy activities in the region. The main objective of external engagement in Europe is to develop and support the implementation of clear advocacy strategies, leading the narrative, generating empathy, mobilizing support and actions.
Living and Working Conditions:
Geneva is a HQ duty station offering high standard living conditions with a relatively high cost of living.
There are several things which make Switzerland unique among its European neighbours. Located in the heart of Europe, it is neither part of the EU nor of the EEA. It has a unique environment considering its large international population and its border with France. There are 1.5 million people living in the greater Geneva area and some 232,100 daily commuters coming into the city on working day.
The Swiss Alps are another important aspect of Switzerland’s identity, shaping the country’s culture in many different ways: from Agriculture to the arts. Art in Switzerland is as diverse as the country itself with an abundance of cultural institutions.
Switzerland’s culture is characterized by diversity. With four national languages, some cantons are bilingual or even trilingual.
Sports are very popular thanks to the country’s beautiful nature, it’s a joy to be active outdoors. Switzerland has countless other leisure activities to offer.
Health insurance is obligatory and it is the responsibility of the individual to ensure they are covered. Staff members and their family members holding a Carte de legitimation or an attestation delivered by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs are exempt from this compulsory insurance provided that they are covered by another health insurance scheme (i.e. UNSMIS).
Switzerland is in general a safe place with little violent crime
Additional Qualifications
Skills
CO-Reporting, writing, editing for magazines, newspapers and websites, CO-Reporting skills
Education
Certifications
Humanities – Other, Journalism – Other, Social Sciences – Other
Work Experience
Annual Budget OL in Operation/Office, Number of Persons of Concern Served, Number of Workforce in Operation/Work Setting, Workforce to Supervise, Working with Persons of Concern: Asylum Seekers, Working with Persons of Concern: Internally Displaced Persons, Working with Persons of Concern: Others of Concern, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees, Working with Persons of Concern: Returned IDPs, Working with Persons of Concern: Returned Refugees, Working with Persons of Concern: Stateless
Competencies
Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Innovation & creativity, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium
Additional Information
Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a test. No late applications will be accepted. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).
Functional clearance
This position doesn’t require a functional clearance
How to apply
How to apply
For a full job description and to apply, interested candidates are requested to visit
bit.ly/3MjMhRE
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: 25 May 2023 (midnight Geneva time)