Job Advertisement

Position Title: Field Communications Officer
Location: Amman
Country: Jordan
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established by the UN General Assembly in 194

• Its mission is to provide assistance and protection to approximately 5.8 million registered Palestine refugees across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. UNRWA aims to help these refugees achieve their full potential in Human Development while awaiting a just solution to their plight. The agency operates the largest UN operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff members and is primarily funded through voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual donations. UNRWA's services include education, healthcare, relief and social services, camp infrastructure improvement, microfinance, and Emergency assistance. The organization is committed to making a tangible difference for one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, and it encourages qualified candidates to apply for its positions.

Job Overview:
The Field Communications Officer will be responsible for developing and leading the implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy for UNRWA in the field. This role involves conducting environmental and stakeholder assessments, setting objectives, identifying target audiences, crafting messages, determining the media mix, allocating resources, and outlining specific actions and products. The officer will monitor and evaluate the impact of communications efforts, identifying successes and areas for improvement. The position also supports the Director of UNRWA Affairs in promoting Palestine Refugee issues in the public domain, enhancing the organization's credibility and brand through effective media relations, visibility materials, and partnerships with other UN agencies. The officer will coordinate internal and external communication flows, ensuring consistency and alignment with UNRWA's mission and values. Additionally, the officer will engage in proactive media outreach, develop initiatives for positive media coverage, and produce high-quality communications products. The role requires collaboration with program teams to create content suitable for UNRWA's global digital and social Media Platforms, as well as managing human and Financial Resources within the Field Communications unit.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Field Communications Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Developing and implementing a field communications strategy and work plan for UNRWA, including stakeholder assessments and resource allocation.
• Supporting the Director of UNRWA Affairs in promoting Palestine Refugee issues and enhancing the organization's credibility through media relations and visibility materials.
• Reviewing communication flows for consistency and alignment with UNRWA's mission.
• Coordinating the compilation of field information and drafting texts in English and Arabic for agency-wide materials.
• Analyzing current events and public opinion to advise management on appropriate responses.
• Participating in the inter-agency Communications Working Group and sharing information related to UNRWA's work.
• Developing initiatives for positive media coverage, including press briefings and interviews.
• Producing and overseeing communications products such as press kits, news releases, and audio-visual materials.
• Supporting Fundraising efforts through relevant communications and advocacy activities. 1
• Managing human and financial resources of the Field Communications unit. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in journalism, communications, public relations, or a related discipline. They should have at least eight years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public information, humanitarian, or development work within an international or large national organization. Proven experience in media networking is essential. Candidates must demonstrate excellent command of written and spoken English and Arabic. Additionally, they should specify their current location and any supervisory experience in previous roles.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited institution in journalism, communications, public relations, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of communication strategies and media relations in the context of humanitarian work.

Experience:
Candidates are required to have a minimum of eight years of progressively responsible relevant experience in communications, public information, humanitarian, or development work. This experience should be within an international or large national organization, and candidates must provide details of any supervisory roles held, including the number of staff supervised. The experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of media relations and the ability to develop and implement effective communication strategies.

Languages:
Fluency in both written and spoken English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. Candidates should list all languages they know, indicating their proficiency level. A very good to excellent level of proficiency in English should be indicated as 'Fluent', while a good level should be marked as 'Confident', and a basic level as 'Basic'.

Additional Notes:
This position is a Fixed Term Appointment for three years, including a one-year probation period, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The role is classified at Grade 18, with a monthly salary of JD 1246.600 fils, plus a Special Occupational Allowance of 69.90% of the basic salary. Additional benefits include a monthly Provident Fund contribution, compulsory medical insurance, 30 days of annual leave, and dependency allowance if applicable. The incumbent may be required to travel within the Agency’s area of operations and may need to work beyond regular hours. The position is open to internal and external candidates, but only those residing in Jordan and authorized to work in the duty station at the time of application are eligible. UNRWA does not cover relocation costs, and preference will be given to registered Palestine refugees and candidates who assist the Agency in achieving Gender Parity.