Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
In line with its Global Communications Strategy UNHCR requires skilled communications professionals to conceive and execute a range of activities that help us lead the narrative on forced displacement generate empathy and mobilize action. This body of work spans communications strategy and coordination news and media relations multimedia content production social media engagement Goodwill Ambassadors and other influencers public outreach and campaigns fundraising analytics and brand.
UNHCRs Communications Officers need to cultivate a keen understanding of our target audiences including an up-to-the-minute grasp of the methods and tone of voice that resonate deeply win trust and spark quality engagement. They must be vigilant about editorial and journalistic standards attentive to protection concerns and political sensitivities and focused on communicating successfully with key demographics. These audiences will vary by location language and platform among other factors as well as whether the aim is to inform advocate or raise funds.
Communications Officers functions working relationships and skills specializations differ depending on language location grade and whether they sit within a country operation a regional bureau or the Global Communications Service. UNHCRs primary target audiences include public media and policymakers while our main partners and influencers include peers and private sector trusted figures and our own workforce. Some communicators will focus mainly on news and media relations for example while others will produce multimedia content manage social media accounts or lead advocacy campaigns. Forging partnerships with media outlets that reach target audiences is a central role for all Communications Officers.
All Communications Officers are expected to work strategically in support of UNHCRs operational and communications objectives for their geographic area of responsibility (AoR) as well as global priorities. Communications approaches should reflect our core values as an organization that is caring trustworthy proactive outcome-focused and responsive. This will reinforce UNHCRs role as the lead agency that protects refugees internally displaced and stateless people and mobilizes action to provide solutions.
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 development and implementation of communications strategies for countries situations and special projects;
identify thematic priorities and target audiences to meet UNHCRs global communications objectives.
* Monitor news and popular trends to insert UNHCRs messaging into ongoing conversations;
identify key moments for proactive communications.
* 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.
* Contribute to 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).
* Ensure content created reaches maximum impact by developing strategies for distribution from the outset boosting the visibility of our content on relevant UNHCR channels and placing it on external channels.
* Closely monitor the implementation of communications projects and adjust accordingly. Benchmark the results of communications projects against set success indicators;
build on communicationssuccesses.
Additional duties for news and media roles :
* Develop and implement communications strategies campaigns events and other initiatives in support of UNHCRs strategic objectives including its need for leading share of voice on refugee and related matters and ensure coverage of refugee situations in their country or region in global and domestic media.
* Research prepare fact-check edit and produce professional media and communications materials for target audiences and ensure their timely dissemination via UNHCRs communications channels ensuring highest quality standards.
* Draft media releases statements and media briefing notes and secure clearances working in conjunction with relevant focal points and keeping sensitive to needs of both internal and external audiences.
* Act as a spokesperson for UNHCR organizing press events handling interviews requests and providing responses to requests from media relating to UNHCR and its work.
* Engage with journalists and public audiences via social media channels.
* Regularly provide ideas for communications initiatives and considered professional communications advice to senior staff of UNHCR.
* Undertake missions and field trips with media and other official visitors in support of UNHCR and its work.
* Actively maintain media relations for UNHCR ensuring that media (and other important external stakeholders such as governments embassies NGOs etc.) are briefed regularly on issues of importance to UNHCR and have access to information and UNHCR expertise.
* Prepare and manage communications budgets.
* Ensure alignment with UNHCRs global branding and messaging.
* 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.
Additional duties for news and media roles within the Global Communications Service
* Oversee coordination of communications work for their designated regions and thematic issues working closely with communications staff in bureaux and country offices and in collaboration with the senior communications officers / advisers in that region.
* Manage a wide network of relationships at all levels across bureaux divisions and offices (including the Executive Office) to ensure timely internal information sharing as a foundation for grounded communications and to build consensus around communications proposals.
* Maintain close involvement in communications recruitment and training needs for assigned regions keeping in mind UNHCRs goals of employing and retaining the worlds leading humanitarian communications expertise.
Additional duties for news and media roles within Country Offices
* Act as the primary interface on communications matters between their country office and the Global Communications Service.
* Act as the lead for crisis communications work for their country alerting the GCS / News & Media Sections crisis communications lead to risk issues and ensuring close coordination.
