Associate Communication Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), which was established in 1950 with the mission to protect and support refugees and displaced persons worldwide. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to providing assistance and finding durable solutions for those forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or violence. The organization is committed to ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it strives to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced individuals.

Job Overview:
The Associate Communication Officer will be based in SO Bassiknou, Mauritania, and will play a crucial role in enhancing the visibility and understanding of UNHCR's activities. This position involves close collaboration with the UNHCR office in Nouakchott and requires the officer to assist in planning and organizing events aimed at promoting awareness of UNHCR's work. The officer will be responsible for ensuring the availability of visibility materials and communication tools for communities, supporting the development of public information strategies, and assisting in the formatting and editing of outreach materials in Arabic, French, and English. The role also includes participation in UN communication group activities in Mauritania, contributing to social media content, and maintaining a strong presence for UNHCR in the region. The officer will be expected to engage with various stakeholders, including media representatives, to enhance UNHCR's outreach and advocacy efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Communication Officer include supporting the implementation of communication strategies for various countries and special projects, monitoring news trends to integrate UNHCR's messaging, forging partnerships with organizations to promote UNHCR content, and developing authoritative content that leads the narrative on forced displacement. The officer will draft media releases, act as a spokesperson, engage with journalists, and maintain media relations. Additional responsibilities include managing communications budgets, ensuring alignment with UNHCR's branding, and continuously upgrading communication skills. The officer will also be involved in crisis communications, oversee communications work for designated regions, and support the identification and management of risks related to communication objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 1 year of professional experience in journalism and/or communications, preferably at an international level. Essential skills include digital content production, editing, journalism, public speaking, and spokesperson skills. Familiarity with social media engagement, advocacy campaigns, and brand management is desirable. Candidates should also have experience with measurement and evaluation of media coverage and social media engagement.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in fields such as Journalism, International Relations, Political Science, Communications, Public Information, or Media. A graduate degree or doctorate in a relevant field may substitute for some experience requirements.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 1 year of relevant professional experience in journalism and/or communications. Candidates with additional experience in advocacy campaigns, social media management, and digital analytics will be preferred. Experience in producing multimedia content and engaging with high-profile influencers is also advantageous.

Languages:
Knowledge of English and the UN working language of the duty station is mandatory. Proficiency in Arabic and French is also required, as the officer will be producing content in these languages. Familiarity with local languages may be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the hardship level E, indicating a challenging working environment. It is a non-family position with residential location requirements. The target start date for this role is April 1, 2026, and the application deadline is March 1, 202

• The position is not remote and requires the officer to be based in Mauritania.