Volunteer Communications Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established on December 14, 1950, by the United Nations General Assembly. Its mission is to lead and coordinate international action for the protection of refugees worldwide. Since its inception, UNHCR has been dedicated to ensuring that all individuals have the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge when fleeing violence, persecution, war, or disasters in their home countries. The organization has provided vital assistance to refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, and stateless individuals, many of whom have no one else to turn to. UNHCR works to save lives and build a better future for millions who have been forced to leave their homes. In Colombia, the agency is particularly focused on the situation of over 7.1 million Venezuelan refugees and migrants, with more than 2.4 million Venezuelans currently residing in the country, many of whom are in the process of regularization. Despite the 2016 Peace Agreement, conflict and armed violence continue to displace Colombians, with an estimated 842,000 people displaced since November 201

• UNHCR is committed to finding durable solutions for refugees and migrants, including the Temporary Protection Status (TPS) issued by the Colombian government in February 2021, which provides a 10-year protection status and access to a range of rights, including healthcare, education, formal employment, and financial inclusion. The organization also addresses the disproportionate impact of displacement on Afro-Colombians and indigenous communities, working to strengthen preventive actions and respond to emergencies. For more information about UNHCR, its mandate, and operations, please visit www.unhcr.org.

Job Overview:
The Volunteer Communications Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting UNHCR's communication efforts in Colombia. This position involves gathering information and producing reports for donors in coordination with field units and offices. The assistant will be responsible for compiling weekly reports and other internal products, as well as producing weekly press reports and disseminating them internally. The role includes monitoring donor contributions and commitments, ensuring compliance with donor visibility plans, and managing content and dissemination on social media in coordination with the communications team. The assistant will provide support to all units and offices, ensuring proper follow-up on commitments made to donors. Additionally, the assistant will produce content through field missions, such as stories, social media products, and infographics that demonstrate the impact of UNHCR's actions. The position requires the availability of public information materials, including fact sheets, informational brochures, and briefing materials. The assistant will also support the drafting and dissemination of informational notes, newsletters, reports, and any other necessary public information materials. Facilitating and accompanying visits from donors, media, or other external actors is also part of the role, along with supporting the organization of events and coordinating with partners, refugees, and local communities for implementation. Administrative tasks, such as budget tracking for actions executed by the unit, will also be part of the responsibilities, along with performing other related functions as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Volunteer Communications Assistant will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Collecting information and producing reports for donors in collaboration with field units and offices.
• Assisting in the compilation of weekly reports and other internal products.
• Producing weekly press reports and disseminating them internally.
• Supporting the tracking of donor contributions and commitments.
• Ensuring compliance with donor visibility plans.
• Assisting in managing the content plan and dissemination on social media in coordination with the communications team.
• Providing support to all units and offices for proper follow-up on commitments made to donors.
• Assisting in the dissemination of internal information to UNHCR for proper tracking of commitments and actions funded by donors.
• Producing content through field missions, including stories, social media products, and infographics that showcase the impact of UNHCR's actions. 1
• Ensuring the availability of public information materials, including fact sheets, informational brochures, and briefing materials. 1
• Supporting the drafting and dissemination of informational notes, newsletters, reports, and any other necessary public information materials. 1
• Facilitating and accompanying visits from donors, media, or other external actors. 1
• Supporting the drafting and translation of routine correspondence and texts. 1
• Assisting in the organization of events and coordinating with partners, refugees, and local communities for implementation. 1
• Maintaining internal files. 1
• Supporting administrative tasks, such as budget tracking for actions executed by the unit. 1
• Performing other related functions as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a set of qualifications that include strong communication skills, both written and verbal, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. The candidate should demonstrate adaptability and flexibility, creativity, sound judgment, and decision-making skills. Planning and organizational skills are essential, along with professionalism and self-management. The candidate should be able to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment. A commitment to the values and mission of UNHCR is crucial, as well as a strong understanding of the challenges faced by refugees and displaced persons.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Volunteer Communications Assistant position should possess a relevant educational background, typically a degree in communications, public relations, international relations, or a related field. A strong understanding of humanitarian issues, particularly those related to refugees and displaced persons, is highly desirable. The educational background should reflect a commitment to social justice and human rights, aligning with the mission of UNHCR.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have some level of experience in communications, public relations, or a related field. While specific years of experience may not be mandated, familiarity with the humanitarian sector and understanding of the challenges faced by refugees and displaced persons will be advantageous. Experience in report writing, content creation, and social media management is highly valued. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and possess a strong commitment to the values of UNHCR.

Languages:
Proficiency in Spanish is mandatory for this position, given the location and the target audience. Additionally, knowledge of English is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with international stakeholders and enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse audiences. Other languages relevant to the region may also be considered an asset, contributing to effective communication with various communities and partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is a volunteer assignment with a duration that may be extended based on funding availability, operational needs, and satisfactory performance. However, renewal of the assignment is not guaranteed. The Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) provided is COP $ 4,866,000 per month to cover housing, services, and ordinary living expenses. The position includes life, health, and permanent disability insurance, as well as final repatriation if applicable. This assignment requires full availability and exclusivity with the United Nations System. As a national UN Volunteer assignment, the volunteer will be responsible for securing their own housing and other essentials for living. National UN Volunteers are part of the damage insurance plan for intentional harm.