Communication Specialist

Mission and objectives

Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. IOM is part of the United Nations system, as a related organization. IOM supports migrants across the world, developing effective responses to the shifting dynamics of migration and, as such, is a key source of advice on migration policy and practice. The organization works in emergency situations, developing the resilience of all people on the move, and particularly those in situations of vulnerability, as well as building capacity within governments to manage all forms and impacts of mobility. The Organization is guided by the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, including upholding human rights for all. Respect for the rights, dignity and well-being of migrants remains paramount.

Context

In Türkiye’s East, Southeast and Mediterranean (ESEM) Region, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) implements a wide range of programming aimed at supporting migrants, refugees and host communities, providing assistance to earthquake-affected individuals and delivering cross-border aid into Northwest Syria.

Task description

Under the overall supervision of the Media and Communications Officer in Ankara and direct supervision of the National Communications Officer in Gaziantep, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for providing media and communications support to activities implemented in the East, Southeast and Mediterranean (ESEM) Region. The UN Volunteer will work closely with the entire Public Information Unit and with programme teams to enhance visibility efforts and meet the demand for high-quality content, in pursuit of IOM Türkiye’s overall communications strategy. The UN Volunteer will perform the following duties in accordance with IOM policy and procedures:

• Oversee social media management efforts, facilitating effective coordination within the team and ensuring quality control of published content.

• Support the collection of audio-visual content in the field, including photos, videos, and interviews.

• Draft human-interest stories, social media posts, newsletters and other communication materials as requested.

• Address public information-related requests, as assigned, and follow-up with programme teams to ensure timely implementation.

• Regularly liaise with programme teams to identify communication opportunities and provide proactive visibility support.

• Assist in press liaison and engagement efforts.

• Communicate and follow-up with the implementing partners in order to obtain audio-visual content and archive them accordingly.

• Undertake duty travel as required.

• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Results/expected outputs:

• As an active IOM team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to IOM and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:

• Human-interest stories

• Interviews with project participants and beneficiaries

• Photos and videos

• Social media content

• Publications and newsletters

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• 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.

• Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.

• 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.

• 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.

Required experience

• 3 years of experience in media, communications, advocacy or awareness raising.

• Good grasp of migration dynamics in Türkiye is an advantage.

• Good grasp of the media landscape in Türkiye.

• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.

• Experience in liaising with government, media and civil society partners is an advantage.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.

• Skills in digital content creation, including graphic design, photography, videography, and editing, is highly desirable.

• Familiarity with the use of Adobe Creative Cloud, in particular Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and/or PremierePro, is highly desirable.

• Strong organizational skills and reliability in time management and schedule organization.

• Ability to work in a multi‐cultural environment and respect of diversity.

• Teamwork-oriented but with a capacity to work independently.

Languages

Turkish, Level: Fluent, Desirable

English, Level: Fluent, Required

Arabic, Level: Working knowledge, Required

Required education level

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in development communication, media or a related field.

Living conditions and remarks

The UN Volunteer will be in Gaziantep and is responsible for arranging her/his own housing and other living essentials. Please see the summary of UN Volunteer entitlements below.

Summary of National UN Volunteers (Specialist) entitlements:

• Volunteer Living Allowance (per month): USD 1,360 (Paid in Turkish Lira)

• Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 400

• Exit allowance: USD 113 per contract service month (upon successful completion of the assignment)

• Health, dental, life and disability insurance: Cigna Private Insurance (including eligible dependents)

• Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month

• Free access to different learning platforms and UNV network

The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the UN Volunteer’s service. Contingent on specific eligibility criteria, location of the volunteer assignment, and contractual type and category, the payment of allowances will begin from the date of Commencement of Service For more information on entitlements please read the Condition of Service (https://explore.unv.org/cos). Please note that the amounts can vary according to fluctuations of the monthly post adjustment.