Regional CRR Officer (Communications)

Before submitting an application, UNHCR staff members intending to apply to this Job Opening are requested to consult the Recruitment and Assignments Policy (RAP, UNHCR/HCP/2017/2 and the Recruitment and Assignments Administrative Instruction (RAAI), UNHCR/AI/2017/7 OF 15 August 2017.

Regional CRR Officer (Communications)

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The Regional Comprehensive Refugee Response (CRR) Officer (Communications) will report to the Regional Representative, through the Senior Regional Public Information Officer based in Mexico, and will functionally be supervised by the Communications and PI Service at HQs. S/he will have frequent contacts with the regional media, NGOs and governmental organizations, as well as sister UN agencies.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT
Accountability
- Media and public interest in the CRRF¿s objectives and process is sustained through feeding them with relevant input such as press releases, interviews, photos, web stories, etc.
- Clear key messages are prepared on the CRRF that are continuously adjusted as the process evolves.
- Clear set of ¿if asked¿ lines to PI colleagues in the region and beyond on the application of the CRRF in the Americas are provided.

Responsibility
- In close consultations with the Regional Office in Panama (ROPAN); the office in Costa Rica, and the Bureau, lead in developing and implementing communications strategies, campaigns, events and other initiatives in support of the launch and implementation of the Comprehensive Regional Protection and Solutions Framework (CRPSF).
- Assist in researching, preparing, fact-checking, editing, and producing professional media and communications materials for various audiences and ensure their timely dissemination via UNHCR's communications channels ensuring highest quality standards.
- Act as one of the main spokespersons for UNHCR on all regional issues related to the CRPSF , supporting with the organization of press events, channelling interviews requests to the appropriate staff in the bureau or the field, and providing responses to requests from media relating to UNHCR and its work.
- Provide professional communications advice and ¿if asked¿ lines on the CRPSF to concerned staff of UNHCR in the bureau and the field as needed.
- Undertake missions and field trips with media and other official visitors in support of the CRPSF as required
- Actively maintain media relations for UNHCR on the CRPSF, ensuring that media are briefed regularly on the CRPSF, and have access to information and UNHCR expertise.
- Perform other related duties as required.

Authority
- Represent UNHCR in press events, interviews and other media events.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Undergraduate (equivalent of a BA/BS) degree in Journalism, International Relations, Communications, Political Science or similar relevant field.
- Minimum of 6 years (5 years with Graduate (equivalent of a Master's) degree) of relevant job experience at professional level in progressively responsible functions related to UNHCR and/or any other humanitarian agency on promotional activities of the agency.
- General understanding of UN/UNHCR reforms and the priority agenda of the organization.
- Excellent computer skills (MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint essential).
- Excellent communication skills with strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.
- Excellent knowledge of English and Spanish.
- Highly developed drafting ability in Spanish.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Completion of UNHCR Learning Programmes or specific training relevant to functions of position.
- High IT affinity with specific focus on preparation of website/pages. C002L3 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 3
C001L3 - Accountability Level 3
C003L3 - Communication Level 3
C004L3 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 3
C005L3 - Client & Result Orientation Level 3
C006L3 - Organizational Awareness Level 3
M002L3 - Managing Performance Level 3
M001L3 - Empowering and Building Trust Level 3
M003L3 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 3
M006L3 - Managing Resources Level 3
M005L3 - Leadership Level 3
M004L3 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X007L3 - Political Awareness Level 3
X005L3 - Planning and Organizing Level 3
X002L3 - Innovation and Creativity Level 3
X008L3 - Stakeholder Management Level 3

Before applying to this position, we strongly encourage colleagues to read the country specific FAQs information leaflets which can be found  on the Intranet under Staff Resources > Duty of Care. The information leaflets are specifically designed to answer some of the key questions potential applicants might have before deciding to apply. 

¿ Minimum 8 years of relevant working experience with a progressively responsible experience in communication, journalism, external relations, of which 2 years should be in an International capacity;
¿ University degree (BA or equivalent) preferably in Communications, Political Sciences, Public Information, International Relations;
¿ Ability to draft and edit English texts for outside dissemination;
¿ Experience in dealing with the media, preparing key messages and interlocuting with external parties;
¿ Must be highly organized with ability to prioritize assignments;
¿ Proven multi-tasking skills;
¿ Excellent English and Spanish communications skills (both verbal and written);
¿ Prior experience in the region is an advantage;
¿ Prior experience with UNHCR an asset. ¿ The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has an international mandate to protect refugees, stateless, IDPs and other persons of concern. The UNHCR Regional Office for Central America, Mexico and Cuba (ROPAN) is located in Panama City.
¿ ROPAN¿s activities and strategy focus on Central America, Cuba and Mexico. There are UNHCR Offices at the Representation level in Costa Rica and Mexico and a small antenna in Cuba, working under UNDP¿s umbrella. National offices are established under joint UN premises in all three countries of the Northern Triangle of Central America (NTCA) and currently being strengthened for future implementation of UNHCR¿s protection and solutions strategy. ¿ Due to the magnitude and complexity of the new dynamics of displacement, institutional responses lack effectiveness and protection capacities are limited. In regard to cross-border movements, only a small proportion of persons in need of protection are acknowledged as refugees or benefit from any form of complementary protection. Mechanisms to protect violence victims are insufficient, and internal displacement is not addressed in the legal frameworks of NCA countries. UNHCR¿s regional activities are taking place within the framework of the the Brazil Declaration and Plan of Action (PAB), adopted in December 2014 as well as the outcomes of the San Jose Roundtable of July 2016 which ensures that prevention interventions, protection and solutions are included in global efforts to address the fundamental causes of displacement, in particular through national and regional strategies, taking into account the size and characteristics of displacement as well as the profiles of displaced persons, with particular attention to the specific needs of children, women and LGBTI populations attended. At that meeting, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a series of commitments to improve the protection of refugees and migrants, known as the New York Declaration, in which the States are committed, inter alia, to strengthen and facilitate Response for Refugees (CRRF ¿ Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework) that is predictable and sustainable. ¿ As of October 2017, the CRRF has been applied in 6 countries in the Americas (5 Central American countries and Mexico). Given the new approach that it tries to inject to the response to displacement, as well as the need to involve a wide array of stakeholders, it was deemed important to strengthen the capacity of UNHCR to communicate effectively around this issue, particularly on the objectives of the roll out; achievements; challenges as well as role of actors involved, including UNHCR.
¿ Additional funding to create the post of Regional CRR Officer (Communications) in Panama City, Panama has been granted by PBS recently, so administrative procedures to bring high level of qualified candidates have started.
¿ Taking into consideration this context, the incumbent will be based in Panama City, where the Regional Office for Central America, Cuba and Mexico is located. ¿ Family duty station A.
¿ Very good infrastructure (health, housing, banking transportation, telecommunications and recreational facilities).
¿ Adequate schools. There is no lack of private schools, although the number of bilingual or bicultural schools is not so high. ¿ Most newly arriving expatriates are faced with the challenges of overcoming cultural and language barriers. Panama Is relatively safe compared to other cities throughout Latin America.
¿ The main threat is common crime. Crimes range from armed robberies, drug trafficking-related crimes, rape, muggings and purse-snatching to petty theft.
¿ The capital city is rated as security level ¿ 1 ¿minimal¿ whereas for Darién Province (border with Colombia) it is security level ¿ 2 ¿low¿.
¿ For Central America it is strongly advised to exercise extreme caution, and maintain a high level of personal security awareness.
¿ Security training is provided by UNDSS.

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in the September 2017 Compendium is Monday 6 November 2017 (midnight Geneva time).