Communications Assistant – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency

Apply by 3rd March 23

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organisation dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. We lead international action to protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. We deliver life-saving assistance, help safeguard fundamental human rights, and develop solutions that ensure people have a safe place called home where they can build a better future. We also work to ensure that stateless people are granted a nationality. We work in over 130 countries, using our expertise to protect and care for millions. UNHCR’s greatest asset is our workforce. We work with passionate, talented and creative individuals who want to use their skills for good. Thanks to people like you, we can develop solutions that enable people who have been forced to flee to restart their lives and build better futures.

Terms of Reference
The Communications Assistant reports to Head of Field Office and performs a variety of functions related to community outreach and public information within the office. The supervisor exercises close control and regular review of the work processes and provides regular advice and guidance.

The incumbent is relied upon to contribute to the implementation of a comprehensive solutions strategy of UNHCR for Sri Lankan refugees. Under the direction of the supervisor the incumbent is expected to be involved in disseminating information to refugees about their durable solutions, develop high quality contents/ materials for offline and line (social media, print and other) media products, provide support for training activities and organising events. Also support drafting press releases, online articles, brochures, and other communication material apart from reviewing programmatic materials.

The incumbent keeps frequent internal contacts with staff members in the same duty station to exchange information and with the external contacts generally with government officials, civil society, refugee community, local population and/or Implementing Partners (IPs) on routine subject matters.

Expertise in multimedia production, like video editing, photography and graphic design will be a plus.

Standard Job Description
Communications Assistant Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Communications Assistant will report to the Communications Officer and will have regular contacts within the office/unit involving exchange of information. S/he will also have limited external contacts on routine matters.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties

• Collect press-cuttings of articles in national, regional, international and periodicals that pertain to refugee related issues and to the work of the office.
• Compile and maintain the mailing list for press releases, information bulletins, etc and ensure timely despatch of information to media and other interested parties.
• Classify and maintain adequate stock of PI materials and promote sale of merchandise where appropriate. –
• Maintain up-to-date the catalogue of PI material and types monthly report regarding sales and stocks for submission to PI at Headquarters in accordance with established guidelines. – Provide clerical assistance with regard to PI events such as poster campaigns, exhibitions, and public awareness raising events.
• Respond to routine telephone and written enquiries from a variety of sources such as the media, the public, NGOs and government officials etc.
• Maintain PI files up-to-date.
• Have access to UNHCR’s communication systems
• Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level For G4 – 1 year relevant experience with
• High School Diploma; or Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education Not applicable

Certificates and/or Licenses

Business Administration; Journalism

Social Science; or other relevant field.

(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience

Essential Communication and computer skills. Excellent drafting skills as well as translation and interpreting skills.

Desirable

• Completion of UNHCR Learning Programmes or specific training relevant to functions of position.
• Functional Skills IT-Computer Literacy CO-Drafting and Documentation MS-Translation TI-Interpretation (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential) Language Requirements For International
• Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English. For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language. For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Desired Languages

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Education Certifications Business Administration – Other, Journalism – Other, Social Sciences – OtherWork Experience

 Other information This position doesn’t require a functional clearance