Associate Communications Officer at UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency

Tokyo, , Japan -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

18 Dec, 25

Salary

0.0

Posted On

19 Sep, 25

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Strategic Communications, Public Relations, Stakeholder Management, Content Planning, Social Media Strategy, Storytelling, Media Relations, Crisis Communications, Campaign Planning, Digital Analytics, Interpersonal Skills, Political Acumen, Team Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion, Flexibility, Results-Oriented Mindset

Industry

International Affairs

Description

Deadline for Applications October 3, 2025 Hardship Level H (no hardship) Family Type Family Family Type Family Residential location (if applicable) Grade NOB Staff Member / Affiliate Type National Professional Officer Reason Regular > Regular Assignment Target Start Date 2025-12-01 Standard Job Description Associate Communications Officer Organizational Setting and Work Relationships In line with its Global Communications Strategy, UNHCR requires skilled communications professionals to conceive and execute a range of activities that help us lead the narrative on forced displacement, generate empathy and mobilize action. This body of work spans communications strategy and coordination, news and media relations, multimedia content production, social media engagement, Goodwill Ambassadors and other influencers, public outreach and campaigns, fundraising, analytics and brand. UNHCR's Associate Communications Officers need to cultivate a keen understanding of our target audiences' including an up-to-the-minute grasp of the methods and tone of voice that resonate deeply, win trust and spark quality engagement. They must be vigilant about editorial and journalistic standards, attentive to protection concerns and political sensitivities, and focused on communicating successfully with key demographics. These audiences will vary by location, language and platform, among other factors, as well as whether the aim is to inform, advocate or raise funds. The Associate Communications Officers' functions, working relationships and skills specializations differ depending on language, location, grade, and whether they sit within a country operation, a regional bureau or the Global Communications Service. UNHCR¿s primary target audiences include public, media and policymakers, while our main partners and influencers include peers and private sector, trusted figures and our own workforce. Some communicators will focus mainly on news and media relations, for example, while others will produce multimedia content, manage social media accounts or lead advocacy campaigns. Forging partnerships with media outlets that reach target audiences is a central role for all Associate Communications Officers. All Associate Communications Officers are expected to work strategically in support of UNHCR's operational and communications objectives for their geographic area of responsibility (AoR) as well as global priorities. Communications approaches should reflect our core values as an organization that is caring, trustworthy, proactive, outcome-focused and responsive. This will reinforce UNHCR¿s role as the lead agency that protects refugees, internally displaced and stateless people and mobilizes action to provide solutions.¿ 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 - Support the implementation of communications strategies for countries, situations and special projects; identify thematic priorities and target audiences to meet UNHCR's global communications objectives. - Monitor news and popular trends to insert UNHCR's messaging into ongoing conversations; identify key moments for proactive communications. - Forge strategic partnerships with individuals and organizations who can help produce and promote UNHCR content, activities and messaging as well as provide research insights to improve communications; promote the work of engaged businesses and civil society actors. - Contribute to the development of news-driven and authoritative content to lead the narrative on forced displacement and show UNHCR's impact (e.g. interviews, press releases, flagship reports, speeches), create emotive storytelling to generate empathy (e.g. stories, multimedia content) and mobilize action by signposting concrete steps people can take to help refugees (e.g. digital diplomacy, action-driven campaigns, fundraising). - Support the supervisor in ensuring content created reaches maximum impact by developing strategies for distribution from the outset, boosting the visibility of our content on relevant UNHCR channels and placing it on external channels. - Closely monitor the implementation of communications projects and adjust accordingly. Benchmark the results of communications projects against set success indicators; build on communications successes. Additional duties for news and media roles: - Implement communications strategies, campaigns, events and other initiatives in support of UNHCR's strategic objectives, including its need for leading share of voice on refugee and related matters, and ensure coverage of refugee situations in their country or region in global and domestic media. - Research, prepare, fact-check, edit and produce professional media and communications materials for target audiences and ensure their timely dissemination via UNHCR's communications channels, ensuring highest quality standards. - Draft media releases, statements and media briefing notes, and secure clearances, working in conjunction with relevant focal points and keeping sensitive to needs of both internal and external audiences. - Act as a spokesperson for UNHCR, organizing press events, handling interviews requests and providing responses to requests from media relating to UNHCR and its work. - Engage with journalists and public audiences via social media channels. - Regularly provide ideas for communications initiatives and considered professional communications advice to senior staff of UNHCR. - Undertake missions and field trips with media and other