Switzerland: Communication Consultant

Organization: UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Country: Switzerland
Closing date: 10 Sep 2014

Background and justification

The challenges faced by refugees and displaced populations in finding decent economic opportunities have been subject to growing attention in UNHCR operations globally. Efforts to strengthen the organisation’s understanding of refugee livelihoods and capacity to deliver adequate services and useful livelihoods programs is continuing while the number of operations that have flagged their interest in boosting their activities in this area is growing every year.

The national, legal and policy environment in refugee hosting countries places varying degrees of restrictions on refugees' right to work. In spite of these, refugees use different strategies to generate income, mostly through day labouring jobs in the informal sector. The initial assets that refugees can rely on - such as their skills, access to financial capital, physical health - are critical in widening their options to access safe and productive work or engage in income generating activities. In many cases however, these assets are either insufficient from the start, or have been eroded by years of displacement.

In 2013, the Livelihoods Unit developed a 2014-2018 global strategy for livelihoods that introduces a strong focus on helping refugees increase their self-reliance through market based activities. The strategy outlines UNHCR’s objectives and programs aimed at supporting refugees to move from humanitarian aid to self-reliance. The Unit now seeks to improve how this shift in livelihoods programming is communicated and develop a more strategic way of increasing internal and external awareness about how UNHCR builds self-reliance with refugees.

Organizational Context

UNHCR is searching for a highly motivated technical expert in communication to provide assistance to UNHCR’s Livelihoods Unit in the Operational Solutions and Transition Section (OSTS).

The consultant will be responsible for designing communication material for different purposes (awareness raising, partnerships, global events) and strengthening the Livelihoods Unit’s presence in online media.

Functional statement

The consultant is responsible for implementation and follow-up of project activities:

Outputs:

• A communications pack with descriptions of the main livelihoods initiatives to be used with donors and other potential stakeholders.
• An assessment of UNHCR livelihoods-related articles currently circulating on internal and external websites including topics, main messages and frequency.
• A strategy to improve UNHCR livelihoods messaging and positioning on internal and external websites and social media based on assessment.
• At least three articles posted or ready to post on websites or social media.
• Other tasks as needed.

Main Activities:

• Update intranet, internet and CTA sites with current content and make required changes on style of sites.
• Work with Livelihoods Unit staff and consultants to create or adapt existing communications material to a general audience.
• Research and analyse existing communications to determine what information is circulating and if it is compatible with the intended messages in the Global Strategy for Livelihoods 2014-2018.
• Work with staff and consultants to create a communications strategy.
• Develop written materials as needed.

Required Profile/Qualifications

Educational background:

Minimum academic qualification is an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a field related to communications, humanitarian affairs, sustainable development, or international relations.

Required work experience:

• Two years of relevant professional job experience in communication, social media, and/or digital outreach, for humanitarian affairs and/or international (sustainable) development;
• Experience in working for an international (non-governmental) organization highly desirable;
• Experience in developing grant-making/fund-raising and communication plans around humanitarian/development context will be an asset.

Key competencies:

• Solid understanding of displacement situations
• Strong interest in and exposure to humanitarian/development issues and livelihoods
• Extensive analytical, organizational, reporting, and presentation skills
• Developed computer skills, including Power Point, Word, Outlook, and graphic design software
• Fluency in English necessary
• Ability to work as a part of a multi-cultural and international team

How to apply:

Please send your CV and/or P11 to: livelihoods@unhcr.org

Deadline

10 September 2014

Duration of Assignment

3 months