Associate Communications Officer

Organizational Context

This position is based in Damascus within the Syria Office of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The incumbent will report to the Representative of the OHCHR Syria Country Office or their designee, contributing to the organization's mandate in the region.

Job Purpose

The Associate Communications Officer will support the OHCHR Syria Office by contributing to the development and implementation of communication strategies. This involves gathering media insights, drafting messaging, and creating compelling content across various platforms to raise awareness and build support for the UN's work. The role aims to enhance engagement with target audiences, foster media relationships, and support advocacy efforts. Responsibilities include producing communications materials, coordinating media events, and potentially acting as a spokesperson, all while ensuring communications are optimized for measurable impact and advance UN priorities in a complex environment.

Responsibilities

Contribute to gathering and analyzing insights from traditional, social, and digital media monitoring to inform communications strategy and identify reputational risks. Implement communications strategies to raise awareness, drive engagement, and build support for the UN's work. Draft narratives and messaging for diverse audiences across multiple channels. Map media landscapes and build relationships with media outlets. Develop media lines, particularly for crisis and sensitive situations. Plan and coordinate press conferences, briefings, and media events. Create compelling content optimized for various platforms. Produce communications materials such as press releases, web stories, and infographics. Develop and implement communications campaigns with measurable impact. Foster strategic communications partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. Support outreach and advocacy strategies to advance UN priorities. Create content for radio channels and podcasts. Organize media engagement to promote campaigns and events.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of progressive experience in communications or international relations is required. Essential experience includes understanding risks related to information integrity (misinformation, disinformation, hate speech) in fragile or crisis environments and proficiency with media monitoring tools. Experience communicating complex matters to diverse audiences and knowledge of strategic communications principles are desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Creativity, Technological Awareness, Knowledge of information integrity risks (misinformation, disinformation, hate speech), Media Monitoring tools, Communication skills (complex/technical matters to diverse audiences), Strategic communications principles and practices.

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