Communication Support Assistant – Jerusalem

Introduction

The conflict in Gaza has inflicted severe damage on Palestinian society and its economy. Over 33,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, with 75,000 injured, and widespread destruction of infrastructure has left over a million people homeless. The devastation brought upon the Gaza Strip’s economy, as well as the disruption to the West Bank’s everyday economic life, has led to substantial losses in employment and livelihoods. The ILO estimates that 507,000 jobs have been lost as of 31 January 2024 which comprise 201,000 jobs lost in Gaza Strip and 306,000 jobs lost in the West Bank. These job losses translate into daily labour income losses of USD 21.7 million The unemployment rate in the OPT will soar to a staggering 57 per cent in the first quarter of 2024 affecting all economic sectors except agriculture, which is expected to remain stable.

In countering the aftermath of the war in Gaza on the labour market in the OPT, the ILO embarked on an emergency response programme (ERP) detailing a set of interventions across three phases of relief, review, and recovery. The ERP has a fundamental objective in supporting national systems and strengthening the role of tripartite constituents in mitigating the devastating impact of the situation and recognizes the criticality to working closely within the wider context of UN’s relief and recovery programming to address the emerging immediate needs of the Palestinian labour market. The first phase focuses on relief, involving the immediate provision of material assistance, including emergency income support for Gazan workers ousted from their jobs in Israel and stranded in the West Bank without any form of social protection. The second phase centres on review, entailing data collection and impact analysis to better understand the ramifications of the current crisis for the labour market and support the prioritization and fine-tuning of recovery phase interventions. The third phase aims at recovery and will concentrate on restoration of jobs and businesses in the West Bank and Gaza through the coordinated execution of three interconnected components: Employment Promotion, Social Protection, and Business Recovery.

The official will be based in Jerusalem and responsible for supporting communication activities of the ERP as per the duties outlined in the description below.

Reporting Lines

The Communication Support Assistant will report to the Representative of the ILO office in Jerusalem, and will work closely with the ERP Programme Manager. S/He will be receiving technical guidance from the Regional Communication & Public Info Officer based in ROAS/Beirut.

Description of Duties

As a member of the ILO OPT team, the Communication Support Assistant will provide a range of communication support services. He/she will work in an efficient, effective, and client-oriented manner to support promotion, advocacy, media relations, events support, research, publication, documentation and information management activities in compliance with ILO communication strategies at national, and/or regional and global levels and communication procedural guidelines. S/he will perform the following tasks:

1. Draft standard correspondence, type, and format a variety of documents related to project activities (correspondence, reports, technical documents, presentations, etc.) in conformity with the ILO requirements and using appropriate software.

2. General office management, administrative and logistic support for meetings, seminars and/or workshops organized under the programme.

3. Provide support for the development and dissemination of communication and information products and services ensuring compliance with applicable standards. Assist senior management with the internal communications in the Office.

4. Update information on project website and databases. Reply to queries and emails for information.

5. Maintain files, databases and official records related to project communication activities, press releases and publications. Search and select relevant information and records for officials upon request.

6. Draft for review, communication and information products for layout and design in compliance with applicable standards.

7. Liaise/Request services and information from other work units inside or outside the office for completion of tasks and gathering of communication content.

Description of Duties (continued)

8. Support media reviews and dissemination of relevant news within the Office and to Regional Office, HQ and other concerned parties as required. Liaise with media outlets and journalists to provide information on upcoming meetings and special events. Maintain and update a media contacts/distribution list.

9. Compile information from a variety of sources and respond to general inquiries and requests in a timely manner.

10. Collaborate closely with the Regional Communication Specialist to create compelling content and document ILO activities in OPT using photos and videos and maintain consistency across ILO communications.

11. Support the Office’s engagement with social media posts to highlight projects activities and major events on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

12. Accompany OPT staff on missions and local field visits to capture content and provide reporting support. Capture and edit photographs while accompanying staff during activities and events and draft press releases, factsheets, and event summaries to effectively communicate key messages.

13. Participate in UN Communication meetings and report regularly on outcome of those meetings.

14. Keep abreast of changes to communication and information management methods, techniques, tools, standards and guidelines and share information with concerned parties.

15. Perform other relevant duties as assigned by the Supervisor or Country Representative.

Required qualifications

Education

Completion of secondary school education.

Experience

At least three years of experience in communication support services

Languages

Excellent command of both Arabic and English.

Competencies

In addition to the ILO core competencies (Integrity and transparency, Sensitivity to diversity, Orientation to learning and knowledge sharing, Client orientation, Communication, Orientation to change, Takes responsibility for performance, Quality orientation, Collaboration), this position requires:

1. Ability to code and classify information in accordance with standards.

2. Ability to adapt quickly to new software and systems including for updating websites, desktop publishing, graphic design.

3. Accuracy and attention to detail and skills in the design, layout and formatting of documents.

4. Drafting and web writing/editing skills.

5. Ability to organize own work.

6. Ability to prioritize work assignments, organize own schedule, perform routine work independently, meet deadlines and adapt to changing demands and multitask.

7. Proficient in computer software (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe Reader) and ability to use other software packages required by the Office (i.e. IRIS).

8. Ability to work as a member of a team and manage a heavy workload under time pressure.

9. Thorough knowledge of practices and procedures for preparing administrative documents and maintaining file systems.

10. Ability to determine relevant background and reference materials for others, and to screen for urgency and priority.

Competencies (continued)

11. Ability to respond to requests from officials from government offices, ministries, ILO constituents and NGOs.

12. Ability to search and retrieve information from a variety of sources and databases, compile reports and respond to requests for information.

13. Excellent oral and written communication skills.

14. Customer service experience in order to provide courteous, prompt and efficient responses to clients.

15. Ability to deal with confidential matters with discretion.

16. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and gender-sensitive behaviour and attitudes are also required. 

17. Ability to obtain services from other work units inside or outside the office for completion of tasks.

18. Ability to work as a member of a team and manage a heavy workload under time pressure.

19. Ability to draft correspondence and correct documents in accordance with established standards.

20. Ability to work with accuracy and to pay attention to detail.

optional section (if needed)

Candidates assessed by the Panel and considered to be eligible for appointment but who are not selected for this vacant post may be offered an assignment to another position at the same or lower grade provided that they meet the minimum qualifications required.