Hardship LevelH (no hardship)
Family TypeFamily
Family TypeFamily
Residential location (if applicable)
GradeGS6
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeGeneral Service
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Target Start Date2023-08-01
Job Posting End DateJune 19, 2023
Standard Job DescriptionCommunications Associate Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Communications Associate is normally supervised by a Communication Officer or other position as decided by the senior management in the area of responsibility. The supervisor provides the incumbent with regular guidance. The incumbent works quite independently on regular assignments with an oversight from the supervisor. S/he keeps frequent contacts with staff at various levels in the office and occasionally with staff at the same level in other duty stations and/or Headquarters; with media, local suppliers, NGO, implementing partners, embassies and UN agencies. The Communications Associates, depending on the organizational structure and location, may also be required to provide support in executing a range of communications activities in the fields of news and media relations, multimedia content production, social media engagement, video production, Goodwill Ambassadors and other influencers, public outreach and campaigns, fundraising, analytics and brand. The incumbents may also be required to help strengthen coordination and editorial planning in the area of responsibility, support advocacy, awareness-raising and digital fundraising efforts as well as strengthening analytics to inform the social media strategies and work plans. 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 - Support the implementation of communications strategies for countries, situations and special projects within the area of responsibility; help identify thematic priorities and target audiences to meet UNHCR's global, regional and country-level communications objectives of leading the narrative, generating empathy and mobilizing action for forcibly displaced and stateless people. - Monitor news and popular trends to insert UNHCR's messaging into ongoing conversations; identify key moments for proactive communications. - Help forge strategic partnerships with individuals and organizations who can help produce and promote UNHCR content, activities and messaging as well as provide research insights to improve communications; promote the work of engaged businesses and civil society actors. - Support the development of news-driven and authoritative content to lead the narrative on forced displacement and show UNHCR's impact (e.g. interviews, press releases, flagship reports, speeches), create emotive storytelling to generate empathy (e.g. stories, multimedia content) and mobilize action by signposting concrete steps people can take to help refugees (e.g. digital diplomacy, action-driven campaigns, fundraising). - Help ensure that content created reaches maximum impact by supporting the development of strategies for distribution from the outset, boosting the visibility of out content on relevant UNHCR channels and placing it on external channels. - Help monitor the implementation of communications projects and adjust accordingly. - Assist in research, preparation, editing and production of professional media and communications materials for target audiences and ensure their timely dissemination via UNHCR's communications channels, ensuring highest quality standards. - Continually maintain and upgrade communications skills, keeping abreast of emerging platforms and tools, and systematically reviewing media impact results and other measurement tools for learning purposes. - May be required to assist in implementation of campaigns, events and other initiatives in support of UNHCR's strategic objectives, including its need for a leading share of voice on refugee and related matters. - May be required to undertake missions and field trips with media and other official visitors in support of UNHCR and its work. - Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Years of Experience / Degree Level For G6 - 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher Field(s) of Education Not applicable. (Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential) Certificates and/or Licenses Journalism, Social Sciences, Humanities or related fields (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential) Relevant Job Experience Essential Excellent computer skills and knowledge of MS Office applications. Excellent drafting skills. Desirable Experience implementing communications strategies. Professional writing and editing skills. Experience working on advocacy campaigns. Functional Skills CO-International Media Contacts CO-Journalism (incl. print, broadcast, photography, video, layout & graphics) CO-Video production for digital platforms (including news organizations) CO-Editing CO-Drafting and Documentation CO-Digital content production (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 Candidate Profile General background:
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is offering a contract within the Private Sector Partnerships (PSP) Services in our Office in The Hague, The Netherlands.
Established in December 1950, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect and assist refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. UNHCR works in over 130 countries to protect and care for over 80 million people.
UNHCR has traditionally been funded by voluntary contributions from Member States. Due to the enormous increase in the number of refugees, fundraising in the private sector has become increasingly important. For the coming years, UNHCR has the ambition to generate $1 Billion annually in private donations through its Private Sector Partnership (PSP) Unit. We offer you a unique opportunity to contribute to this growth in a driven, professional, and dynamic team.
This position will sit within the Private Sector Partnerships (PSP) team in the Netherlands, which aims to raise funds to support UNHCR’s work globally and lead the narrative on forced displacement. The Communication Associate will work under the supervision of the PSP Officer and in close collaboration with local Public Information and Fundraising colleagues as well as Global (Digital) Communication teams.
Organizational context:
The Private Sector Partnerships (PSP) Services works in different regions: Europe, MENA, Americas, Africa, and Asia, and further decentralizes at local levels.
The position will be part of UNHCR’s Private Sector Partnerships Unit, which sits within the Department of External Relations (DER) responsible for mobilizing resources to enable UNHCR’s refugee response programming around the world.
