Private Sector Communications Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is an international organization established to lead and coordinate global efforts to protect and assist refugees and other persons of concern. UNHCR's mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state. The organization was founded in 1950 and operates in over 130 countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to humanitarian work. UNHCR's Private Sector Partnerships Service (PSP) is a vital component of its fundraising strategy, focusing on building relationships with individuals, companies, foundations, and philanthropists to secure resources for its operations. The organization emphasizes professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity in its workforce, aiming to create a supportive environment for its employees and the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The Private Sector Communications Officer will serve as the primary contact for marketing and fundraising communications within the Private Sector Partnerships Service (PSP) in Asia. This role is crucial for advancing the strategic objectives of PSP by developing and executing comprehensive communications and marketing strategies aimed at enhancing brand visibility, fostering donor engagement, and ultimately increasing financial support for UNHCR's initiatives. The officer will be responsible for creating high-quality donor-facing materials, including proposals, reports, and presentations, while also contributing to the overall content strategy for the region. This position requires a blend of marketing acumen, communication skills, and a deep understanding of fundraising dynamics to effectively engage with potential and existing donors, partners, and stakeholders. The officer will work closely with various teams within UNHCR to ensure that messaging is consistent, aligned with organizational goals, and resonates with target audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Private Sector Communications Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: developing and implementing a long-term communication strategy for priority markets in Asia; conducting brand equity research to inform strategic decisions; creating tailored content for diverse audiences; managing media strategies across owned, earned, and paid channels; providing strategic guidance and technical support to PSP staff on communication-related topics; preparing and quality-assuring donor-facing materials such as proposals and reports; ensuring alignment of messaging with UNHCR standards and donor expectations; coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to gather inputs and feedback; delivering training and capacity-building sessions for regional teams; and responding to crisis communications needs effectively. The officer will also be expected to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and make adjustments as necessary to meet established KPIs and objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Political Sciences, Public Information, Media, International Relations, Economics, Business Administration/Management, External Relations, Fundraising, or a related field. A minimum of five years of relevant international experience is required for those with a graduate degree, or six years for those with an undergraduate degree. Experience in communication, media, journalism, fundraising, external relations, donor engagement, or advocacy is essential. Candidates should have a proven track record in developing donor-facing materials and managing communications strategies, as well as strong project management skills and the ability to work collaboratively across diverse teams.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree in a relevant field such as Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Political Sciences, or related disciplines. A graduate degree is preferred, as it demonstrates a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in communication and fundraising within the humanitarian sector.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in international contexts, particularly in roles related to communication, media, fundraising, or donor engagement. Candidates with a graduate degree should have at least five years of experience, while those with an undergraduate degree should have six years. Experience in developing proposals, reports, and communication strategies is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the UNHCR's operations and the broader humanitarian landscape.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNHCR and with external stakeholders. Additionally, proficiency in another relevant UN language or work-level proficiency in an Asian language is considered desirable, as it can enhance communication with diverse audiences and partners in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position is office-based in Bangkok, Thailand, with occasional international travel required (up to 10%). The role is classified under the UNOPS IICA2 staff member category, indicating a level of seniority and responsibility. The deadline for applications is September 7, 2026, and the position is not remote, requiring physical presence in the office. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices and encourages applications from individuals of various backgrounds.