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Communications Associate, G6 [Temporary Appointment] - SO Cúcuta

Cucuta

  • Organization: UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
  • Location: Cucuta
  • Grade: Administrative support - GS-6, General Service - No need for Higher Education - Locally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Administrative support
    • Communication and Public Information
  • Closing Date: Closed

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

Education & Professional Work Experience

Years of Experience / Degree Level
- Minimum 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher.

Certificates and/or Licenses
- Journalism.
- Social Sciences.
- Humanities.
- Or Related Fields.

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
- MS-Drafting, Documentation, Data Presentation.
- CO-International Media Contacts.
- CO-Journalism (incl. print, broadcast, photography, video, layout & graphics).
- ER-Digital channels including social media, website, mobile, email and online advertising.
- CO-Video production for digital platforms (including news organizations).
- CO-Web publishing and content management.
- CO-Editing.
- CO-Digital content production.

Competency Requirements

Core Competencies:
- Accountability.
- Communication.
- Organizational Awareness.
- Teamwork & Collaboration.
- Commitment to Continuous Learning.
- Client & Result Orientation.

Cross-Functional Competencies:
- Analytical Thinking.
- Innovation and Creativity.
- Political Awareness. Language requirements
- Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station (Spanish).
========================================================================================================
See below for this postion's Operational Context
======================================================================================================== Colombia continues to be the country receiving the highest number of Venezuelans, with a total of over 1.74 million by early 2021 (representing approximately 37% of the 4.6 million Venezuelans in the region). Additionally, an estimated 845,000 Colombians (including those with dual nationality) have returned to Colombia from Venezuela in recent years, which may include those who return on a temporary basis. According to Migración Colombia, around 56% of Venezuelans in Colombia are estimated to be in an irregular situation and thus more exposed to protection risks. From March 2020 until June 2021, the Colombia-Venezuela border was officially closed to contain the spread of the pandemic, but even after the 2 June 2021 border opening on the Colombian side, Venezuelans continue to enter the country primarily through informal crossing points controlled by armed groups. Such irregular movements come with a heightened risk of violence (especially gender-based violence), sexual exploitation, trafficking and smuggling, child recruitment and family separation.

In February 2021, the Government of Colombia issued a Temporary Protection Status (TPS) that is likely to benefit the 1.74 million Venezuelans already in Colombia as well as those who arrive through official border points over the next two years. The TPS provides a 10-year protection status and access to a full range of rights including healthcare, education, formal employment, and financial inclusion. However, xenophobia against Venezuelans has considerably increased in the last year, and it is projected to worsen with the introduction of the TPS. Misinformation and the perceptions that Venezuelans will take away job opportunities from Colombians, fuel general discontent and makes it even more difficult for refugees and migrants to secure a job. Nonetheless, UNHCR believes that TPS is a very promising pathway for addressing the vulnerable situation of Venezuelan refugees and migrants who are in an irregular situation.

This situation continues to be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic which has had a devastating impact in Colombia, especially on refugees, migrants, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities, some who have lost livelihoods and have been evicted from their houses. Economic and protection concerns, including illegal armed actors who have increased control over communities, taking advantage of COVID-19 and the limited State presence, led to over 136,000 Venezuelans to return to their country.

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 Associate, 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.

To find out more information about UNHCR, please visit our website. This vacancy will close on 1st February 2022 at 23:59 (Geneva Time).
This vacancy is now closed.
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