Communications Assistant

Deadline for Applications

May 15, 2026

Hardship Level

A (least hardship)

Family Type

Family

Residential location (if applicable)

Grade

GS4

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

Target Start Date

2026-05-01

Standard Job Description

Communications Assistant

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Communications Assistant will report to the Communications Officer and will have regular contacts within the office/unit involving exchange of information. S/he will also have limited external contacts on routine matters.

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

• Collect press-cuttings of articles in national, regional, international and periodicals that pertain to refugee related issues and to the work of the office.
• Compile and maintain the mailing list for press releases, information bulletins, etc and ensure timely despatch of information to media and other interested parties.
• Classify and maintain adequate stock of PI materials and promote sale of merchandise where appropriate.
• Maintain up-to-date the catalogue of PI material and types monthly report regarding sales and stocks for submission to PI at Headquarters in accordance with established guidelines.
• Provide clerical assistance with regard to PI events such as poster campaigns, exhibitions, and public awareness raising events.
• Respond to routine telephone and written enquiries from a variety of sources such as the media, the public, NGOs and government officials etc.
• Maintain PI files up-to-date.
• Have access to UNHCR's communication systems.
• 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

Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For G4 - 1 year relevant experience with High School Diploma; or Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education

• Not applicable
• Certificates and/or Licenses

Business Administration; Journalism;

Social Science; or other relevant field.

(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

Communication and computer skills. Excellent drafting skills as well as translation and interpreting skills.

Desirable

Completion of UNHCR Learning Programmes or specific training relevant to functions of position.

Functional Skills

IT-Computer Literacy

CO-Drafting and Documentation

MS-Translation

TI-Interpretation

(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

The ideal candidate is a highly skilled, multidisciplinary visual communications professional with demonstrated experience supporting international organizations or recognized brands. They possess a strong combination of creative, technical, editorial, and strategic communication skills, enabling them to deliver high-quality digital and print content in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.

The role also requires providing operational and communications support for the organization of events, including the production of visual materials and branding assets, and working in close collaboration with the External Relations Associate to design donor newsletters, external updates, and visibility products aligned with organizational priorities.

The candidate will have

Proven experience producing graphic design, photography edition, and video content for social media platforms (including Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter), as well as for organizational websites and media partners.

Demonstrated ability to produce social-first video content, including social media cards and texts, short-form edits, reels, interviews, pieces to camera, and field-based audiovisual productions.

Strong command of Canva and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects, or similar), with solid experience in graphic layout, video editing, and visual storytelling.

Experience in reporting, writing, and editing for reports, digital platforms, and institutional communications, with strong writing, editing, and analytical skills.

Familiarity with digital asset management systems, content workflows, and archiving practices.

Demonstrated ability to draft clear, accurate, and compelling press releases and to engage effectively with media and other stakeholders, fostering strong working relationships that enhance organizational visibility and messaging.

Demonstrated experience designing and delivering a wide range of communications products, including

Social media copy, visuals, and audiovisual content.

Press releases and media-facing communication materials.

Writing content and generating newsletters and external updates.

Reports, one-pagers, concept notes, and briefing materials.

Experience in managing relationships with vendors and suppliers.

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level)

English

,

,

Desired languages

Spanish

,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations

Nature of Position

Living and Working Conditions

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CO-Drafting and Documentation, IT-Computer Literacy, TI-Interpretation

Education

High school diploma (Required)

Certifications

Business Administration - Other, Journalism - Other, Social Sciences - Other

Work Experience

Competencies

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

UNHCR Salary Calculator

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional Information

N/A

• Functional clearance
• This position doesn't require a functional clearance