Communications Assistant

April 19, 2026

Grade

GS4

General Service

Reason

Temporary > Temporary Assignment/ Appointment

H (no hardship)

Family

2026-05-01

2026-12-31

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.

Operational context:
The UNHCR Multi-Country Office (MCO) based in Italy oversees operations in Italy, the Holy See, Malta, and San Marino—countries situated at the crossroads of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, and characterized by diverse asylum systems, distinct legal frameworks, and varying capacities for refugee protection.

This sub region plays a pivotal role in migration and refugee movements to Europe, particularly through the Central and Eastern Mediterranean routes. Irregular arrivals by sea and land, secondary movements, and complex protection needs place continued pressure on national asylum and reception systems. Although the number of arrivals fluctuates, the centrality of these countries in broader European migration dynamics remains constant.

Italy and Malta, in particular, continue to serve as primary entry points to the EU for persons seeking international protection. Their geographic proximity to North Africa positions Italy as a key actor in search and rescue (SAR) activities and in receiving persons rescued at sea.

San Marino and the Vatican City, though not primary asylum destinations, are engaged partners in refugee protection through political advocacy, moral leadership, and resettlement or complementary pathways, especially under community sponsorship and humanitarian corridors supported by faith-based organizations.

In a context marked by politicization, misinformation, and shifting public sentiment, PI/Communication plays a critical role in shaping narratives, fostering public understanding, and reinforcing the integrity of the asylum system. The Office will leverage strategic communication to amplify evidence-based messaging, promote the visibility of UNHCR’s impact, and build trust among stakeholders. PI/Communication has a vital role in supporting institutional engagement and donor visibility, while maximizing public engagement and media outreach. By translating complex policy and operational priorities into accessible and compelling narratives, PI/Communication contributes to policy influence, resource mobilization, and the broader goal of protecting and promoting integration of refugees.

In this tense scenario, MCO Italy operation needs to prioritize social media and digital communication activities for UNHCR’s voice on refugee issues to be able to lead the narrative and further advocacy messages, also in line with the Global Communication Strategy and Italy’s Joint Communication Strategy.

The Communications Assistant will work under the direct supervision of the Communication Associate, G-6, within MCO’s Communication team.

Social media related tasks:
 Create, manage and promote a social media plan with content for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
 Moderate community interaction, including comments and direct messages. Identify threats and opportunities in user generated contents and report notable threats to appropriate management.
 Liaise with social media team at UNHCR HQ, RBE and PSP in Italy to strengthen consistency of content and messaging.
 Create content for social media (cards, videos, etc.) and oversee graphic designers work, bearing in mind UNHCR’s global social media guidelines.
 Design, create and manage promotions and social ad campaigns.
 Compile timely results reports (ROA –return on attention-, engagement and community growth).
 Map out social media strategy measurable by tests and metrics.

Digital media identity related tasks:
 Provide input, direction and execution of design and development aspects of the websites for increased visibility, usability and traffic via “search engine optimization” best practices and link building campaigns.
 Analyze and execute online campaigns to drive web traffic.
 Analyze and enhance website published contents to improve the search engine ranking through keywords optimization.
 Monitor and analyze best performing websites and online channels used to push contents and drive interest (i.e.: blogs, email, social media).
 Engage in joint digital campaigns and activities in conjunction with PSP.
 Support in Identifying and managing digital influencers

Other required tasks:
 Translate from English into Italian relevant UNHCR information and materials for further dissemination.
 Support the organization of activities and/or events organized by MCO.
 Update and maintain the communication and external relations databases and stock of materials.
 Support any other tasks and activities as required.
 Prepare the daily press review, assisting in adapting briefing notes and press releases.
 Collect data and support the compilation of internal and external reports.
 Support in the implementation of the PI procurement plan.
 Perform other relevant tasks in support of the Communication Unit per operational needs.

Desired candidate profile:
In addition to the required qualifications as per the position standard job description, the desired candidate should have the following requisites:

Work Experience
 Preferable – At least 2 years of job experience in digital and social media and website management.
 Preferable – Experience in SEM, SEO, and web analytics tools (Raven, Google Analytics).
 Preferable – Experience in Content Management Systems for website online publishing (WordPress).
 Experience in creating editorial plans for including, but not limited to, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Google Communities, Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, YouTube and Pinterest platforms.
 Previous UN Experience in similar functions is an asset.

Key Competencies
 Excellent translating ability in Italian and English are essential.
 Excellent verbal and writing communication skills.
 Excellent organization and analytical skills as well as ability to adapt to a variable workload and function in a deadline-oriented environment.
 Knowledge of social media and analytics software (Hootsuite, Julius, Facebook Insights, etc.).
 Working knowledge of graphic design programs such as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Canva.

Additional Information
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Italy.
English is the official working language of UNHCR in Italy. Only applications fully completed in English will be considered.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Assessment of short-listed candidates might comprise of both an interview and a written test.
UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.
We welcome applications from candidates with a refugee or stateless background.
UNHCR has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and sexual harassment. Successful candidates will be subject to mandatory UN Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment clearance check prior to receiving an offer.
UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).
All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

This position doesn't require a functional clearance

English

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Italian

,

,

,

Skills

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

Education

Certifications

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

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