VN 2024 688 Senior Strategic Communications Officer (Crisis and Policy) (P4) Geneva, Switzerland

Position Title: Senior Strategic Communications Officer (Crisis and Policy)

Job Code: VN 2024 688

Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P4

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

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 04 December 2024

Context:

Under the direct supervision of the Director of the Department of Media and Communications (DMC) and in close coordination with Executive Office, crisis response teams, thematic divisions, and policy units, the Senior Strategic Communications (Crisis and Policy) is responsible for leading the design and implementation of strategic communication initiatives that support IOM’s visibility and engagement in crisis and policy contexts. This position works collaboratively to drive high-impact communication strategies that align with IOM’s objectives in advocacy, humanitarian response, and policy influence, leveraging partnerships with member states, UN agencies, and global stakeholders.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Lead the development and implementation of communication strategies focused on crisis response, humanitarian needs, and policy engagement, aligning with IOM’s strategic objectives in these areas.
2. Oversee the creation of high-quality communication materials, including policy briefs, impact stories, Op-Eds, and reports that convey IOM’s contributions to humanitarian and policy priorities.
3. Serve as a principal point of contact for strategic communication initiatives within crisis response and policy, fostering trusted relationships with member states, thematic experts, UN agencies, and advocacy partners.
4. Coordinate with thematic divisions to support and manage strategic campaigns that drive awareness, amplify partnerships, and mobilize support for IOM’s crisis-related programs and policy initiatives.
5. Crisis Communications and Content Management
6. Develop and execute communication responses during crises, managing the production of timely, accurate, and impactful content across multimedia platforms, including press releases, social media updates, and video stories.
7. Guide the DMC newsroom in creating and disseminating content that underscores IOM’s role in humanitarian crisis response and policy influence, ensuring messaging is clear, consistent, and aligned with IOM’s brand.
8. Liaise with internal teams and communication focal points to coordinate and streamline messaging, optimize content creation, and reinforce strategic narrative across IOM’s communication channels.
9. Media Relations and Stakeholder Outreach
10. Lead strategic media engagement to position IOM as a leading voice in migration policy and crisis response, arranging interviews, briefings, and editorial engagements with key international media outlets.
11. Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, communications partners, and UNand NGO communication counterparts to strengthen IOM’s public profile and support joint advocacy efforts.
12. Track and analyze media coverage and stakeholder engagement metrics, using insights to refine communication strategies and report on the effectiveness and impact of media outreach initiatives.
13. Leadership and Capacity Building
14. Provide strategic direction to the DMC crisis communication team, mentoring staff and promoting a high-performance environment focused on accountability and excellence in crisis communication.
15. Collaborate with DMC and thematic teams to build capacity on strategic communications,crisis messaging, and media relations, supporting the professional development of communications officers and interns.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Communications, International Relations, Journalism, Public Policy, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with at least seven years of relevant experience; or
• University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Proven experience in strategic communications and media relations, particularly in crisis management and policy advocacy within international organizations or non-profits.
• Experience in managing high-stakes communication during crises, including developing content, coordinating media engagement, and liaising with stakeholders.
• Track record of creating impactful communication strategies for diverse audiences, including government agencies, media, and international partners.
• Prior experience working with the private sector, philanthropic organizations, or international donors in support of humanitarian or development initiatives is an advantage.

Skills

• Advanced communication and presentation skills, with the ability to adapt messaging for diverse audiences and sensitive contexts;
• Strong understanding of crisis communication dynamics, humanitarian response, and public policy landscapes;
• Proficiency in digital media, content management systems, and multimedia production software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite); and,
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outputs under pressure.

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 of another official UN language (Arabic, 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.