Communications Associate

Mission and objectives

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, through the Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, monitors and reports on the human rights situation throughout Ukraine and provides recommendations to the Government and other stakeholders to address documented concerns, prevent violations and mitigate emerging risks.

The Mission has operated in Ukraine since March 2014 and monitors the human rights situation using international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Its mandate also covers Ukrainian territories temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation, including the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.

Context

The Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine communicates its findings, recommendations and advocacy messages through public reports, media engagement, digital platforms, public events and cooperation with other United Nations entities.

Effective communications are essential for making complex human rights information accessible to the public, increasing awareness of documented concerns and promoting concrete action by relevant stakeholders.

The Communications Associate will support implementation of the Mission’s communications strategy, production of digital and multimedia content, management of online platforms, media monitoring and delivery of public communications campaigns and events.

Key responsibilities

1) Communications content production

• Assist in producing communications and reporting materials, including social media content, human-interest stories, press releases and other public information texts.
• Support production of images, videos, infographics, leaflets and other visual communications materials.
• Help ensure that communications products present human rights information clearly, accurately and appropriately for different audiences.

2) Digital communications and platform management

• Support maintenance and regular updating of official websites and social media platforms.
• Upload and organise content to ensure that online information remains accurate, relevant and current.
• Monitor social media trends and provide recommendations on appropriate digital campaigns, formats and products.
• Maintain and update the Mission’s stock of communications and visibility materials.

3) Campaigns and public events

• Support organisation of public online and in-person events, including launches of OHCHR public reports in Ukraine and activities marking Human Rights Day.
• Assist with event communications, materials, coordination and visibility.
• Contribute to joint digital communications campaigns developed through the UN Communication and Advocacy Group.
• Help ensure that joint UN communications activities include a strong human rights perspective.

4) Media monitoring and communications analysis

• Contribute to monitoring media coverage of the Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine.
• Track relevant media and public communications developments.
• Support the preparation of internal updates and summaries on communications reach, coverage and emerging trends.
• Perform other communications-related functions and special duties as required.

Requirements

• Education: Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, International Relations, Media Relations, Public Information, Marketing or a related field. A relevant first-level university degree combined with one additional year of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• Experience: At least 1 month of relevant professional experience.
• Languages: Ukrainian – Fluent; English – Fluent; Russian – Fluent.
• Eligibility: Candidate must be a Ukrainian national, legal resident or hold refugee status in Ukraine.

Essential skills

• Excellent English-language drafting and editing skills.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate and audience-appropriate communications content.
• Strong communication, teamwork and organisational skills.
• Professionalism, integrity and attention to detail.
• Ability to work sensitively with human rights-related information and within a multicultural environment.
• Ability to manage several communications tasks and deadlines simultaneously.

Desirable skills

• Graphic design and video editing skills.
• Experience producing social media, visual or multimedia content.
• Previous experience with the United Nations common system or a similar international organisation.
• Previous volunteering, internship or cross-cultural experience.

Allowances

• Volunteer Living Allowance: USD 1,374 per month, paid in UAH equivalent and including the applicable Well-Being Differential.
• Entry lump sum: USD 350 as a one-time payment.

Medical and life insurance

• Medical insurance: UNV-provided coverage for the UN Volunteer and eligible dependants, where applicable, for the duration of the assignment.
• Life insurance: Coverage for the full assignment period.

Leave entitlements

• Annual leave: 2.5 days per completed month of assignment.
• Learning leave: Up to 10 working days per 12 months, subject to approval.
• Certified sick leave: Up to 30 days per 12-month cycle.
• Uncertified sick leave: 7 working days per calendar year.