Additional duties for news and media roles within Regional Bureaux
* Regularly provide ideas for communications initiatives and considered professional communications advice to senior Bureau staff and Representatives of Country Operations overseen by the Bureau.
* Oversee data and information gathering and sharing of information with a view to ensuring the Bureaus authority as a centre of up to date knowledge and expertise relating to its region.
* Assist the Senior Management of the Bureau to implement advocacy objectives for the Bureau and oversee development of supporting communications strategies for these working in conjunction with staff of the Global Communications Service and communications staff in the region.
* Ensure Bureau staff are aware of UNHCRs global positioning needs.
* 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 P3 / NOC - 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree;
or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree;
or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
* Journalism;
International Relations;
Political Science;
Communications;
Public Information;
Media
Film / Video;
or other relevant field.
Certificates and / or Licenses
not specified
Relevant Job Experience
Minimum 4years of professional experience in journalism and / or communications mainly at international level.
Experience developing and implementing communications strategies. Strong social media presence. Experience working on advocacy campaigns. Experience working with goodwill ambassadors and other high-profile influencers. Experience with brand management. Experience with measurement and evaluation especially providing analysis of media coverage social media engagement web traffic etc. Experience reporting writing editing for magazines newspapers and websites. Experience using digital asset management systems. Experience with digital analytics and performance reporting.
Functional Skills
Required skills will vary according to the precise nature of the role location etc. but may include :
CO-Drafting and Documentation
CO-International Media Contacts
CO-Preparation of key messages / talking points / speeches
CO-Spokesperson skills
CO-Strategic Communication
CO-Public Speaking
CO-Video production for digital platforms (including news organizations)
CO-Journalism (incl. print broadcast photography video layout & graphics)
CO-Editing
Functional Skills marked with an asterisk
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 candidate needs to demonstrate strong experience leading the strategic direction management and optimization of large-scale multi-language websites in a complex organizational environment delivering impact on audience engagement and organizational visibility. With expert knowledge in content governance and editorial oversight for web platforms ensuring high-quality audience-first content aligned with strategic organizational priorities. They will have a proven track record in writing and editing high-quality search-optimized digital content for multi-language websites with a proven ability to drive audience engagement through compelling storytelling and optimized user journeys.
The candidate will have extensive hands-on experience and expert knowledge working with enterprise-level content management systems (CMS). Demonstrated ability to gather and analyze user and stakeholder needs translate them into actionable development briefs and drive prioritization of website features based on business value technical feasibility and resource limitations. Excellent understanding of SEO principles data-driven content strategies digital analytics and leveraging data to inform content UX and information architecture decisions.
The candidate must be a highly organised able to prioritize think creatively and analytically with a strong background in digital product management in a fast-paced and time pressured environment. They will have strong interpersonal and communication skills with a high level of organizational awareness good judgement flexibility and the ability to liaise effectively between technical teams and non-technical stakeholders. Excellent project management skills including the ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross-functional collaboration in an agile environment and demonstrated leadership in managing teams vendors and cross-functional stakeholders. The role involves senior level stakeholder engagement and requires a high degree of maturity and professionalism.
JOB EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in leading the strategic direction management and optimization of large-scale multi-language websites
Minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience and expert knowledge working with Drupal Django or similar enterprise-level content management systems (CMS)
Proven expertise in defining and implementing comprehensive content and publishing standards guided by digital best-practice emerging technology and industry trends
Significant experience working with internal and external development teams in Agile / Scrum environments participating in sprint planning managing and prioritizing product backlogs
Established expertise in using project management tools such as Jira to manage product backlogs track progress on ticket development and coordinate efficient user acceptance testing (UAT) cycles
Strong experience in insight-led decision-making leveraging digital analytics tools such as Google Analytics SEMrush and similar along with user data to inform content UX and information architecture decisions
In-depth knowledge of meeting web accessibility standards (WCAG) inclusive content practices and digital excellence across external-facing web platforms
Working knowledge of HTML / CSS and structured data with practical experience in optimizing content for search engines
Working knowledge of French Spanish and / or Arabic
Working knowledge of Adobe photoshop or similar photo and design software
Working knowledge of LLMs and emerging AI technologies and their application in web product management.
