JOB DESCRIPTION

Background

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is part of the United Nations Secretariat, responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. OCHA’s mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective, principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies. OCHA advocates for the rights of people in need, promotes preparedness and prevention, and facilitates sustainable solutions.

OCHA is responsible for inter-agency coordination in complex emergencies and natural disasters. In the context of the deteriorating humanitarian situation, OCHA’s role includes (a) disseminating information and policies to the humanitarian community, authorities, and donors, as well as supporting resource mobilization efforts; (b) assisting in identifying humanitarian priorities and needs and coordinating resource mobilization; and (c) providing information on the impact of natural disasters, response efforts, and the need for international assistance.

This job opening is for the position of Reporting/Communications Officer with OCHA Syria. The Reporting/Communications Officer reports to the Head of Communications and Reporting Unit, working closely with all units of OCHA Syria, and in collaboration with field and external partners.

Applicants who meet the qualifications in terms of education, experience, and language skills, as outlined in the Job Description, should apply online and submit a single application.

Position Purspose

The Reporting/Communications Officer will work as part of the Communications and Reporting Unit to help enhance the visibility of the humanitarian situation in Syria, disseminate timely updates on humanitarian needs and support with public advocacy.

Those who meet the recruitment qualifications in terms of education, experience, and language skills as advertised in the Job Description should apply online.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision Head of Office for OCHA Syria and under the day- to-day guidance of the Head of Public information Unit, the Reporting/Communications Officer is expected to perform the following tasks:

• Monitor, analyze and report on humanitarian developments and emergency situations related to the Syria to help identify priorities, trends and insights for communications planning;
• Write and produce daily updates, background and contextual documents, talking points, summary reports, correspondence and other information materials as needed, including in support of management, high-level visits and media briefings;
• Regularly liaise with relevant OCHA units, field and external partners, communications focal points, and Clusters to gather information and fact check sources, ensuring the accuracy of messaging for public consumption and advocacy;
• Support with donor reporting and provide regularly input to Situation Reports, Flash Updates and advocacy materials as needed;
• Support with disseminating timely updates and information to the humanitarian community, donors and other stakeholders as directed;
• Assist with other public information tasks as needed, including but not limited to providing English-Arabic translation/interpretation, media and social media monitoring, and participating in field missions to gather content;
• Assist in the organization of meetings and workshops including in support of the Humanitarian Communications Group (HCG);

Perform other duties as required.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

• Professionalism: Knowledge of driving rules and regulations. Knowledge of the area and the current condition of roads and highways, security and safety awareness; familiarity with frequently traveled routes and routines of the more senior staff or the officers. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Able to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarifyand exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
• Planning& Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master”s degree or equivalent in journalism, communications, languages, development studies or related fields are required.
• First level university degree in journalism, communications, languages, development studies or related field combined with 2 years of experience may be considered in lieu of advanced university degree

Experience:

• Applicants with a Master”s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in grant news report writing, content creation and/or media engagement.
• Professional experience in research, analysis and report writing in English is desirable.
• Professional experience in the Syrian context and the humanitarian assistance effort to Syria are desirable.
• Experience with liaising with stakeholders and maintaining partnerships is desirable.
• Experience with news writing, content creation and/or media engagement is desirable.
• Experience with the United Nations is desirable.

Languages:

• Fluency in oral and written English and Arabic are required.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNOCHA values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNOCHA is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNOCHA does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Probation

For all new UNOCHA fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNOCHA under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNOCHA reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNOCHA at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam alert

UNOCHA does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.