Communications Associate – Grade GS6 – Office: Canberra, Australia – Deadline for Applications: September *******
Overview
The Communications Associate supports the UNHCR Communications Strategy in the Office of the Minister for Refugee Protection, Canberra. The role works independently on routine assignments while maintaining frequent contact with UNHCR staff, media partners, NGOs, and embassies. The incumbent helps produce news, multimedia, social media, and video content, strengthen editorial planning, and advance advocacy, awareness-raising, and digital fundraising activities.
Responsibilities
Support the implementation of communications strategies for country situations and special projects within the area of responsibility and help identify thematic priorities and target audiences.
Monitor and popular trends to insert UNHCR messaging into ongoing conversations and identify key moments for proactive communications.
Forge strategic partnerships with individuals and organizations who can help produce and promote UNHCR content and messaging and provide research insights to improve communications.
Develop news-driven and authoritative content to lead the narrative on forced displacement and show UNHCR impact (interviews, press releases, flagship reports, speeches) and create emotive storytelling to generate empathy and mobilize action.
Support the development of strategies for distribution from the outset to boost the visibility of UNHCR content on relevant channels and external channels.
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 timely dissemination via UNHCR communications channels.
Continually maintain and upgrade communications skills, keep abreast of emerging platforms and tools, and systematically review media impact results and other measurement tools for learning.
Assist in the implementation of campaigns, events and other initiatives in support of UNHCR's strategic objectives.
Assist in implementation of missions and field trips with media and other official visitors in support of UNHCR and its work.
Support the identification and management of risks and seize opportunities impacting objectives, raising issues to a supervisor or relevant colleague(s).
Perform other related duties as required.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
For G6 – 3 years relevant experience with a High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with a Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
Journalism, Social Sciences, Humanities or related fields (certificates and licenses essential).
Excellent computer skills, MS Office application knowledge and drafting skills.
Desirable Qualifications
Experience implementing communications strategies and managing advocacy campaigns.
Professional writing, editing, video production, social media and digital content production skills.
Experience working for humanitarian organizations and knowledge of refugee protection issues.
Key functional skills: CO-International Media Contacts, CO-Journalism, CO-Video production, CO-Editing, CO-Digital content production.
Fluency in English; additional language skills are preferred.
Eligibility & Work Requirements
Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents with full-time work rights.
Must be physically based in Canberra and work in the office.
EEO and Diversity Statement
UNHCR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or other protected status. UNHCR encourages qualified female applicants for this position.
Security & Conduct
UNHCR maintains a zero-tolerance policy against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) and all other forms of abuse or harassment. Any concerns or suspicions should be reported immediately to the Inspector General's Office or through the online complaint form.
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