Assistant Comms Officer

Grade

NOA

National Professional Officer

Reason

Temporary > Temporary Assignment/ Appointment

A (least hardship)

Family<p></p><p></p>

No

2023-03-01-08:00

2023-05-31-07:00

February 9, 2023

Standard Job Description

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 Assistant Communications Officer will work closely with the Global and Regional Private Sector Partnerships (PSP) Units, Public Information (PI) Unit and with the team at the Representation. This position is key for the development of private sector fundraising for UNHCR in Brazil.
Reporting to Associate PSP Officer in Sao Paulo and in close coordination with the Associate Public Information (PI) Officer in Brasilia, the Assistant Communications Officer will lead activities related to brand awareness, increasing public engagement, shaping and sharing the UNHCR voice in the community and engaging key stakeholders, donors and supporters.
With a focus on creating positive affinity and strong experience for anyone who interacts with UNHCR and presenting a compelling and inspiring voice for the organization, this position will support the creation, enhancement and monitoring of various communications channels, leading to increased resources for programming, building a positive brand reputation and inspiring people to engage with UNHCR. Working with the PSP team and the Branch Office (BO), this individual will play a key role within the organization for excellence in philanthropy and communications.
Functional Statement:
Accountability (key results that will be achieved)
- Increasing brand recognition indexes in Brazil (aided and unaided).
- Increasing engagement with new and existing supporters of UNHCR Brazil.

Responsibility
- Work with relevant colleagues to develop a communications strategy to achieve results (increase brand recognition and engagement with UNHCR Brazil); Manage brand positioning and exposure.
- Create and shape a positive, meaningful and creative external voice and image of UNHCR through various communication channels, digital and offline,
- Set targets (annual and 3 years) for various communications channels, and then monitor, track and report regularly on progress.
- In collaboration with PI colleagues and PSP units, plan and implement the annual communications calendar ensuring alignment of themes and activities that will support PSP agreed results.
- Manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders
- Develop and implement local engagement and/or fundraising campaigns in coordination with PSP units; Support global campaigns by developing and deploying public engagement opportunities.
- In coordination with global teams and PI team, manage crisis and emergency communications, internally and externally.
- Identify key audiences, define specific strategies, develop narratives and messages ensure, create and manage relevant content ensuring it is distributed to different audiences.
- Coordinate between all staff to ensure UNHCR voice and brand message is consistent, visible and communicated regularly.
- Manage marketing and media relations, including identification and communication of media opportunities, issuing media releases and staying connected with key media contacts. This role will focus more on media activities not related to the government.
- Identify opportunities for UNHCR to be a voice on key issues and create exposure including community forums and roundtables and speaking opportunities.
- Develop communications pro-bono partnerships with different media (online and offline), celebrities and influencers which will support UNHCR’s overall success and align with the Strategic Plan.
- Capture and develop content from programs which will support storytelling, communications and engagement of supporters and key partners.
- Support Individual Giving and PPH (Partnership and Philanthropy) units in specific projects

Authority
- Develop the annual Marketing and Communications plan for UNHCR Brazil.
- Develop and implement the tactic Communications plan
- Promote and develop innovation into projects.

Required Competencies:
Managerial Competencies
- Empowering and Building Trust
- Judgement and Decision Making

Cross-Functional Competencies
- Analytical Thinking
- Technological Awareness
- Planning and Organizing
- Innovation and Creativity

Essential Minimum Qualifications and Experience:
- Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) in Communications, Marketing, Media or Public relations or in a relevant field plus relevant working experience as Communications manager. Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master’s) or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) may also be accepted.
- Proven communication and presentation skills.
- Current market knowledge of media in Brazil.
- Very good knowledge of local language and local institutions.
- Fluency in Portuguese and English.

Desirable Qualifications & Competencies:
- Understanding of communication principles, content production and management, digital communication and stakeholder relations and the needs and issues of our target population and the communities UNHCR serves.
- Strong interpersonal, motivational, presentation, networking and communication skills (oral and written) while demonstrating knowledge, understanding appreciation of diversity and social inclusion.
- Website management skills and understanding of web architecture (including understanding of graphic design software).
- Advanced ability to plan, implement and evaluate programs and activities within deadline/resource parameters.
- Strong organizational skills, people and management skills, and ability to adapt to change.
- Project management experience and exceptional ability to prioritize multiple demands in a fast-paced environment.
- High attention to detail.
- Experience working in a non-profit environment.

This position doesn't require a functional clearance

Portuguese

,

English

Spanish

,

Skills

CO-Digital content production, CO-Drafting and Documentation, 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

Education

BA: Communication (Required), BA: International Relations (Required), BA: Journalism (Required), BA: Media (Required), BA: Political Science (Required), BA: Public Information (Required)

Certifications

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