Media and Communications Officer (Internal Applicants Only) (P)

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

This is an expedited recruitment process open only to:

1. internal candidates and
2. former IOM staff members who were separated in the last 12 months due to the structural adjustment process.

This process is not open to external applicants; their applications will not be considered at this time. 

Under the overall supervision of the Regional Director and direct supervision of Chief of Mission, and in coordination with the Regional Media and Communications Officer and the Media, Innovation & Community Engagement Unit at Headquarters (HQ), the Media and Communications Officer will be responsible and accountable for managing the implementation of media and communications-related activities in IOM Country Office (CO).

1. Coordinate the implementation of CO’s external communications strategies in line with the Organization’s strategic communications priorities and guidelines, promoting an accurate narrative on migration-related issues with the media, general public, the UN and other key partners.
2. Act as Spokesperson for the CO, take a lead role in the preparation of Media-related content on current and emerging issues and support the preparation of Media Lines to Take in crisis situations by the Regional Media and Communications Officer and relevant colleagues at Media, Innovation & Community Engagement Unit at HQ.
3. Provide technical advice to the Senior Management Team (SMT) on strategic communications issues, including sensitive internal and external communications, and ensure the high quality and consistency of media and public outreach for the CO by building the capacity of and providing strategic communications/media advice and support to the Chief of Mission and SMT.
4. Supervise and manage the CO’s Media and Communications staff including Social Media Officers, Graphic Designers and Audio-Visual Officers to ensure content is of the highest quality, aligned with IOM’s brand guidelines and consistent with the Organization’s strategic communications priorities. Enhance CO’s communications capacity by developing training materials, providing training and capacity building to the Media and Communications staff and other relevant teams; provide advice and support to the field teams on Media and Communications management.
5. Supervise all external communications content produced by the CO, including stories, blogs, video and social media content; provide timely editorial advice in consultation with the Regional Media and Communications Officer on whether they are best suited for publication on national, regional or global IOM platforms.
6. Support high profile visibility events and assist the Chief of Mission in preparing to represent the CO, including arranging media interviews, reviewing speeches and preparing media Lines to Take. Develop and contribute content to communications campaigns at a national, regional and international level, including for relevant UN Days.
7. Manage the CO’s online presence, including through its social media accounts and website to increase the impact of CO’s digital outreach.
8. Strengthen IOM’s links with media in-country to promote the work of the CO; maintain media contact lists, coordinate responses to media requests; prepare timely press releases/media packages, and organize press briefings, media trainings and partnerships, among other relevant activities.
9. Draft media key messages, Statements, talking points and other relevant background documents for IOM’s use.
10. Engage with the UN Country Team’s Communication Group and other relevant actors and lead on developing media messages on key issues by working together on campaigns and issues of joint concern.
11. Undertake duty travel to take photographs and video footage and gather material for multi-media content showcasing the humanitarian situation and IOM field activities. Ensure that Media and Communications content is clear and concise, and that digital informed consent is secured.
12. Ensure that there is appropriate gender, diversity and inclusion awareness in all IOM external communications.
13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

• Master’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in one of the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.
   

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

• Experience as a writer, editor and content producer/manager in international Journalism and/or public information roles, preferably in the Region; 
• Experience in digital communications and social media;
• Experience in corporate writing and editing;
• Experience in managing donor visibility;
• Experience with media liaison;
• Experience in humanitarian communications;
• Experience working in the region and/or in an emergency setting an advantage; and, 
• Experience in working in UN or other International organizations.
   

• Skills in graphic design, particularly using Adobe programmes an advantage;
• Skills in photography and videography, both shooting and editing an advantage;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and gender sensitivity;
• High level of professionalism and ability to work under pressure and adhere to strict deadlines in a complex and fast changing environment; and, 
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds.
   

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For this position, fluency in English & French is required (oral and written).

Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish) is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

This vacancy is only open to current and former IOM staff members who were separated in the last 12 months due to the structural adjustment process.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies