Assistant Reporting Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), an organization established in 1950 with the mission to protect the rights and well-being of refugees. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees dedicated to providing assistance and support to millions of displaced individuals worldwide. The organization aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it works to promote durable solutions for refugees, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Reporting Officer position is crucial for supporting UNHCR's external relations and communication efforts. The role involves drafting and editing reports, briefings, and updates that accurately reflect the organization's activities and the situation of refugees. The candidate will be expected to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently while maintaining strong organizational skills. This position requires a proactive individual who can engage effectively with various stakeholders, including government entities, NGOs, and UN agencies. The Assistant Reporting Officer will also be responsible for synthesizing complex information into clear and concise reports, which are essential for decision-making and fundraising efforts. The role is designed for someone who is not only skilled in communication but also has a solid understanding of the humanitarian context, particularly in relation to displacement and refugee issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Reporting Officer include: keeping abreast of developments in the area of responsibility to prepare appropriate briefings and reports; assisting in collecting and drafting the required information for the production and dissemination of regular updates for internal and/or external distribution; organizing donor briefings and coordinating inter-agency meetings; maintaining working relationships with the Government, NGOs, and UN agencies; drafting and disseminating minutes of periodic meetings; accompanying visitors and colleagues on monitoring missions to refugee sites, providing appropriate briefings and commentaries; producing reports on UNHCR activities; liaising with external partners on behalf of UNHCR; supporting the identification and management of risks and seeking to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communication, or a relevant field. Degrees in Political Sciences, Social Sciences, or International Relations are also acceptable. Candidates must possess exceptional drafting, editing, and written communication skills in English, along with proven experience in reporting and the ability to synthesize complex information clearly and concisely. Field experience with UNHCR or similar humanitarian organizations is essential, as is a solid understanding of the regional and operational context, particularly in humanitarian or displacement settings.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Journalism, or a related field. Additional degrees in Political Sciences, Social Sciences, or International Relations may also be considered. The educational background should provide a strong foundation in communication principles and practices relevant to the humanitarian sector.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of relevant work experience for candidates with an undergraduate degree. Candidates with a graduate degree or doctorate are not required to have prior experience. The experience should be related to communication, reporting, or external relations within a humanitarian context, ideally with UNHCR or similar organizations.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, and candidates should also be familiar with the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. For national professional jobs, knowledge of the local language is also required. Proficiency in additional languages is considered an asset but is not mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA8 category and is not home-based. The target start date for the role is January 27, 202

• The position is full-time and is located in Damascus, Syria. The organization encourages qualified female candidates to apply, and shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo a written test and/or oral interview. The role does not require a functional clearance.