H (no hardship)

Family

Family

NOA

National Professional Officer

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

No

2023-11-15

October 13, 2023

Assistant Communications Officer 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 Assistant 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. The Assistant Communications Officers¿ functions, working relationships and skills specializations differ depending on language, location, grade, and whether they sit within a country operation, a regional bureau or the Global Communications Service. UNHCR¿s primary target audiences include public, media and policymakers, while our main partners and influencers include peers and private sector, trusted figures and our own workforce. Some communicators will focus mainly on news and media relations, for example, while others will produce multimedia content, manage social media accounts or lead advocacy campaigns. Forging partnerships with media outlets that reach target audiences is a central role for all Assistant Communications Officers. All Assistant Communications Officers are expected to work strategically in support of UNHCR¿s operational and communications objectives for their geographic area of responsibility (AoR) as well as global priorities. Communications approaches should reflect our core values as an organization that is caring, trustworthy, proactive, outcome-focused and responsive. This will reinforce UNHCR¿s role as the lead agency that protects refugees, internally displaced and stateless people and mobilizes action to provide solutions. 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 – Assist in establishment of close working relationships with television, radio and news agencies to promote and ensure the dissemination of UNHCR aims, activities and principles. – Assist in development of working relationships with the Government, NGOs and UN Agencies in order to raise interest and develop co-operation in inter-related activities. – Organize UNHCR¿s public awareness campaign in the duty station. – Draft bulletins and updates on UNHCR¿s operations in the duty station. – Brief national and international media of developments in UNHCR¿s operations in the duty stations and accompany visiting media to the refugee camps where applicable. – Assist in planning and organizing advertisements, exhibitions, training seminars, conferences, meetings, social events and other activities to promote a better understanding of UNHCR¿s activities and accomplishments by the general public and/or organized groups. – Assist in preparation of communication budget. – Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level For P1/NOA – 1 year relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or no experience with Graduate degree; or no 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 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. Functional Skills CO-Digital content production CO-Editing CO-International Media Contacts CO-Journalism (incl. print, broadcast, photography, video, layout & graphics) CO-Preparation of key messages/talking points/speeches CO-Public Speaking CO-Spokesperson skills CO-Video production for digital platforms (including news organizations) IT-Web Content Management CO-Drafting and Documentation (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.

The Candidate must possess 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. Experience working with international/national humanitarian organizations/entities.

English

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Maltese

,

,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The UNHCR Malta Assistant Communications Officer plays a pivotal role in the office’s overall protection and solutions strategy. They work closely with various units, lead Public Information strategy development, handle media coverage, respond to media requests, issue statements, manage reports, lead the organisation of World Refugee Day activities and other important events, develop and implement public campaigns, plan and produce content for the UNHCR Malta website and social media platforms and foster relationships with stakeholders. This role also entails representing UNHCR in various forums, requiring strong public presentation skills and a comprehensive understanding of UNHCR’s global work. As a National Officer, they participate in broader office management beyond their job description.

Living and Working Conditions:

Malta is of strategic importance, located in the center of the migration route from Africa to Europe. Despite increased numbers of movements along the Central Mediterranean route, Malta has received less and less sea arrivals since 2019. Some 444 people were rescued at sea and disembarked in Malta in 2022, compared with 3,406 in 2019. Migration and asylum remain central political themes and receive frequent media attention. UNHCR Malta focuses its engagement with Maltese authorities on search and rescue, asylum procedures, reception and detention conditions, child protection and durable solutions. As a result, the UNHCR Country Office in Malta works closely with the International Protection Agency, the Detention Services Agency and the Agency for Welfare of Asylum Seekers.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CO-Data Visualisation Techniques/Software, CO – Drafting and editing content for International Organizations, CO-Media monitoring and analysis, CO-Media relations, CO-Reporting skills, CO-Social media campaigns/community management, CO-Social Media Publishing/Monitoring/Marketing tools, CO-Website development

Bachelor of Arts (BA): Public Relations

Certifications

Number of Workforce in Operation/Work Setting, Workforce to Supervise

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Innovation & creativity, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Teamwork & collaboration

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional Information

Candidates might be required to sit for a written test and will have to undergo an interview. Position may require Functional Clearance.

This position doesn’t require a functional clearance