Senior Communications Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to help with their voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement to a third country. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members dedicated to protecting and assisting refugees and displaced persons worldwide. The organization is committed to promoting international protection and finding durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons, while also advocating for their rights and dignity.

Job Overview:
The Senior Communications Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the communications efforts of UNHCR, particularly in the context of the ongoing humanitarian situation in Ukraine. This position is supervised by a Communication Officer or another designated senior management position, ensuring that the incumbent receives regular guidance and support. The role involves frequent interactions with various stakeholders, including colleagues within UNHCR, media representatives, international organizations, academic institutions, and private individuals. The Senior Communications Assistant is expected to contribute to the production of information materials for public awareness campaigns, assist in organizing press briefings and events, and maintain communication databases. The incumbent will also be responsible for drafting correspondence, managing social media channels, and ensuring that the organization's messaging is effectively communicated to both national and international audiences. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying and managing risks while seizing opportunities that align with UNHCR's objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Communications Assistant include:

• Regularly monitoring media and local situations related to UNHCR's work.
• Following up on administrative and logistical arrangements for press briefings and events such as workshops and conferences.
• Contributing to the production of information materials for public awareness campaigns, including articles, reports, and newsletters.
• Liaising with printers regarding brochures and publications.
• Drafting routine correspondence and texts for the office's website, maintaining information databases.
• Compiling and distributing a daily news clipping service.
• Distributing press statements and similar information to media and other offices.
• Maintaining an up-to-date filing system and appointments diary.
• Supporting the identification and management of risks and opportunities impacting objectives. 1
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Senior Communications Assistant position include:

• For G5 level, a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or 1 year of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Essential skills include communication and computer skills, excellent drafting abilities, and translation and interpreting skills.
• Desirable qualifications include completion of UNHCR learning programs or specific training relevant to the functions of the position.
• Functional skills such as journalism, drafting and documentation, digital content production, and social media publishing are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Senior Communications Assistant position includes a High School Diploma as a minimum, with a Bachelor’s degree or higher being advantageous. Relevant fields of study include International Relations, Journalism, and Political Science. Certifications in these areas are considered essential for the role, particularly those marked with an asterisk in the job description.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the Senior Communications Assistant position includes essential experience in digital communications, particularly with social media and the production of digital content. Candidates should have excellent computer skills, knowledge of MS Office applications, and strong drafting skills. Desirable experience includes implementing communications strategies, producing social media content, managing social media channels, and working on digital campaigns. Experience with graphic design and video editing is also beneficial, particularly with programs like Adobe Premiere and Canva.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirements for this position include excellent knowledge of English, both spoken and written, and fluency in Ukrainian. For General Service jobs, knowledge of English and/or the UN working language of the duty station is required. Candidates should demonstrate at least a B2 level proficiency in the required languages.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a temporary assignment with a hardship level D. The target start date is November 1, 2025, and the target end date is January 31, 202

• The position is categorized under the General Service grade GS5 and is non-family with a residential location in Budapest, Hungary. The role is expected to involve a significant workload, requiring the ability to prioritize tasks effectively and work under pressure. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with UNHCR's salary scales, and the organization is open to recruiting candidates internationally.