Job Title: Senior Communication / PI Assistant Vacancy Notice: 57/2019 Position Number 10028467
Location: Rome, Italy Position Grade: G-5 Closing Date: 2019-12-04
Organizational Context

The public debate on asylum and migration in Italy is drastically affected by an increasing attitude of demonizing
migrants, rescuers (i.e. NGOs and civil society at large) and even asylum-seekers and refugees. As a result, episodes
of xenophobia, racism and hate speech have flourished. The country is divided and defending the rights of refugees
became more complex than ever. The scenario is extremely sensitive and highly polarized and it became vital for
UNHCR to continue owning the refugee space and enhance its presence in an increasingly competitive, complex
and hostile environment.
In this tense scenario, UNHCR voice on refugee issues is critical in helping to shape the narrative and as an
advocacy tool. In particular, partnerships become fundamental not only to support refugee inclusion and selfreliance,
but they also represent a great opportunity for advocacy, with a lot of potential for the dissemination of
UNHCR’s messages. More than ever, the World Refugee Day represents, with its multiple events and considering
the constant media attention, an occasion for UNHCR to bring on awareness, empathy and solidarity for the
refugee cause in various areas of our common living.
As a result of this operational context, the quality of the communication work requires additional specific skills.
The Global Communication Strategy recommends to put UNHCR in the condition to lead the narrative on main
topics of concern. This imposes the necessity to strengthen the PI unit with staff holding solid communication
skills including direct experience in journalism, deep knowledge of reporting dynamics, analytical ability, in
addition to and excellent English writing skills which are considered essential as internationals make 40% of
media interlocutors.
The Senior Communication/PI Assistant will provide assistance to the immediate supervisor and /or Head of the
Office/Unit to ensure that high standards are maintained in drafting press releases, messaging, internal
communication and reporting, organization of press conferences and high level media initiatives.
The Senior Communication/PI Assistant normally has no direct supervisory functions though it rests upon the
supervisor of the post to make time specific arrangements subject to a given situation. The incumbent functions
under direct supervision of a Senior Communication/PI Associate, who is required to monitor the performance of
the incumbent and provide regular guidance.
Responsibilities

Accountability 
- Media and local situation regarding UNHCR's work is regularly monitored.

Responsibility 
- Maintain up-to-date filing system and appointments diary.
- Internal PI reporting tasks including media log, activities log, news to media log and archive, inputs for biweekly
internal ROSE report and monthly PI/media coverage report.
- 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 material 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;
- Supervise production and release of the Italian version of communication tools produced by Global or RBE
- Contribute to the development of new and existing PI lines and messages, Q&A, talking points and other
communications/advocacy tools
- Process and issue press statements and similar information to media, to other offices locally as well as to
Headquarters.
- Draft routine correspondence and texts for the office's website and maintain information databases.
- Monitor UNHCR media coverage in Italy and perform qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
- Perform other duties as required.

Authority 
- Respond to non-complex media queries and incoming correspondence.
- Have access to UNHCR Communication / PI systems.
Minimum Qualification and Professional Experience Required

ESSENTIAL


- Completion of the Secondary Education with post-secondary training in International Relations, Journalism,
Political Science or related field.
- Minimum 5 years of previous relevant job experience.
- Communication and computer skills.
- Excellent drafting skills as well as translation and interpreting skills.
- Fluency in English and Italian

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

- Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of position.
- Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.
Other information

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: 


Please note that this is a local position for which having a valid working permit in Italy is required.

To apply, please download the Personal History Form (PHF) and Supplementary Sheet at http://italy.unhcr.io/land.php. 
Then signup or login and complete the online application form before the deadline.

Only the present PHF and Supplementary Sheet(s) if any, will be considered as valid application documents.
No CVs, old P.11 form or other UN agency application forms will be accepted.
PHFs must be signed for an application to be considered as valid.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the assessment.

No late applications will be considered.

Shortlisted candidates will be assessed through a written test and an oral interview.

For application-related queries, please write to itarovacanceis@unhcr.org

 

 

 
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