Senior Public Information Officer

About the role

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) seeks a senior professional to lead its public information and strategic communications agenda from Geneva. Reporting to the Deputy High Commissioner, the incumbent will shape advocacy messages and ensure consistent outreach across global platforms.

Key responsibilities

• Drive OHCHR’s advocacy and communications strategy in line with High Commissioner priorities, ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms.
• Provide strategic leadership for the Communications and Mobilisation Section and develop communications plans for headquarters and field offices.
• Oversee the quality of all communication products and services, including social media, multimedia, web content, campaigns and graphic design.
• Build strategic partnerships, including with the private sector, to amplify outreach and advocacy impact.
• Integrate innovative tools, data and trends into office communications and ensure measurable benefits of human‑rights campaigns.
• Develop and disseminate SOPs, guidelines and best practices, aligning outputs with OHCHR branding and vision.
• Lead, coach and evaluate a diverse team, participate in recruitment and design training programmes.
• Maintain high‑level contacts with media, governmental agencies, international institutions and civil‑society organisations.
• Report regularly on the impact and effectiveness of communication activities using detailed analytics.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in strategic public information, communications or advocacy within an international or human‑rights context.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects.
• Strong understanding of partnership development and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in developing communication policies, SOPs and best‑practice guidelines.
• Ability to analyse communication impact through data‑driven metrics.

Required skills