To work with a project called Telling the real story (www.tellingtherealstory.org) in El Gedaref, Sudan.
The main objective of Telling the Real Story is to communicate with communities about the dangers of irregular onward movement, to inform people about other options available to them, and enable target audiences to make informed decisions about their future based on facts rather than on smugglers’ and traffickers’ false narratives or misinformation from the diaspora. Telling the Real Story does not aim to prevent people in need of international protection from moving or from seeking asylum.
The project seeks to communicate with communities – primarily with Eritreans and Somalis on the move - in their native languages. It does so through face to face activities in both urban and camp settings, reaching people through traditional and digital channels. By offering reliable information about the dangers of irregular onward movement and the options that are available to people, Telling the Real Story seeks to promote intra-community dialogue about irregular onward movement.
The work in El Gedaref would adopt the same approach to communicating with communities but with primarily Ethiopian and South Sudanese refugees.
The Associate Project Officer, under the direct supervision of the Head of Field Office – El Gedaref and functional supervision by the Project Manager in Stockholm will be responsible for the overall coordination and dissemination of the project at border entry points, El Jazeera and Blue Nile States – with an operational base in El Gedaref, Sudan.
Duties and responsibilities
- The Associate Project Officer will be responsible for the following:
- Dissemination of the project to refugees at border entry points, El Jazeera and Blue Nile States – with the project’s operational base being in El Gedaref;
- Take a lead role in establishing and nurturing partnerships with stakeholders, build networks with existing refugee associations to expand advocacy activities to the above mentioned areas;
- Provide refugees with information on services and opportunities available for refugees, “do’s and don’ts” and information on complementary pathways should they be made available;
- In close consultation with the UNHCR teams, he/she will work towards ensuring sustainability of the project as part of the operation’s approach to communicating with communities and accountability to affecter people, through co-designing sustainable models for the project continuity with partners and UNHCR programme officers;
- Analyse existing data in order to provide operations information on trends and lead research into gaps in information concerning onwards movement;
- Through direct engagement with refugees, the Associate Project Officer will analyse existing trends, motivations for departure and misinformation provided within the community and by traffickers and smugglers particularly related to current mixed migration developments;
- Develop real-time evaluation strategies of the project activities to enable the adjustment of ongoing activities and measure their impact;
- Drive engagement and awareness-raising activities through combining different communication ouptputs aimed at reframing the discourse to counter the narrative of the smugglers and traffickers and inform the refugees of the full scope of dangers associated with irregular onward movement and life in Europe;
- Hold regular awareness raising activities intended for different segments of the population of concern. The activities will involve - and not limited to, distributing the children's book in refugee schools, hold sessions with parents and guardians, screen testimonies, hold focus group discussions, organize community engagement sessions using a range of creative mechanisms such as theater, poetry, art, etc. targeting mainly the younger generation;
- Develop messages and create posters and other communication materials in consultation with beneficiaries and the office;
- Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Essential minimum qualifications and professional experience required
- Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in communication, political science, international relations, migration studies or related field;
- Capacity to develop strategic communication visions;
- A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in public information, migration management or related areas;
- Work experience in the field of refugee protection and assistance would be an asset. Knowledge of UN policies and procedures;
- Basic understanding of international refugee protection and UNHCR’s mandate;
- Conceptual and practical understanding of protection issues and approaches in humanitarian contexts, including the constraints, sensitivities and risks associated with such work;
- General familiarity with the regional mixed migration dynamics;
- Excellent analytical skills and strategic thinking;
- Experience of working with persons of concern;
- Proven ability to establish and maintain strong working relations with relevant Government counterparts;
- Excellent command of English (written, oral, comprehension) including highly developed drafting skills. Knowledge of Arabic is an asset.
How to apply:
Interested applicants should submit an updated and signed UNHCR Personal History Form (P11) and a motivation letter in English by 31 March 2021 to Ms. Christa Awuor Odinga at AWUORODI@unhcr.org
Applications without a P11 will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
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.
Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing, training or any other fees).
Closing date: 31 March 2021
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