official visitors in support of UNHCR and its work. - Actively maintain media relations for UNHCR, ensuring that media (and other important external stakeholders, such as governments, embassies, NGOs etc.) are briefed regularly on issues of importance to UNHCR, and have access to information and UNHCR expertise. - Prepare and manage communications budgets. - Ensure alignment with UNHCR's global branding and messaging. - Continually maintain and upgrade communications skills, keeping abreast of emerging platforms and tools, and systematically reviewing media impact results and other measurement tools for learning purposes. Additional duties for news and media roles within the Global Communications Service - Oversee coordination of communications work for their designated regions and thematic issues, working closely with communications staff in bureaux and country offices and in collaboration with senior communications officers/advisers in that region. - Manage a wide network of relationships at all levels across bureaux, divisions and offices (including the Executive Office) to ensure timely internal information sharing as a foundation for grounded communications, and to build consensus around communications proposals. - Maintain close involvement in communications recruitment and training needs for assigned regions, keeping in mind UNHCR's goals of employing and retaining the world¿s leading humanitarian communications expertise. Additional duties for news and media roles within Country Offices - Act as the primary interface on communications matters between the country office and the Global Communications Service. - Support the supervisor in crisis communications work for the country within the AoR, alerting the GCS/News & Media Section's crisis communications lead to risk issues and ensuring close coordination. Additional duties for news and media roles within Regional Bureaux - Regularly provide ideas for communications initiatives and considered professional communications advice to senior Bureau staff and Representatives of Country Operations overseen by the Bureau. - Oversee data and information gathering and sharing of information with a view to ensuring the Bureau's authority as a centre of up to date knowledge and expertise relating to its region. - Ensure Bureau staff are aware of UNHCR's global positioning needs. - 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 Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level For P2/NOB - 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree Field(s) of Education Journalism; International Relations; Political Science; Communications; Public Information; Media Film / Video; or other relevant field. Certificates and/or Licenses Not specified Relevant Job Experience Essential Minimum 1 year of professional experience in journalism and/or communications, mainly at international level. Desirable Strong social media presence. Experience working on advocacy campaigns. Experience working with goodwill ambassadors and other high-profile influencers. Experience with brand management. Experience with measurement and evaluation, especially providing analysis of media coverage, social media engagement, web traffic, etc. Experience reporting, writing, editing for magazines, newspapers and websites. Experience using digital asset management systems. Experience with digital analytics and performance reporting. Functional Skills Required skills will vary according to the precise nature of the role, location, etc. but may include: CO-Digital content production CO-Editing CO-International Media Contacts CO-Journalism (incl. print, broadcast, photography, video, layout & graphics) CO-Preparation of key messages/talking points/speeches CO-Public Speaking CO-Spokesperson skills CO-Video production for digital platforms (including news organizations) IT-Web Content Management CO-Drafting and Documentation (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 candidate is expected to be a strategic and dynamic communications professional who can lead public engagement initiatives for forcibly displaced and stateless persons, both globally and within Japan. Skills and experience required include: • Fluency in English and Japanese, with excellent communication and drafting skills in both languages. The ability to read, write, and work effectively in Japanese in a professional/business context is essential. • Proven experience in strategic communications and public relations, including risk management and leading communications strategies in complex or challenging environments. • Strong political acumen and experience in stakeholder management, coordination, and broader external engagement, particularly in complex political and social environments. • Prior management and leadership experience, with the ability to foster team spirit, build strong working relationships, and coordinate effectively across teams. • Strong skills in content planning, social media strategy, and storytelling, with the ability to amplify diverse voices and engage broad audiences. • Demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships with stakeholders—especially media and influencers—and familiarity with campaign planning and execution. • Excellent interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to work under pressure while demonstrating flexibility and maturity. • Culturally sensitive and committed to diversity and inclusion. • A strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset. *Functional clearance is required for this position. *A written test may be administered as part of the selection process. *The position is only open to nationals of Japan and those who already have the necessary legal status to work in Japan. Please indicate this clearly in the application. Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): Japanese , English , Desired languages , , Operational context Occupational Safety and Health Considerations: To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel Nature of Position: Japan is one of UNHCR’s largest donors and plays a critical role in supporting efforts to address global displacement and advance the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR). UNHCR Japan, based in Tokyo, works to mobilize support for forcibly displaced and stateless persons by engaging the government and the people of Japan. The office collaborates with a wide range of partners — including those outside the traditional humanitarian sphere, such as development institutions, the private sector, youth, municipalities, and academia — to enhance public awareness and encourage engagement through a whole-of-society approach. Aligned with UNHCR’s Global Communications Strategy and UNHCR Japan’s multi-year strategy, the office seeks skilled strategic communications and public relations professionals to design and implement initiatives that promote a positive narrative around forced displacement, generate empathy, and mobilize action. The office aims to contribute to a diverse and inclusive society, while advancing awareness, partnerships, and broad-based support for those affected by forced displacement and statelessness domestically and globally. Exploring new opportunities to engage emerging stakeholders is especially important, and communications are central to these efforts. In close collaboration with other units, the Associate Communications Officer will lead UNHCR Japan’s communications activities, including strategy development, planning, and implementation of public engagement initiatives such as campaigns, public information programmes, and content planning and management — with a strong focus on social media. The incumbent will be responsible for enhancing UNHCR’s brand awareness in Japan, cultivating media and influencer relationships to reach new audiences, and amplifying diverse voices through storytelling in an effective manner against the background of changing political and social context. The incumbent will also collaborate closely with Japan for UNHCR, oversee external consultants, and coordinate with UNHCR’s regional and global communications teams. Living and Working Conditions: Additional Qualifications Skills Education Bachelor of Arts: Communication, Bachelor of Arts: International Relations, Bachelor of Arts: Journalism, Bachelor of Arts: Political Science Certifications HCR Learning Program - UNHCR Work Experience Competencies Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Innovation & creativity, Judgement & decision making, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Teamwork & collaboration UNHCR Salary Calculator https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales Compendium Additional Information Functional clearance This position requires Functional Clearance Important notice: Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing or training). Read about how to avoid scams and fraudulent job offers. Please note that applications are only accepted via the UNHCR online recruitment platform. CVs and/or application requests sent via email will not be answered, reviewed nor considered. For external applicants: We would like to call your attention on the eligibility of International Professional (P) category: According to our Recruitment and Assignments Policy, P staff members will not normally serve in the country of their nationality, and the first regular appointment in the P category must be outside the staff member's country of nationality. In practical terms this means that you are not eligible to apply for International Professional vacancies advertised in the country where you are national of. In case of technical difficulties when applying, external applicants (not current UNHCR workforce members) can write to recruitmentcase@unhcr.org. For former UNHCR Colleagues: Former UNHCR employees who are on mandatory break-in service or have separated from UNHCR after 1 October 2022 should create an account through this platform. Once you fill in your basic personal information (employee ID, birth date, name, email address), Workday will identify you as prior personnel and merge your employee account with your external applicant account. The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, takes the lead in protecting people forced to flee wars and persecution around the world, providing life-saving aid including shelter, food and water to ensure their basic safety, rights and dignity. With 18,879 women and men working in 137 countries, we work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of 89.3 million forcibly displaced people worldwide. Our dedicated and professional staff work around the clock in roles including legal protection, community services, public affairs, health and more. Despite the challenges they can face, our staff are proud to work for UNHCR and determined to make a positive impact. Why a career with UNHCR? Our dedicated staff work to protect and assist people fleeing conflict and persecution at a time when global forced displacement is at a record high. Our colleagues bring a wide range of specialized skills, including expertise in legal protection, administration, community services, public affairs, health and other disciplines. Disability inclusion If you are a person with a disability and you expect you may face challenges during the recruitment process, you can indicate it in your application form. There are options to select any health conditions you may have and outline any necessary adjustments related to disabilities during the recruitment phases. Providing this information is optional. It will be treated as strictly confidential and used only for the purpose of finding out how to better assist you during the recruitment process. Adjustments for candidates with disabilities will be provided as best as possible and as needed upon request. All candidates will be assessed based on meeting the requirements for each vacancy in relation to experience, skills, and education.

Responsibilities

The Associate Communications Officer will lead UNHCR Japan’s communications activities, including strategy development and public engagement initiatives. They will enhance UNHCR’s brand awareness in Japan and cultivate media and influencer relationships.