Assistant Communications Officer

A (least hardship)FamilyFamilyNOANational Professional Officer

Reason

Regular > Regular AssignmentNo2023-03-01-08:00February 27, 2023Assistant 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.Excellent written and oral communication ability in both Turkish and English is essential. Previous experience in the communications/public information field—including digital content production and social media engagement—is desired. Graduation from communications, journalism, or English Language departments would be an asset. Knowledge of refugee issues and the work of UNHCR would also be an asset.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Nature of Position:

The position is located within the External & Donor Relations Unit (DRU) of the UNHCR Türkiye country office and reports to the unit’s Senior External Relations Officer. DRU works to maintain and enhance financial and political support to UNHCR and to the refugee response in Türkiye. As such, the unit establishes and maintains relationships with governmental donors and other interested embassies/missions in Ankara, as well as with current and potential private sector donors, in order to assist the host government in protecting and assisting refugees/asylum-seekers and local communities.

The Assistant Communications Officer ensures the production of timely and high-quality donor visibility assets—including but not limited to social media posts, web stories, photos, signboards, banners, etc.—in line with the communications & visibility guidelines and requirements of both UNHCR and its donors.

In accordance with the visibility strategies of the Türkiye operation and UNHCR Headquarters, the Assistant Communications Officer develops a visibility plan that includes activities for each donor. These activities are then implemented in coordination with donor counterparts, the DRU focal points/contract managers, the Public Information Unit, other units and field offices of the UNHCR Türkiye operation, and the visibility focal points in UNHCR’s Geneva HQ and the Regional Representation for EU Affairs in Brussels. The position also liaises with private sector partnerships colleagues in the relevant regional bureaus and in headquarters.

The position involves organizing and accompanying field visits to various locations within Türkiye for the collection of assets and for other donor visibility purposes, as well as producing the communications & visibility components of the donor contracts, including proposals and reports.

Living and Working Conditions:

 

Additional Qualifications

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

Certifications

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

Candidates must be primarily Turkish nationals. The minimum educational requirement for this position is a university degree.The English version is considered original and authoritative, translation to other language(s) serve the purpose of advertisement of local positions where applicable but are not considered as official translationsStaff members must serve for a minimum of one year following assignment before being considered eligible to apply for another position within the same category. The minimum one-year requirement is waived in respect of staff members whose position is being changed or whose assignment/appointment through the joint staff/management review body is in a replacement capacity.

UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).

Recruitment as a UNHCR staff member and engagement under a UNHCR affiliate scheme or as an intern is subject to proof of vaccination against Covid-19.

Only short-listed candidates will be notified. The recruitment process might include written test and/or oral interview for this job opening. No late applications will be accepted.

External candidates must be legally present in Türkiye at the time of application, recruitment and hire.


For further information on how to apply please visit UNHCR - Application and selection https://www.unhcr.org/how-to-apply.htmlThis position doesn't require a functional clearance

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