This position sits within UNHCR’s Private Sector Partnerships team in the Netherlands, which aims to raise funds from private sector donors in the Netherlands to support UNHCR’s work. UNHCR is almost entirely funded by direct, voluntary contributions, the bulk of it from donor nations. However, support from the private sector is growing globally.
The position:
We are seeking a dynamic and proactive team player, who is able to work independently as well, with a strong interest in advocacy and fundraising, to become a steady and reliable asset to the UNHCR Netherlands operation within PSP Europe.
The Communications Associate will work under the supervision of the PSP Officer (Netherlands) and will be responsible for delivering communication activities, content and materials to support UNHCR/PSP Netherlands private sector engagement and fundraising programs- including Individual Giving (on and off-line) and Private Partnerships & Philanthropy.
The Communications Associate is expected to work closely with the NL PSP team, Digital and PI national/regional/global team and the rest of the PSP network as required.
Duties and responsibilities:
Under the overall supervision of the PSP Officer the main tasks of the Communications Associate will be to:
• Help identify thematic priorities and target audiences to meet UNHCR's fundraising and communications objectives of leading the narrative, generating empathy and mobilizing action for forcibly displaced and stateless people;
• Monitor news and popular trends to insert UNHCR's messaging into ongoing conversations;
• Identify key moments for proactive communications;
• Support the development of news-driven and authoritative content to lead the narrative on forced displacement and show UNHCR’s impact (e.g. write briefs for interviews, media appearances, speeches)
• Create and/or modify emotive storytelling to generate empathy and mobilize action by signposting concrete steps people can take to help refugees;
• Assist in research, preparation, editing and production of professional communications materials for target audiences and ensure their timely dissemination via UNHCR's communications channels, ensuring highest quality standards
• Continually maintain and upgrade communications skills, keeping abreast of emerging platforms and tools, and systematically reviewing impact results and other measurement tools for learning purposes;
• Assist in implementation of campaigns, events and other initiatives in support of UNHCR's strategic objectives;
• Day to day liaison with creative agencies and other suppliers on communications;
• Write briefs for videographers, photographers, copywriters, graphic designers et cetera;
• Identify, engage and manage digital influencers and high profile supporters;
• Help forge strategic (communication) partnerships with individuals and organizations who can help produce and promote UNHCR content, activities and messaging as well as provide research insights to improve communications;
• May be required to undertake missions and field trips with media and other official visitors in support of UNHCR and its work;
• Manage and update UNHCR's website in collaboration with PI, including SEO checks;
• Perform other miscellaneous duties as required.
Essential minimum qualifications and professional experience required:
The ideal candidate will be required to have:
• Minimum of 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor (or equivalent or higher), in Journalism, Communication, Marketing, Business Development or related field;
• Professional production, writing and editing skills;
• Strong track record in developing compelling content with the aim to generate empathy and to mobilize action;
• Experience in working on communication campaigns with multiple stakeholders;
• Proven experience in using social media platforms, tools and tactics for engagement;
• A flexible and outgoing team player;
• Excellent computer skills and MS Office applications;
• Excellent knowledge of English and Dutch is required (written, oral, comprehension).
Desirable qualifications and professional experience required:
• Experience implementing communications strategies in the Netherlands is an asset;
• Understanding of private sector fundraising in the Netherlands is considered an asset.
Location:
The successful candidate will be based with the team in UNHCR’s office in The Hague, Netherlands.
Conditions:
The position is associated with a yearly contract, valid until end of the year, with possibility of renewal. It is a full-time role with working hours starting from 9 AM to 6 PM, Monday to Friday (40 hours per week). Part-time working arrangement (minimum 80%) is possible, upon further agreement with the selected candidate.
The salary is in line with the local UN GS Salary scale.
Special note:
Recruitment as a UNHCR staff member is subject to proof of full vaccination, independently of contract type and duration, unless the candidate is based in a location with documented lack of access to COVID-19 vaccines.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to the next stages of the recruitment process. For more information, please check UNHCR’s websites (www.unhcr.org).
Interested candidates are advised to consult UNHCR website How to apply | UNHCR which provides guidance and details on the application process.
In case of unexpected technical issues during the application, candidates should send their queries to Global Service Desk hqussd@unhcr.org, who can provide further technical support.
The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): Dutch
,English
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Desired languages
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Operational context
Additional Qualifications
SkillsCO-Digital content production, CO-Drafting and Documentation, CO-Editing, CO-International Media Contacts, CO-Journalism (incl. print, broadcast, photography, video, layout & graphics), CO-Video production for digital platforms (including news organizations)
Education
CertificationsHumanities - Other, Journalism - Other, Social Sciences - Other
Work Experience
CompetenciesAccountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Innovation & creativity, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Teamwork & collaboration
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Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance