Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Communications Assistant 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 will have frequent contacts involving the exchange of a wide range of information with colleagues within UNHCR as well as media, international organizations, academic institutions and private individuals.
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
– Regularly monitor media and local situation regarding UNHCR.
– Follow-up on administrative and logistical arrangements to organise press briefings and other events, such as workshop and conferences.
– Contribute to the production of information materials for public awareness campaigns and for the preparation of in-house bulletins, newsletters and information kits by contributing to articles, reports and other information gathered from various sources.
– Liaise with printers concerning brochures and publications published by the office.
– Draft routine correspondence and texts for the office’s website and maintain information databases.
– Compile and distribute a daily news clipping service.
– Distribute press statements and similar information to media, to other offices locally as well as to Headquarters.
– Maintain up-to-date filing system and appointments diary.
– Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
– Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For G5 – 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher
Field(s) of Education
Not applicable.
Certificates and/or Licenses
International Relations; Journalism; Political Science;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Some work experience relevant to the position. Communication and computer skills. Excellent drafting skills as well as translation and interpreting skills.
Desirable
Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of position.
Functional Skills
CO-Journalism (incl. print, broadcast, photography, video, layout & graphics)
CO-Drafting and Documentation
IT-Web Content Management
CO-Digital content production
CO-Social Media Publishing/Monitoring/Marketing tools
IT-Web publishing
(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
1.Should possess a diverse skill set encompassing video filming and editing, photography, multimedia/graphic design, digital content production and website management. 2.Ability to serve as the multimedia specialist of the Strategic Communications and Outreach unit in UNHCR’s Washington multi-country office, the unit takes the lead in keeping the media, the public and external stakeholders in the United States and northern Caribbean apprised of issues related to forced displacement and statelessness as well as UNHCR’s global and regional operations. 3.Ability to produce multimedia assets that engage the American public through UNHCR platforms and external partners including video primarily for social media, photos, documents, presentations, graphics, branded visibility materials and other materials, usually from pre-production through completion. Ability to be a back-up for social media channels, liaising with external vendors in production of visibility products and involvement in assisting with the U.S. version of the UNHCR website; 4.He/She should have prior experience in multimedia production, be proficient in graphic design software, and demonstrate a strong ability to convey compelling storytelling through visual mediums. 5.Understanding of, and interest in issues related to refugees and asylum is preferred.
Applicants must have valid employment authorization in USA at the time of application.
Functional Clearance
This position doesn’t require a functional clearance
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level)
English
Desired languages
Additional Qualifications
Skills
CO-Digital content production, CO-Drafting and Documentation, CO-Journalism (incl. print, broadcast, photography, video, layout & graphics), CO-Social Media Publishing/Monitoring/Marketing tools, IT-Web Content Management, IT-Web publishing
Education
Certifications
International Relations – Other, Journalism – Other, Political Science – Other
Work Experience
UNHCR Salary Calculator
Other information
Applicants must have legal US residence and a valid work permit at the time of application. Their letter of interest should include a portfolio link showcasing graphic design and multimedia work, including video samples.
How to apply
For a full job description and to apply, interested candidates are requested to
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
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: 21 May 2024 (midnight Geneva time)