Mission and objectives

The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org).

Context

The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org). UNHCR has been assisting the Government of Bangladesh to respond to and find solutions for nearly one million Rohingya refugees who have found refuge in Bangladesh. In collaborating with national authorities, UN agencies, national and international NGO partners, development actors and donors, UNHCR supports vulnerable refugees with access to protection, solutions and basic services including shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities, Education, primary healthcare, clean and efficient energy sources, as well as protection services including Child Protection, Gender-Based Violence, legal assistance, Community-Based Protection, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEA) among others in the refugee camps.

Task Description

The UN Volunteer will be based in the Representation Office in Dhaka. Under the direct supervision of the Senior External Relations Officer who is based in the Representation Office in Dhaka, and working closely with the Assistant Communications Officer based in Dhaka and Communications team located in Cox’s Bazar, the UN Volunteer is responsible for the following assigned duties: • Conduct daily monitoring of traditional media outlets (print, radio, TV) and digital media (news websites, blogs) to track key developments relevant to the Rohingya refugee crisis and forced displacement. • Analyze media content to identify dominant narratives, key issues, and trends. • Produce daily, weekly, monthly, and ad-hoc media reviews, tracking reach of media engagement or communications activities. • Track discussions, trends, and sentiment on major social media platforms (e.g., X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok) related to forced displacement or Rohingya situation. • Identify key influencers, actors, and networks shaping public opinion on relevant issues. • Support participation and meaningful contributions in relevant communication networks. • Support the Assistant Communications Officer in media outreach, organization of press events or interviews, media visits and other activities related to information dissemination to the general public to promote UNHCR activities. • Support content creation, including research to gather accurate and compelling material. Support dissemination and translation in Bangla for relevant media and audience. • Assess audience engagement and suggest adaptation measures and strategic approaches. • Do any other duty as required. Furthermore, the UN Volunteer is required to: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible. Results/Expected Outputs: • Strengthened communication content creation, and media monitoring analysis. • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment; • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

Competencies and values

 Accountability  Adaptability and Flexibility  Building Trust  Communication  Creativity  Ethics and Values  Integrity  Planning and Organizing  Professionalism  Respect for Diversity  Working in Teams

Living conditions and remarks

The position is based in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, which is the centre of national government, trade and culture and home to over 15 million people, making it the fourth most densely population city in the world. Bangladesh has a subtropical monsoon climate characterized by wide seasonal variations in rainfall, high temperatures and humidity. There are three distinct seasons: a hot humid summer from March to June; a cool, rainy monsoon season from June to October; and a cool dry winter from October to March. Air quality is poor, particularly during the dry season. Dhaka is a Category C duty season with a 3-year Standard Assignment Length. It is a family duty station, and educational facilities from primary to secondary school are available. There are some private hospitals in Dhaka that can provide basic care. Vaccination against the Japanese Encephalitis virus is strongly recommended. Leisure and recreational facilities are available. UNDSS-cleared hotels are available, with the rates differing depending upon availability and the season. MOSS compliant apartments are available. UNDSS recommends that international staff members reside in the diplomatic area of Dhaka, where the UNHCR office is located. Dhaka has many restaurants, grocery stores and an excellent bakery. Home delivery services are available. Banks and ATM machines are available, and major credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger shops. Foreign currency can be exchanged easily.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements