Senior Communications Assistant

September 16, 2025

Grade

GS5

General Service

Reason

Temporary > Temporary Assignment/ Appointment

H (no hardship)

Family

2025-10-01

2025-12-31

Standard Job Description

Senior Communications Assistant

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Communications Assistant 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 will have frequent contacts involving the exchange of a wide range of information with colleagues within UNHCR as well as media, international organizations, academic institutions and private individuals.

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
- Regularly monitor media and local situation regarding UNHCR.
- Follow-up on administrative and logistical arrangements to organise press briefings and other events, such as workshop and conferences.
- Contribute to the production of information materials for public awareness campaigns and for the preparation of in-house bulletins, newsletters and information kits by contributing to articles, reports and other information gathered from various sources.
- Liaise with printers concerning brochures and publications published by the office.
- Draft routine correspondence and texts for the office's website and maintain information databases.
- Compile and distribute a daily news clipping service.
- Distribute press statements and similar information to media, to other offices locally as well as to Headquarters.
- Maintain up-to-date filing system and appointments diary.

- 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 G5 - 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education
Not applicable.

Certificates and/or Licenses
International Relations; Journalism; Political Science;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Some work experience relevant to the position. 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
CO-Journalism (incl. print, broadcast, photography, video, layout & graphics)
CO-Drafting and Documentation
IT-Web Content Management
CO-Digital content production
CO-Social Media Publishing/Monitoring/Marketing tools
IT-Web publishing
(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.

The Senior Communications Assistant serves as the multimedia specialist within UNHCR’s Strategic Communications and Outreach unit in Washington, D.C. Working closely with colleagues across the office, the position plays a pivotal role in developing visually compelling content, strengthening public engagement across the U.S. on refugee issues.
The Senior Communications Assistant is responsible for producing and editing videos, primarily for social media, from pre-production through final delivery. They capture and edit photography to support UNHCR’s communications, storytelling, and visibility efforts, and design a wide range of multimedia assets tailored to diverse audiences including social media. In addition, the role includes management of the country website and development of other communications materials such as factsheets and presentations. The position also works closely with internal teams to ensure brand consistency, cohesive messaging, and high-quality standards across all communications deliverables.
This work requires routine internal coordination among various teams within UNHCR, including with colleagues in the regional bureau and headquarters. The ideal candidate will have a diverse background, including experience in video editing, photography, and graphic design. Previous multimedia production experience is required. An understanding of and interest in issues related to refugees and forced displacement is preferred. The work of this position may require domestic travel.
The incumbent will report to the Associate Communications Officer. This position is located in Washington, D.C. Applications must include within their letter of interest in their application a link to a portfolio of graphic design and multimedia assets including samples of completed videos. Applications submitted without portfolio or work samples will not be considered.

• Proven experience creating multimedia communication materials specifically tailored to U.S. audiences, ensuring content resonates with decision makers, partners, and general public.
• Ability to produce high-quality, locally tailored material including shooting and editing videos, photography, graphic designs, factsheets, presentations and infographics, using advanced design and editing tools and software, including Adobe Creative Cloud, InDesign, and Illustrator, to deliver clear, targeted UNHCR messaging.
• Previous experience in multimedia production is required; interest or experience in refugee or asylum-related issues is preferred.
• Experience in content management, including organizing, updating, and maintaining digital materials to ensure timely, accurate, and engaging communications across platforms.
• Experience in website management, updating, and editing Drupal based systems.
• Legal residency and valid work authorization in the United States are required at the time of application. This position is based in Washington, D.C., and does not offer the possibility of remote work.

No late applications can be accepted, and applicants are able to withdraw directly from Workday Careers page until the Job Requisition has attained a certain stage in the vacancy management process. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. A written test and/or interview may be conducted as part of the selection process.
This is a locally recruited position. All applicants must be legally residing in the United States and possess a valid work permit (Employment Authorization Document - EAD) or permanent resident status at the time of application.

This position doesn't require a functional clearance

English

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Skills

CO-Digital content production, CO-Drafting and Documentation, CO-Journalism (incl. print, broadcast, photography, video, layout & graphics), CO-Social Media Publishing/Monitoring/Marketing tools, IT-Web Content Management, IT-Web publishing

Education

Certifications

International Relations - Other, Journalism - Other, Political Science - Other

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