Senior Communications Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The South Africa Multi-Country Office (SAMCO) is part of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, which was established to protect the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons. SAMCO is based in Pretoria, South Africa, and operates across multiple countries including Botswana, Comoros, eSwatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, Namibia, Seychelles, and South Africa. The office supports over 197,000 registered refugees and asylum-seekers, as well as nearly 15,000 stateless individuals. The organization focuses on enhancing protection frameworks, improving access to documentation, fostering social cohesion, and promoting refugee self-reliance. SAMCO aims to strengthen its communication efforts to raise awareness about the challenges faced by refugees and asylum-seekers, ensuring their stories are highlighted and receive the necessary attention on national and international platforms.

Job Overview:
The Senior Communications Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of communication strategies for the SAMCO. This position involves generating empathy and mobilizing action for forcibly displaced and stateless individuals. The candidate will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the Multi-Country Office’s social media strategy across various platforms, including Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn. The role requires creating and curating engaging online content that aligns with UNHCR’s mission and resonates with target audiences. The Senior Communications Assistant will manage daily posting schedules, monitor social media channels for engagement, and ensure that content reaches maximum impact through strategic distribution. The position also involves tracking online content, integrating UNHCR’s messaging into ongoing conversations, and supporting the development of authoritative content to lead narratives on forced displacement.

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

• Supporting the implementation of communication strategies for SAMCO’s countries, programs, and projects.
• Developing and managing the Multi-Country Office’s social media strategy across multiple platforms.
• Creating and curating engaging online content, including text, images, videos, and stories.
• Managing daily posting schedules and monitoring social media channels for engagement and feedback.
• Ensuring content created reaches maximum impact through strategic distribution.
• Tracking and monitoring online content and news across social media.
• Supporting the development of news-driven content to lead narratives on forced displacement.
• Performing other related duties as required.

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

• A Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Media Studies, or a related field.
• A master’s degree or higher in a relevant area is considered an asset.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in communications, public relations, or related fields.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing communication strategies.
• Strong background in managing and creating content for social media platforms.
• Experience in writing and editing content for various channels.
• Familiarity with digital communication tools and social media management platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Media Studies, or a related field. A master’s degree or higher in a relevant area is preferred and considered an asset for this position.

Experience:
The position requires at least 3 years of relevant work experience in communications, public relations, or related fields. Candidates should have a proven track record in developing and implementing communication strategies, managing social media channels, and creating engaging content. Experience in campaign management and community engagement is also beneficial.

Languages:
Excellent written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of French is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile for this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under UNOPS LICA5 and is not remote. The target start date for the role is December 1, 202

• Applications must be submitted through the online portal, and incomplete or late applications will not be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and they may be required to undergo a written test and/or interviews. The selection process will adhere to principles of transparency, fairness, and diversity, ensuring a safe and inclusive working environment.