Communications Associate
Support OCHA's communication efforts through research and content creation.
Overview
Support OCHA's communication efforts through research and content creation.
You have:
- Proficiency in English and Arabic is required.
- Ability to translate complex data into accessible and engaging content.
- Familiarity with humanitarian issues and OCHA's mandate is preferred.
- Accuracy and attention to details in data collection, analysis and reporting.
- Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, and authorities at different levels.
- Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment.
- Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications, design and video editing applications.
- Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
Contract
This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA)‘s overall goal in Lebanon is to support the Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator in his work to ensure a coherent and effective humanitarian response to all people in need in Lebanon in line with the Lebanon Crisis Response Plan. OCHA Lebanon’s focus is to:
• Enhance coordination mechanisms at the strategic level, in support of the HC and the HCT to improve planning and monitoring of a joined-up response across all sectors; • Strengthen situational awareness in a fluid context as well as the analysis of humanitarian needs, gaps and response; • Mobilize flexible, predictable humanitarian funding; and advocate for improved protection and humanitarian access.
The Communications Associate will support the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) by undertaking a range of tasks focused on research, social media content creation, online storytelling, data visualization, media monitoring, and communication material translation. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to represent data in multiple formats, ensuring OCHA’s communication efforts are effective and impactful.
Within the delegated authority of OCHA Head of Office and under the direct supervision of OCHA Senior Communications and Reporting officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Communications Associate will:
- Conduct research on relevant humanitarian topics and issues, providing insights and data that inform OCHA’s communication and reporting.
- Develop, schedule, and monitor content for OCHA’s social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) in line with OCHA’s communication strategies.
- Create visuals, graphics, and other multimedia assets using design tools such as CANVA, Adobe InDesign, or equivalent software.
- Craft compelling online stories that highlight the humanitarian community work in Lebanon, turning complex data and humanitarian narratives into engaging content for diverse audiences.
- Monitor traditional and social media to track narratives and issues of relevance to humanitarian work, providing timely reports and insights.
- Compile press clippings, social media analytics, and monitor public reactions to humanitarian activities.
- Translate communication materials (e.g., press releases, social media posts, statements) between English and Arabic.
- Assist in the preparation and organization of press briefings, conferences, and field missions.
- Collaborate with colleagues across OCHA and the UN system to ensure communication efforts are coordinated and amplified.
- Perform other related duties as assigned, including supporting the implementation of joint UN campaigns.
• Professionalism: Knowledge of environmental economics, natural resource economics; common property resources, ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNEP/ROWA in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary. • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity, and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNEP/ROWA’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.
research, data analysis, content creation, and multimedia design. - Proficiency in English and Arabic is required. - Ability to translate complex data into accessible and engaging content. - Familiarity with humanitarian issues and OCHA’s mandate is preferred. - Accuracy and attention to details in data collection, analysis and reporting. - Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, and authorities at different levels. - Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. - Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications, design and video editing applications. - Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in Beirut. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.
National UN Specialist Volunteers in Lebanon are entitled to:
• Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of USD 1,606.53 • Annual and learning leaves; • Medical and life Insurance • Free access to different learning platforms.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a situation where you had to gather and analyze data for a project? | This question assesses the candidate's ability to conduct research and analyze data accurately. | Provide a specific example of how you sourced data, the methodologies you used, and the outcome. |
| How have you handled social media content planning in a previous role? | This question evaluates the candidate's experience with social media management and strategy. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a time when you needed to translate complex information into engaging content. What was your approach? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects with tight deadlines? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you give an example of how you worked collaboratively within a diverse team? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |