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If you are passionate about storytelling, media, and humanitarian work, a new opportunity has opened with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The organization is currently recruiting a Senior Communications Associate to support its communications and visibility initiatives in Ankara, Türkiye.
This position offers a unique chance to contribute to global humanitarian efforts while developing professional experience in communications, media production, and digital storytelling. The role focuses on producing compelling content that highlights the work UNHCR does to support refugees and displaced communities worldwide.
Applications for this role close on 23 March 2026, so interested candidates should apply promptly.
About UNHCR
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, widely known as UNHCR, is the United Nations agency responsible for protecting and supporting people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or disasters.
Operating in more than 137 countries, UNHCR works to provide life-saving assistance such as shelter, food, water, and legal protection to millions of displaced individuals. According to the organization, over 89 million people worldwide have been forcibly displaced, making the work of UNHCR more crucial than ever.
The agency employs thousands of dedicated professionals from diverse backgrounds, including specialists in protection, health, logistics, communications, public affairs, and humanitarian coordination.
Working with UNHCR means contributing to a global mission of compassion, protection, and dignity for vulnerable populations.
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About the Senior Communications Associate Role
The Senior Communications Associate position is designed to support UNHCR’s communications and visibility activities within its operations in Ankara.
The selected candidate will work closely with the communications team and programme units to create and share impactful stories about UNHCR projects and partnerships. The role emphasizes visual storytelling, including photography, video production, social media content, and digital communication materials.
The position is offered as an Individual Contractor Agreement, meaning the selected professional will provide specialized communication services to UNHCR for a specific period.
Key job details include:
- Location: Ankara, Türkiye
- Contract Type: Individual Contractor (Local Senior Level Support)
- Working Hours: 40 hours per week
- Target Start Date: 1 April 2026
- Application Deadline: 23 March 2026
- Hardship Level: A (least hardship)
This opportunity is ideal for professionals with communications experience who want to contribute to humanitarian storytelling and digital engagement.
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Key Responsibilities
The Senior Communications Associate will support a variety of communications tasks designed to strengthen the visibility of UNHCR’s work.
1. Communication Strategy Support
The successful candidate will help implement communication strategies and visibility activities that highlight programme results and partnerships.
2. Content Creation
One of the core responsibilities is developing written, visual, and multimedia materials for reports, websites, and social media platforms.
3. Social Media and Digital Engagement
The role involves preparing content for digital platforms, including short videos, graphics, and engaging posts that showcase UNHCR activities and campaigns.
4. Photography and Video Production
Candidates will produce high-quality photos and videos documenting field missions, projects, and events. Basic editing and post-production tasks will also be required.
5. Event and Field Documentation
The communications associate will assist in documenting key field activities, meetings, and partnerships to ensure impactful storytelling.
6. Ethical Communication
All communication materials must align with UNHCR standards and respect the sensitivities involved in refugee protection and humanitarian contexts.
7. Rapid Communication Support
The communications team often works under tight deadlines, so the ability to respond quickly to emerging communication needs is essential.
Expected Outputs
The success of the role will be measured through several performance indicators, including:
- Timely delivery of communication materials
- High-quality photos and videos documenting UNHCR activities
- Strong social media and digital communication outputs
- Compliance with UNHCR communication guidelines
- Effective support to communication campaigns and visibility initiatives
These outputs ensure that the organization’s humanitarian work remains visible to partners, donors, and the global public.
Required Qualifications
To be eligible for this opportunity, candidates must meet specific academic and professional requirements.
Education
Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in fields such as:
- Communications
- Journalism
- Media Studies
- Public Relations
- International Relations
- Or a related discipline
Relevant academic backgrounds help candidates understand communication strategies and storytelling in international contexts.
Professional Experience
Candidates must have at least two years of relevant professional experience in communications or media-related roles.
Preferred experience includes:
- Developing digital content for websites and social media
- Producing multimedia materials such as photos and videos
- Covering events, field missions, or programme activities
- Translating field experiences into compelling communication outputs
Previous experience with international organizations or humanitarian agencies, especially within the United Nations system, is considered an advantage.
Required Skills
The position requires a combination of creative and technical communication skills.
Important competencies include:
- Strong storytelling abilities through visual media
- Excellent writing and editing skills for digital audiences
- Proficiency in photo and video editing tools such as Adobe Premiere, Final Cut, Lightroom, or Photoshop
- Ability to produce engaging short-form multimedia content
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously
Candidates should also be comfortable working under tight deadlines and adapting to rapidly changing communication needs.
Language Requirements
Language proficiency is essential for this role. Applicants must demonstrate:
- Excellent command of English
- Excellent command of Turkish
Both written and spoken communication skills are required for effective collaboration and content production.
Additional Requirements
Beyond professional experience, the role also requires certain personal attributes.
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills
- Sensitivity to refugee protection principles
- Understanding of ethical storytelling in humanitarian contexts
- Willingness to travel for field missions and event coverage when required
These qualities ensure that communication activities respect the dignity and safety of refugees and displaced communities.
Contract Conditions and Benefits
Although the role is offered under an individual contractor agreement, several benefits are provided.
Working Schedule
The position requires 40 working hours per week, and assignments may occasionally include weekend or holiday work depending on operational needs.
Leave Entitlements
Contractors receive:
- 2.5 days of annual leave per month
- 2 days of sick leave per month
Medical Coverage
The position includes Cigna health insurance, with optional coverage for eligible dependents.
Remuneration
Compensation follows the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) salary scale applicable to the level of the vacancy.
Recruitment and Application Process
Applicants must submit their applications through the official UNHCR recruitment platform.
Important points to remember:
- Late applications will not be accepted.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- The recruitment process may include a written test or interview.
- Candidates must be legally present in Türkiye at the time of application and recruitment.
Non-Turkish applicants must provide valid residence permits as part of their application documentation.
UNHCR also emphasizes that it does not charge any fees during recruitment and warns candidates to be cautious of fraudulent job offers.
Why Consider a Career with UNHCR?
Working with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees provides professionals with the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of displaced communities.
By joining the organization, communications professionals can help bring global attention to refugee stories and humanitarian initiatives, ensuring that vulnerable populations remain visible to the world.
The position also offers a chance to gain experience in international humanitarian communications while working with diverse teams across programmes and operations.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the Senior Communications Associate position is 23 March 2026.
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official UNHCR careers portal before the closing date.
