Media and Communications Officer

Position Title: Media and Communications Officer

Duty Station: To be determined

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P3

Type of Appointment: Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 31 July 2024

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 a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.

Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process.

For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

1. Internal candidates
2. Candidates from the following non-represented member states: Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Latvia; Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu

Second-tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states.

Context:

Under the overall supervision of the Regional Crisis Coordinator (Gaza Response), and the direct supervision of the Head of Operations, 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 for IOM Gaza response. The operation in Gaza is framed around IOM Strategic Plan to the Gaza Response consisting of several areas of operations including the provision of technical expert capacity to United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), establishment of a common pipeline and facilitating logistical access to partners operating in Gaza.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Coordinate the implementation of external communication 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. Supervise 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 Crisis Coordination Team on strategic communications issues, including sensitive internal and external communications, and ensure the high quality and consistency of media and public outreach for IOM’s Gaza response.
4. Supervise and manage Media and Communications staff to ensure content is of the highest quality, aligned with IOM’s brand guidelines and consistent with the Organization’s strategic communications priorities. Enhance communications capacity by providing training and capacity building to the Media and Communications staff and other relevant teams.
5. Review all external communications content related to IOM’s Gaza response, 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. Assist the Crisis Coordination Team in preparing to represent IOM’s Gaza response, 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 IOM’s Gaza response 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 activities of IOM’s Gaza response; 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.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• 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.

Experience

• 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

• 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,
• Proven interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge Arabic and/or another official UN language (Chinese, French, 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.

Notes

1 Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies:

Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.p df

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.

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

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

The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country cannot be considered eligible.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and background verification and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.

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