Communications Associate

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, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, providing critical assistance and protection to millions of individuals who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or violence. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it strives to promote durable solutions for refugees, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement to a third country. UNHCR employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working collaboratively with governments, NGOs, and other partners to fulfill its humanitarian mandate and uphold international refugee law.

Job Overview:
The Communications Associate position is a vital role within UNHCR, primarily focused on supporting the implementation of communications strategies that align with the organization's objectives. The incumbent will work under the supervision of a Communication Officer and will be responsible for a range of tasks that include media relations, multimedia content production, and social media engagement. This role requires a proactive approach to identifying key moments for communications, developing news-driven content, and ensuring that UNHCR's messaging is effectively integrated into ongoing conversations about forced displacement. The Communications Associate will also be involved in forging strategic partnerships to enhance the visibility of UNHCR's work and will play a crucial role in mobilizing action for refugees through compelling storytelling and advocacy campaigns. The position demands a high level of independence, creativity, and the ability to work under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment, making it essential for the candidate to possess excellent communication skills and a strong understanding of the humanitarian context.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Communications Associate include supporting the implementation of communications strategies for various countries and special projects, identifying thematic priorities and target audiences, and monitoring news trends to insert UNHCR's messaging into relevant conversations. The incumbent will assist in developing authoritative content, such as press releases, interviews, and flagship reports, aimed at leading the narrative on forced displacement. Additionally, the Communications Associate will help ensure that created content reaches maximum impact by developing distribution strategies and monitoring the implementation of communications projects. The role also involves assisting in the preparation and production of professional media materials, maintaining and upgrading communications skills, and potentially undertaking missions and field trips with media representatives. The incumbent will be responsible for identifying and managing risks related to communications objectives and will perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Communications Associate position must possess excellent computer skills, particularly in MS Office applications, and demonstrate strong drafting and editing abilities. Essential qualifications include a minimum of three years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or two years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor's degree or higher. Desirable qualifications include experience in implementing communications strategies, professional writing and editing skills, and experience working on advocacy campaigns. Functional skills required for this position include international media contacts, journalism (including print, broadcast, photography, video, layout, and graphics), video production for digital platforms, and editing and documentation skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Communications Associate position includes a High School Diploma or equivalent, with a preference for candidates holding a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Social Sciences, Humanities, or related fields. Relevant certifications in these areas are also considered essential for the role, as they demonstrate the candidate's commitment to the field and their ability to perform the required tasks effectively.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position includes a minimum of three years of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma or two years for those with a Bachelor's degree. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in media relations, digital content production, and working with international humanitarian organizations. Experience in refugee or forced displacement settings, particularly with an understanding of the Rohingya crisis, is highly desirable, as it will inform the candidate's approach to communications in this context.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English is mandatory, as it is the UN working language. Additionally, proficiency in Bengali is required due to the local context of the role. Candidates who possess knowledge of other languages relevant to the duty station may have an advantage, but English and Bengali are the primary languages needed for effective communication in this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a UNOPS LICA6 role, with a target start date of February 1, 202

• The application deadline is set for January 27, 202
• The role is not remote and requires the incumbent to work on-site in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. The position is full-time and may involve working under tight deadlines and in a fast-paced environment. Candidates should be prepared for potential assessments, including written tests and interviews, as part of the recruitment process. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further evaluation.