Additional Qualifications
Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Corporate Communications Digital Media Media studies or a related field
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level) :
Desired languages
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations :
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station please visit this link :
of Position :
This position will operate within the Global Communications Service (GCS) which sits in the Division of External Relations (DER).
The Communications Officer-Digital Product Manager will lead the strategic direction evolution and performance of the global website. The role will work closely with colleagues in GCS technical specialists development teams and subject matter experts across the organization to ensure that the website is effectively managed secure digitally competitive and user-centered.
The Communications Officer-Digital Product Manager will be responsible for developing and implementing a digital website strategy that enables to effectively fulfill its role as a key communications channel achieve clearly defined goals that align with the vision of the organization successfully engage target audiences with high-quality optimized content and reinforce UNHCRs authoritative voice on refugee issues.
This is an expert role that requires a hybrid professional who can operate as an experienced digital strategist product owner and digital content expert balancing user needs and organizational priorities with technical realities.
OPERATIONAL CONTEXT DUTIES
Accountability
Accountable for the strategic direction technical development and editorial management of UNHCRs global website ensuring it operates as a user-centered secure and digitally competitive platform that meets organizational priorities delivers high-quality content and effectively engages target audiences while maintaining a strong alignment between stakeholder needs and technical realities.
Digital product management
Serve as the strategic lead and product owner for global overseeing both the technical development and editorial management
Serve as the primary point of contact for content publishing and editorial management and provide expert guidance to internal stakeholders on content planning publishing and optimization ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and editorial standards
Technical oversight
Develop and continuously refine the product roadmap and backlog for website improvement and evolution to align with communication priorities and stakeholder needs while effectively balancing available resources and technical constraints
Gather analyze and translate needs based on data stakeholder input and industry trends into actionable briefs for development teams lead feature prioritization and manage trade-offs to maximize value delivery and align with strategic goals
Participate in sprint planning sessions to define sprint goals review backlog items and ensure stakeholders developers and organizational needs are aligned on priorities and expectations
Content management
Act as strategic bridge between internal stakeholder requirements and digital content implementation transforming stakeholder needs and expectations into user-centered compelling and digitally competitive content
Implement content strategies to refine the organizations voice as the authoritative leader on refugee issues while delivering satisfying user journeys to target audiences
Strengthen and optimize the multi-language website architecture to serve as a best-practice model for other organizational websites and digital products
Design and implement a strong SEO strategy incl. keyword ranking to continuously improve content performance and visibility create conversion-focused landing page where needed
Lead systematic website audits to assess content quality and quantity UX performance and technical complexity particularly the editorial experience.
Champion a culture of inclusive accessible and digitally competitive content
Leverage data-driven analytics and user insights to inform content and IA decisions and continuously optimize the website experience
Authority
Define and own the strategic product roadmap and feature priorities for
Make decisions on the technical evolution architecture and performance standards of the website
Approve and enforce editorial standards and content strategy to ensure the website delivers a high-quality accessible and user-centered experiences
Represent the websites digital communications and technical priorities in discussions with IT internal developers and external development agencies
Initiate and oversee UX and content audits to drive continuous improvement and evaluate content quality and quantity
Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on the role of the website within the organizations broader digital communications ecosystem
Living and Working Conditions :
This position is located in Madrid. Living and working conditions are consistent with an A-level duty station.
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-Preparation of key messages / talking points / speeches CO-Public Speaking CO-Spokesperson skills CO-Strategic Communication CO-Video production for digital platforms (including news organizations)
Education
Bachelor of Arts :
Communication Bachelor of Arts :
International Relations Bachelor of Arts :
Political Science Bachelor of Arts :
Public Professions
Certifications
Work Experience
Accountability Analytical thinking Client & results orientation Commitment to continuous learning Communication Empowering & building trust Innovation & creativity Judgement & decision making Leadership Organizational awareness Political awareness Strategic planning & visions Teamwork & collaboration
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Additional Information
Functional clearance
This position requires Functional Clearance
Required Experience :
Key Skills
Employment Type :
Full-Time
Experience :
years
Vacancy :
1
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