Communications Associate

H (no hardship)

FamilyFamily

GS6

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

June 11 2025

Communications 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 UNHCRs 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 UNHCRs 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 UNHCRs 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 UNHCRs 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 UNHCRs 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 UNHCRs 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.

- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- 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.

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.

MCO Italy is looking for a solid candidate with proven understanding of the media and political context written and oral communication skills in both English and Italian. S/he may also be required to help strengthen coordination and editorial planning in the area of responsibility support advocacy awareness-raising and fundraising efforts as well as strengthening analytics to inform the social media strategies and work plans.

The candidate should have the ability to work 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 with staff at the same level in other duty stations and/or Headquarters; with media local suppliers NGO implementing partners embassies and UN agencies.


Additional Information:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Italy.

English is the official working language of UNHCR in Italy. Only applications fully completed in English will be considered.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Assessment of short-listed candidates might comprise of both an interview and a written test.

UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability gender identity marital or civil partnership status race color or ethnic and national origins religion or belief or sexual orientation. UNHCR has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment. Successful candidates will be subject to mandatory UN Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment clearance check prior to receiving an offer.

UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application interview meeting processing training or any other fees).

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

In case of any queries please contact the Italy HR Team at

English

Italian

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station please visit this link:

of Position:

The UNHCR Multi-Country Office (MCO) based in Italy oversees operations in Italy San Marino the Vatican City Malta and Cypruscountries situated at the nexus of Europe North Africa and the Middle East and characterized by varied asylum landscapes distinct legal frameworks and differing capacities for refugee protection.

This sub-region plays a pivotal role in migration and refugee movements into Europe particularly through the Central and Eastern Mediterranean routes. Irregular arrivals by sea and land secondary movements and complex protection needs place continued pressure on national asylum and reception systems. While numbers fluctuate the centrality of these countries to European migration dynamics remains consistent.

Italy and Malta in particular remain among the primary entry points to the EU for persons seeking international protection. Their geographic proximity to North Africa renders Italy a key actors in search and rescue (SAR) efforts and for Italy in receiving persons rescued at sea. Cyprus facing a growing number of asylum claims relative to its population and capacity has become a significant point of concern due to overcrowded reception facilities and the need for strengthened asylum procedures.

San Marino and the Vatican City though not primary asylum destinations are engaged partners in refugee protection through political advocacy moral leadership and resettlement or complementary pathways especially under community sponsorship and humanitarian corridors supported by faith-based organizations.

In this context the key for MCO to continue leading the refugee narrative is to promote engagement and mobilization for PoCs in Italy. The incumbent will also support UNHCRs campaigning and media coverage at a global level. It will report to the Communication Officer.

Living and Working Conditions:

Rome is a HQ Duty Station. Italy has a strong UN presence (more than 10 Agencies Programmes and Funds totaling more than 6000 staff) and is offering high standard of living conditions and relatively high cost of living.

There is no RC System hence no formal inter-agency coordination system other than the DO for Security related matters. FAO leads the UN team and collaborates closely with Rome based WFP and IFAD HQ.

The Italian authorities will issue a visa and residence permit to UNHCR international staff members. Before arriving at a new duty station finding an accommodation will be a priority. There are some limited facilities to access Duty Free privileges. Buying a new vehicle is a lengthy process while buying second hand is even more complex. The public transport system is relatively reliable and most colleagues have elected to reside in the office neighborhood.

A valid driving license issued by a European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) member state is automatically accepted in all other member states. People with EU/EEA-issued drivers license who take up residence in Italy are not required to exchange it for an Italian license.

Holders of a standard driving license issued from a non-EU/EEA country may drive in Italy using the foreign license for up to one year after obtaining residency.

Medical care is up to international standards.

UN International expatriates are covered by the medical insurance provided from their workplace. No additional medical coverage is required. A list of English-speaking doctors can be provided upon request by the FAO Medical Services.

There are several international schools in Rome. The academic year for schools in Italy is from September to June. Generally schools have long waiting lists and it is advisable to register your child at school as soon as possible. You should also find out about the specific admission requirements at the school. Transfer certificates from previous schools and academic records are usually required. Contracts are made between the school and private individuals regarding payments of school fees.

This means any deposits and commitments to pay fees are your responsibility and not the UNs.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CO-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

Certifications

Humanities - Other Journalism - Other Social Sciences - Other

Work Experience

Competencies

Accountability Analytical thinking Client & results orientation Commitment to continuous learning Communication Innovation & creativity Organizational awareness Political awareness Teamwork & collaboration

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Additional Information

This position doesnt require a functional clearance