Org. Setting and Reporting
UNRWA, the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East with over 30,000 staff
working across five areas of operation, is looking for highly committed personnel wishing to
make a change.
If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference for one of the
most vulnerable communities in the world, UNRWA would like to hear from you.
The Senior Communications Manager reports to the Director of Communications.
Responsibilities
- Under the leadership of the Director of Communications, drafts, maintains and adjusts the
regional advocacy and communication strategy and associated work plans, including, context
and stakeholder assessments objectives, external and internal target audiences, messages and
media mix, resources, specific actions, activities and products, monitoring and evaluation of
impact and success, and identification of opportunities for improvement.
- Monitors and evaluates the communication strategy and policies. Ensures adequate and
ongoing assessment of trends, social and political change and public interest, identifies
potential risks; provides feedback to the Director of Communications to enhance the
communication strategy.
- Maintains close coordination with Public Information Offices (PIOs) across UNRWA fields
of operation for effective overall support to communications work and collaboration in the
implementation of the communication strategy. Keeps the Director of Communications
abreast of developments in the field of communication/advocacy in UNRWA fields of
operation.
- Ensures that policy guidance, advice and technical support are provided to Public
Information Offices on regular basis. Regularly identifies and addresses opportunities to
develop communication capacity among field communication staff and other colleagues.
- Coordinates with the Partnerships Division in creating and disseminating content for use on
institutions portals and ensure alignment of UNRWA digital engagement, reinforcing efforts
to mobilize financial support from the general public.
- Identifies tools to increase positive exposure and leverage that give prominence to new
opportunities for UNRWA among a range of organizations, media and high-profile
individuals with a local, regional and global reach. Contributes to the planning and
communication of high-level visits and events.
- Advises the Director of Communications on opportunities in support of UNRWA's
communications priorities, campaigns, and partnerships. Leads the development and
production of materials for identifying communication activities (including flagship
publications, press releases, feature articles and audio-visual materials, as require).
- Prepares crisis communications and develops response plans during emergencies.
Competencies
UN Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity, and Core
Competencies of Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results apply by
default. Default managerial competencies may apply.
- Leading and Supervising
- Delivering Results
- Creating and Innovating
- Planning and Organizing
- Formulating Strategies and Concepts
For guidance on how to prepare for competency-based interviews: https://careers.un.
org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=AYI
Education
Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) from an accredited educational
institution in communication, media, journalism, international relations, public relations or a
related discipline.
Job Specific Qualifications
Work Experience
A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible and relevant work experience is
required.
International and national work experience in both developed and developing countries
including experience outside of UNRWA areas of operation is required.
Unless already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System, at least
two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA, and outside the
country(s) of citizenship is required.
Proven experience of working in development and crisis/ humanitarian settings including
active conflict settings and crisis communications, including developing communication
strategies and handling sensitive communication and advocacy in humanitarian contexts is
required.
Relevant experience in communication, print, broadcast, new media and experience in
utilising innovative approaches including launching social media campaigns is desirable.
Knowledge of UNRWA and the wider UN system is desirable.
Languages
Excellent command of spoken and written English.
Knowledge of a second UN language, Arabic or other.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be
followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
Type of Contract and duration: 2 years, with the possibility of further extension.
Only applications that have been fully completed in UNRWA's online e-recruitment system
inspira will be considered and no late applications will be accepted. The Personal History
Profile (PHP) should be completed with full work experience under the experience tabs as per
the requirements in the Job Opening.
A roster may be created from the selection exercise, and successful candidates may become
eligible for an appointment to the same post or a similar post.
Equivalency:
A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying
experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
NB: Work experience alone or formal qualifications with no relevant work experience are not
considered an acceptable combination.
UNRWA welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities.
UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states,
regional bodies, business foundations and individual contributions. The mission of UNRWA
is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development under the
difficult circumstances in which they live.
For more details on UNRWA, please visit: https://www.unrwa.org/
This vacancy is archived.