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Standard Job Description

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 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.

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.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

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

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The Communications and External Relations Unit at UNHCRs Representation for the Nordic and Baltic Countries is responsible for advancing the organizations visibility, public communications, and external engagement across the region. The unit also plays a key role in strengthening relationships with the Nordic countries, which are among UNHCRs most significant and strategic donors.

The unit leads external communications targeting a wide range of audiences, including the general public, media, decision-makers, and other stakeholders. Through diverse platforms and channels, it raises awareness of global displacement situations and humanitarian emergencies, promotes a positive and informed narrative on refugees, and reinforces support for UNHCRs mandate and operations. It also contributes to advocacy efforts aimed at improving responses to forced displacement. In parallel, the external relations function focuses on partnerships and resource mobilization, working closely with donor governments and other stakeholders.

A core priority of the unit is proactive and impactful media engagement. This includes communicating on international emergencies, UNHCRs global operations, and national developments related to refugees and asylum-seekers.

The Communications Associate will support the units communications activities, with a particular emphasis on timely, creative, and strategic media engagement. This includes pitching stories, drafting high-quality written materials, and producing content for UNHCRs regional and global platforms. The role requires strong writing skills to develop compelling narratives, talking points, background notes, briefings, and presentations. The Communications Associate should also be comfortable engaging with journalists – providing information, context, and background as needed.

Given the importance of Nordic countries as key donors, the Communications Associate will contribute to showcasing the impact of their support. This includes developing content that highlights results and reinforces public understanding of UNHCRs work. Experience with digital communications, social media, and basic content production, such as video editing and graphic design, is considered an asset for this position.

The unit regularly participates in strategic events across the region. The Communications Associate will support the planning and organization of such events and may represent UNHCR when required.

The team operates in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, managing a wide range of priorities. Workflows are often shaped by external developments, including emerging humanitarian crises, policy changes, and requests from UNHCR headquarters and global operations. The team values innovation and continuously seeks new approaches to outreach and engagement. The Communications Associate is therefore expected to contribute to strategic planning, propose creative communication initiatives, and support a variety of external communication activities.

Living and Working Conditions:

The post is based at UNHCR ‘s multicountry office in Stockholm, Sweden, the Representation for the Nordic and Baltic Countries. The post requires some flexibility with regard to working hours, as communications activities can take place outside of official working hours, and as deadlines are tight and workload in general considerable.

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