Communications Associate
Organizational Context
The Communications Associate is supervised by a Communication Officer or other senior management. The role involves independent work on regular assignments with oversight. Contacts include internal staff, media, suppliers, NGOs, implementing partners, embassies, and UN agencies. The position may support various communications activities depending on the organizational structure and location.
Job Purpose
The Communications Associate supports the implementation of communications strategies to achieve UNHCR's objectives of leading the narrative, generating empathy, and mobilizing action for forcibly displaced and stateless people. This involves monitoring news and trends to integrate UNHCR's messaging, identifying key moments for proactive communications, and forging strategic partnerships. The role focuses on creating news-driven content, emotive storytelling, and action-oriented campaigns to highlight UNHCR's impact and encourage support. By developing distribution strategies and boosting visibility across UNHCR and external channels, the Associate ensures content reaches maximum impact. The position also involves assisting in research, production, and dissemination of media materials, and continuously upgrading communications skills to adapt to emerging platforms and tools.
Responsibilities
Support the implementation of communications strategies for countries, situations, and special projects, identifying thematic priorities and target audiences to meet UNHCR's objectives. Monitor news and popular trends to integrate UNHCR's messaging into ongoing conversations and identify key moments for proactive communications. Forge strategic partnerships with individuals and organizations to produce and promote UNHCR content, activities, and messaging, and provide research insights. Support the development of news-driven content, emotive storytelling, and action-driven campaigns to lead the narrative on forced displacement and mobilize support. Help ensure content reaches maximum impact through effective distribution strategies and by boosting visibility on relevant UNHCR and external channels. Monitor the implementation of communications projects and adjust strategies as needed. Assist in the research, preparation, editing, and production of professional media and communications materials, ensuring timely dissemination and high-quality standards. Continuously maintain and upgrade communications skills, staying abreast of emerging platforms and tools, and reviewing media impact results for learning. Assist in the implementation of campaigns, events, and initiatives to support UNHCR's strategic objectives. May undertake missions and field trips with media and other visitors. Support the identification and management of risks and opportunities impacting objectives, ensuring risk-based decision-making and reporting concerns to supervisors.
Work Experience
3 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or 2 years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor's degree or higher. Essential: Excellent computer skills with MS Office proficiency, and excellent drafting skills.
Skills
Excellent computer skills MS Office applications Excellent drafting skills Communications strategies implementation Professional writing Editing skills Advocacy campaigns International Media Contacts Journalism Video production for digital platforms Digital content production