The Senior Communication Adviser – Crisis Communications works under the direct supervision of the Chief of Section (News&Media). S/he leads and implements UNHCR‘s communication strategy/ies in the Area of Responsibility (AoR) aimed at building awareness of, empathy with, and concrete support for refugees and other persons of concern while positioning UNHCR as an effective, impactful Organization S/he works closely with staff of the Division of External Relations (DER) Global Communications Service as well as with field communications staff. The incumbent will cover the full spectrum of managerial oversight, manage performance and monitor the adherence of Country Operations to UNHCR¿s rules and regulations, monitoring, identifying and addressing any emerging issues and risks as appropriate. The incumbent also promotes a culture that is results-oriented, efficient and based on trust and pursues measures to ensure that inclusion, gender balance and diversity are taken into due consideration in staffing, resource allocation and representation at all levels throughout the AoR.

As a key custodian of the organization¿s standards of conduct, s/he will proactively establish a working environment where all personnel feel safe, heard, equipped and empowered to speak up; demonstrate no tolerance for sexism, gender inequality, discrimination of any kind, abuse of power, harassment or sexual harassment; foster ongoing dialogue on those matters; take seriously all issues of inappropriate behaviour and actions reported, whether formally or informally; and seek guidance and support as necessary to ensure that appropriate follow-up is taken, working on the basis of zero tolerance for any form of misconduct.

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
– Leads UNHCR’s work on Crisis Communications, managing teams, developing and implementing strategies, and making recommendations on management of matters of reputational risk that might otherwise impact on UNHCR’s standing and its ability to help the world¿s forcibly displaced and stateless.
– Ensures the gathering and packaging of expert knowledge, data, analysis and information on developments which can be disseminated to key external audiences in order to position UNHCR as leading the narrative, building compassion and driving action for the people we serve.
– Serve as adviser to the Head of Service and other senior managers on crisis communications and on managing crises that carry reputational risks both regionally and globally, as well as in coordination with Representatives.
– Lead the development of crisis communications strategies and work-plans, working in association with communications staff at headquarters, regional and country level.
– Ensure systems/working arrangements for efficient and timely responses to crisis communications matters, working closely with the Head of News and the Head of Social media.
– Elevate UNHCR’s media and public profile to meet UNHCR’s own funding and positioning needs, and to underpin UNHCR’s global authority and leadership on displacement and statelessness matters.
– Draft messages, texts and other materials for use in external communications.
– Maintain alertness to risk factors that may require crisis communications responses and ensure that coordinated preparations are in place for handling of these.
– Working with the designated regional focal points in the GCS News & Media team strive to maintain UNHCR’s leading share of voice on asylum, displacement, and statelessness matters in the international media.
– Where relevant, in close alignment with GCS News and Media Team, serve as a Spokesperson, handling media outreach and response as well as social media communications
– Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P5 – 12 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 11 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 10 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
International Relations; Journalism; Public Administration; Refugee Studies; Communications,  Human Rights or a related field

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Experience of working in media relations in a high-profile, high visibility organization or office.
Experience of working in media, journalism, or communications at advanced level. Professional expertise in writing, editing and sub-editing.
Experience of creating and implementing communications strategies.
Experience of working in crisis communications at advanced level, including leading responses, speaking to media, and overseeing teams.

Desirable
Political communications experience. Language skills relevant to the region. Experience of having worked in a human rights context. Experience of having worked in UN field operations.

Functional Skills
CO-Editing
CO-Journalism (incl. print, broadcast, photography, video, layout & graphics)
CO-Media relations
CO-Preparation of key messages/talking points/speeches
CO-Strategic Communication
MS-Drafting, Documentation, Data Presentation

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.

The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing, training or any other fees).

Application:

Interested candidates are requested to submit an online application on the UNHCR Career Page at https://www.unhcr.org/careers.html by clicking on the “Vacancies” tab.

Closing Date

Please note that the closing date for vacancies in the March 2020Compendium is Thursday 16 April 2020 (midnight Geneva time).