Communications Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. UNHCR strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. The UNHCR Representation in Cameroon works in collaboration with the government and other humanitarian and development partners to provide protection and assistance to people in situations of forced displacement. The organization operates in multiple countries, including Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Sao Tome and Principe, and is committed to addressing the needs of forcibly displaced and stateless people in Cameroon.

Job Overview:
The Communications Assistant at UNHCR will execute a range of activities that help lead the narrative on forced displacement, generate empathy, and mobilize action. This role encompasses communications strategy and coordination, news and media relations, multimedia content production, social media engagement, public outreach, campaigns, fundraising, analytics, and brand management. The Communications Assistant will work under the guidance of the External Relations Officer and will be responsible for cultivating a keen understanding of target audiences. The position requires strategic support for UNHCR’s operational and communications objectives, reflecting the organization’s core values of being caring, trustworthy, proactive, outcome-focused, and responsive. The role is crucial in reinforcing UNHCR’s position as the lead agency in protecting refugees and mobilizing action for solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communication Assistant will support the development and implementation of engaging digital and social media strategies. Responsibilities include managing UNHCR Cameroon’s social media accounts, developing compelling multimedia content, monitoring social media trends, and establishing relationships with media outlets to promote UNHCR’s activities. The assistant will also assist in organizing public awareness campaigns, drafting external bulletins, and engaging with various communications platforms to ensure coordination of humanitarian efforts. Additional tasks include preparing communication budgets, planning advertisements, exhibitions, and events, and providing high-quality support to UNHCR and its beneficiaries.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate professionalism, integrity, teamwork, and respect for diversity. They should possess excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to establish effective partnerships, and a commitment to continuous learning. The role requires effective organizational and problem-solving skills, the ability to manage a large volume of work, and strong communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear reports and conduct presentations. Flexibility and adaptability to work in potentially hazardous conditions are also essential.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required, typically in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field. Candidates should have a solid understanding of UNHCR operations and the ability to apply good judgment in various situations.

Experience:
The position requires a certain level of experience in communications or a related field, ideally with a background in humanitarian work or refugee issues. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in managing social media platforms and producing multimedia content.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of French is highly desirable, given the bilingual nature of Cameroon. Additional languages relevant to the region may also be beneficial.

Additional Notes:
This is a National UN Volunteer assignment, meaning the volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The position is based in Yaounde, the political capital of Cameroon, which features a tropical climate and a lengthy wet season. The role may involve travel within the area of operations and requires a genuine commitment to the principles of voluntary engagement.