Senior Communications Assistant

Deadline for Applications

August 4, 2026

Hardship Level

A (least hardship)

Family Type

Family

Residential location (if applicable)

Grade

GS5

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

Target Start Date

2026-09-01

Standard Job Description

Senior Communications Assistant

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Senior Communications Assistant is normally supervised by a Communication Officer or other position as decided by the senior management in the area of responsibility. The supervisor provides the incumbent with regular guidance. The incumbent will have frequent contacts involving the exchange of a wide range of information with colleagues within UNHCR as well as media, international organizations, academic institutions and private individuals.

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

• Regularly monitor media and local situation regarding UNHCR.
• 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 materials 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.
• Liaise with printers concerning brochures and publications published by the office.
• Draft routine correspondence and texts for the office's website and maintain information databases.
• Compile and distribute a daily news clipping service.
• Distribute press statements and similar information to media, to other offices locally as well as to Headquarters.
• Maintain up-to-date filing system and appointments diary.
• 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

Years of Experience / Degree Level

For G5 - 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education

• Not applicable.
• Certificates and/or Licenses

International Relations; Journalism; Political Science;

(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

Some work experience relevant to the position. 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

CO-Journalism (incl. print, broadcast, photography, video, layout & graphics)

CO-Drafting and Documentation

IT-Web Content Management

• CO-Digital content production
• CO-Social Media Publishing/Monitoring/Marketing tools
• IT-Web publishing
• (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.

Desired Candidate Profile

The Senior Communications Assistant will report to the Senior Communications Officer/Spokesperson and work as part of the Communications and Public Information Unit. The incumbent will work closely with other members of the communications team and coordinate, as required, with relevant units and colleagues across the operation.

The position does not have formal supervisory responsibilities. The incumbent is expected to carry out assigned tasks in a timely and organized manner, seek guidance as appropriate and contribute effectively to the team's day-to-day priorities and emerging communications requirements.

Excellent command of both English and Turkish, with strong drafting and editing ability, is highly desirable.

Experience in media monitoring and the ability to identify, compile and summarize relevant media and public information developments would be an asset. The ability to work with information from multiple sources and support the timely preparation and dissemination of communications materials is desirable.

Experience supporting press activities, communications events, workshops or conferences, including related coordination and organizational arrangements, would be an asset.

Experience preparing content for websites, social media and other communications products is desirable. Familiarity with digital communications and basic multimedia content production would be an advantage.

The ideal candidate should be highly organized, responsive and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple assignments and work effectively within short timelines. Strong interpersonal and coordination skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and external counterparts are desirable.

Previous experience in an international organization, preferably within the UN system, or in a humanitarian context would be an asset. Familiarity with protection-sensitive communications and ethical communications principles is also desirable.

The incumbent may interact with refugees, forcibly displaced and stateless people in the context of communications activities, events and the preparation of public information content. Such interaction will require sensitivity to protection considerations, informed consent and ethical communications principles.

Recruitment as a UNHCR staff member and engagement under a UNHCR affiliate scheme or as an intern is subject to successful reference checks, and integrity clearances

PLEASE DO NOT USE TURKISH CHARACTERS IN YOUR NAME & SURNAME INFORMATION.

Staff members should serve for a minimum of one year following assignment before being considered eligible to apply for another position within the same category. This requirement is waived in respect of staff members whose position is being changed or whose assignment/appointment through the joint staff/management review body is in a replacement capacity.

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

Only short-listed candidates will be notified. The recruitment process might include a written test and/or oral interview for this job opening. No late applications will be accepted.

Non-Turkish citizens are required to upload their residence permits or relevant documents under the ‘Certifications’ section, by selecting the type ‘Personnel Administration – Other’, to be considered for this job opening. Applications by non-Turkish citizens will NOT be considered if a valid residence permit is not attached to the application.

For further information on how to apply, please visit the ‘UNHCR - Application and Selection’ page at https://www.unhcr.org/how-to-apply.html.

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level)

,

,

Desired languages

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position

The Senior Communications Assistant will support the Communications and Public Information Unit in the day-to-day implementation of the Office's communications and public information activities.

The position will contribute to monitoring the media and broader public information environment relevant to UNHCR's work in Türkiye and support the timely compilation and dissemination of relevant information within the Office. The incumbent will also support the preparation and organization of press briefings, public information activities, workshops, conferences and other communications-related events.

The position will contribute to the preparation of public information and communications materials, including content for the Office's digital platforms, information products, campaigns and other external and internal communications. The incumbent will provide support in drafting and adapting communications content and ensuring the timely dissemination of press statements and other relevant information to media and appropriate internal and external audiences.

Given the fast-paced and often time-sensitive nature of communications work, the position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, responsiveness and the ability to manage multiple assigned tasks within short timelines. The incumbent will also contribute to maintaining communications information, records and relevant databases and support emerging communications needs as required.

The position requires awareness of the sensitivities associated with communicating on refugee issues and the broader public and media environment in Türkiye. The incumbent is expected to work collaboratively with Communications colleagues and relevant units across the operation and support the delivery of communications activities in line with UNHCR standards and priorities.

The position will also involve interaction with external stakeholders, including media representatives, partners, civil society organizations, international organizations, service providers and other counterparts, in support of press activities, events, information dissemination and other communications functions.

Living and Working Conditions

Ankara is the capital city of Türkiye and has a modern developed infrastructure with sufficient availability of education, health, transportation and other public services. Various types of accommodation are on offer in the housing market. It has a continental climate with cold, snowy winters due to its elevation and inland location, and hot, dry summers. Rainfall occurs mostly during the spring and fall. The general security situation in Ankara remains calm and stable. There have been no serious security incidents recorded in Ankara since 2016. UNHCR security management is guided by the UN Common Security Management System and security advisories are shared with staff as and when required.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CO-Digital content production, CO-Drafting and Documentation, CO-Journalism (incl. print, broadcast, photography, video, layout & graphics), CO-Social Media Publishing/Monitoring/Marketing tools, IT-Web Content Management, IT-Web publishing

Education

Certifications

International Relations - Other, Journalism - Other, Political Science - Other

Work Experience

Competencies

Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Innovation & creativity, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness UNHCR Salary Calculator

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional Information

• Functional clearance
• This position doesn't require a functional clearance