Communication/PI Associate, UNHCR Sweden, G6 level

The Communication/PI Associate is based at the UNHCR Regional Representation for Northern Europe (RRNE), covering the eight countries Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden.

RRNE pursues to maintain and increase the asylum space, obtain more financial and political support for UNHCR´s global/regional activities, increase UNHCR’s branding and visibility in the region and to improve UNHCR’s outreach through strategic partnerships. Media is one the UNHCR’s key partners in raising awareness and for advocacy, therefore RRNE´s objective is to consolidate existing and to create new relationships with main media outlets and key journalists to improve UNHCR´s outreach and visibility in the region.

The Communication/PI Associate will support RRNE communication work through drafting and sending press releases; monitoring regional media and preparing updates; pitching stories and responding to media queries; and organising and undertaking media interviews. The Communication/PI Associate will also assist in developing strategic relationships with key journalists through organising briefings and training activities for the media.  This requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, relevant studies in journalism/communications as well as experience in successful implementation of media advocacy strategies. Knowledge of political context is of merit, as is any understanding of the humanitarian/refugee field.

To date, RRNE communicates with its audiences through its regional website and Twitter. The RRNE website provides visibility to UNHCR’s global/regional activities and provides UNHCR´s views and news mainly in English but also in eight local languages. The Communication/PI Associate will produce local content for the website as well as drafting and tweeting in line with RRNE communication strategies and priorities. This requires good knowledge and meaningful experience on the strategic use of web and social media as well as for content creation. A strategic view of how to isolate audiences into specific channels and build audience engagement is also mandatory, as is the ability to craft and pitch messages to a varied set of stakeholders with diverse media consumption habits.

The role involves a significant knowledge of content management systems and basic HTML, information management and coordination of inputs into a final digital output, maintaining and providing daily inputs for the websites and social media on relevant local and international developments. In addition, strong monitoring and evaluation skills are required to adapt outputs to fit a changing climate. Ideally, candidates would have awareness of best practices in search engine optimisation, data analytics and are able to interpret and report on the performance of our digital channels.

RRNE implements global and local communications campaigns in the region to raise awareness, advocate for strategic priorities, support resource mobilization and increase the brand awareness. Communication/PI Associate will support in design and implementation of communication campaigns in the region.

Full proficiency in English, the main working language of the United Nations is essential. In addition, excellent language skills in one or more Baltic and/or Scandinavian languages is highly advantageous.

The incumbent will be working under the supervision of Senior Regional Strategic Advocacy and Communication Officer and in close coordination with other UNHCR staff and partners.

Areas of responsibility are:

• Assist in preparations of interviews to the local media and background briefings to the international media.
• Draft briefing notes, talking points, minutes and other papers for the high level meetings and visits.
• Provide daily inputs for the national web site on relevant local developments and ensure that briefing materials from other offices are available.
• Accompany visits of foreign delegation and the media to refugee sites in the region, giving appropriate briefings, interpreting support and commentaries.
• Draft reports, briefings, updates, etc.
• Assist in preparation of communication budget.
• Perform other duties as required.

Accountability:

• The office is kept informed of local developments of interest to UNHCR.
• Evolving issues concerning displaced persons and refugees are monitored to be able to suggest stories and topics for the media coverage.

Authority:

• Establish contacts with local organisations to promote general interest and understanding of refugee issues.
• Have access to UNHCR Communication /PI systems.

Qualifications and Professional experience:

• Completion of the Secondary Education with post-secondary training in Social Science, Journalism, Humanities or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of previous relevant job experience.
• Excellent computer skills and knowledge of MS Office applications.
• Excellent drafting skills as well as translation and interpreting skills.
• Fluency in English and working knowledge of another relevant UN language or local language.

Desirable qualifications and competencies:

• Excellent writing skills.
• Excellent communication and inter-personal skills.
• Experience in drafting and implementing media advocacy strategies.
• Excellent knowledge in design, management and use of websites and social media accounts.
• Advanced computer skills.
• Basic knowledge of UNHCR’s operations.

Salary: Approximate tax free monthly net salary SEK 22 500 to 26 000.

Closing date: 31 August 2017

For more information: Please contact Didzis Melbiksis, [email protected]

IMPORTANT: Work permit in Sweden required at the time of application and recruitment. Submit your application (personal letter and CV) in ENGLISH. Please also attach the P11 form to your application. Only those candidates who are short-listed will be contacted.

Send your application to: UNHCR, Ynglingagatan 14, 113 47 Stockholm, SWEDEN or by email to: [email protected]. Mark your application “COMMUNICATION/PI ASSOCIATE”.

Issued on 14 July 2017