Senior Communications Associate

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

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and it strives to provide protection and assistance to those in need.

Job Overview:
The Senior Communications Associate plays a crucial role in the UNHCR's communication strategy, working under the supervision of a Communication Officer or senior management. This position involves a high degree of independence in executing regular assignments while maintaining frequent contact with various stakeholders, including media, NGOs, and UN agencies. The incumbent is responsible for a wide range of communications activities, including news and media relations, multimedia content production, social media engagement, and public outreach campaigns. The role also includes supporting advocacy and awareness-raising efforts, as well as strengthening analytics to inform social media strategies. The Senior Communications Associate is expected to lead initiatives that generate empathy and mobilize action for forcibly displaced and stateless individuals, ensuring that UNHCR's messaging is effectively integrated into ongoing conversations and trends.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Senior Communications Associate include supporting the implementation of communications strategies, monitoring news trends, forging strategic partnerships, developing authoritative content, ensuring maximum impact of communications, assisting in the production of media materials, maintaining and upgrading communications skills, and supporting campaigns and events. The incumbent will also be responsible for identifying and managing risks, adjusting communications projects as necessary, and performing other related duties as required. This role requires a proactive approach to decision-making and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances in the communications landscape.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or 2 years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor's degree or higher. Essential qualifications include excellent computer skills, knowledge of MS Office applications, and strong drafting skills. Desirable qualifications include experience in implementing communications strategies, professional writing and editing skills, and experience in advocacy campaigns. The candidate should possess functional skills in drafting and editing content, international media contacts, journalism, and video production for digital platforms.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Communication, International Relations, Journalism, Political Science, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of humanitarian issues and effectively communicating them to diverse audiences.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in communications, with a strong emphasis on strategic communications, branding, storytelling, and digital outreach. Candidates should have a proven track record of developing impactful campaigns that enhance public engagement and support resource mobilization. Experience in managing stakeholder relationships and working collaboratively with various partners is also essential.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, and proficiency in Chinese is also required. For General Service jobs, knowledge of the UN working language of the duty station is necessary. Additional language skills are considered an asset, particularly in enhancing communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a temporary position with a target start date of September 1, 2026, and a target end date of December 31, 202

• The role is classified at the GS7 grade level and is intended for family-type assignments. The position is based in Beijing, China, and involves working in a challenging and competitive fundraising and communications environment. UNHCR emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and empowering work environment, and all staff members are expected to contribute to this goal.