Communications Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which was established in 195

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to promote durable solutions for refugees. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to protecting the rights of refugees and displaced persons, providing them with assistance, and advocating for their needs and rights on a global scale.

Job Overview:
The Communications Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the UNHCR's communication efforts, reporting directly to the Communications Officer. This position involves regular interaction within the office and limited external contacts, focusing on the exchange of information related to refugee issues. The assistant will be responsible for collecting press cuttings, maintaining mailing lists, and ensuring timely dissemination of information to media and stakeholders. The role also includes clerical support for public information events, responding to inquiries, and maintaining communication files. The assistant will have access to UNHCR's communication systems and will be expected to manage risks and seize opportunities that impact the objectives of the communication unit. The position is designed to enhance public understanding of refugee issues and support the organization's advocacy efforts through effective communication strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communications Assistant will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Collecting and compiling press cuttings related to refugee issues and UNHCR's work.
• Maintaining and updating mailing lists for press releases and information bulletins, ensuring timely dispatch of information.
• Classifying and maintaining stock of public information materials and promoting merchandise sales where appropriate.
• Providing clerical assistance for public information events, including poster campaigns and exhibitions.
• Responding to routine inquiries from media, the public, NGOs, and government officials.
• Keeping public information files up-to-date and accessible.
• Supporting risk management and decision-making processes in the communication area.
• Performing additional related duties as required by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong communication and computer skills, with excellent drafting, translation, and interpreting abilities. Essential qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, along with at least one year of relevant experience. Desirable qualifications include completion of UNHCR Learning Programmes or specific training relevant to the position's functions. Candidates should also demonstrate proficiency in IT and computer literacy, as well as drafting and documentation skills. Knowledge of translation and interpretation is also essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a High School Diploma. However, candidates with a Bachelor's degree or higher in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Journalism, or Social Sciences will be preferred. Certifications in these areas are also considered essential for the role, as they provide a foundational understanding of the communication and public information landscape.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of relevant work experience for candidates with a high school diploma, or less experience if the candidate holds a higher degree. Preferably, candidates should have at least two years of experience in digital and social media management, website management, and familiarity with search engine optimization (SEO) and web analytics tools. Previous experience in similar roles within the UN system is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's suitability for the position.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as it is the official working language of UNHCR in Italy. Candidates should also have knowledge of the UN working language of the duty station, which is Italian in this case. A good command of local languages is considered an advantage, especially for General Service jobs. The expected overall ability in the required languages should be at least at the B2 level.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a General Service role at the GS4 level and is temporary, with a target start date of May 1, 2026, and an end date of December 31, 202

• The role is family-type and does not involve hardship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Italy, and only applications completed in English will be considered. The recruitment process may include interviews and written tests for short-listed candidates. UNHCR is committed to diversity and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of their background. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual exploitation and abuse, and successful candidates will undergo mandatory clearance checks prior to receiving an offer.