Introduction

The ILO’s technical cooperation project in the State of Qatar began in 2018. Phase 1 (2018-2021) saw the introduction of a series of significant changes in law and policy to enhance the protection of the rights of migrant workers. Phase 2 (2021-2024) supported the implementation of the new legal and policy framework. The third phase of the project (2024-2027) will focus on consolidating these efforts and will also address a number of priorities that are emerging from the 3rd National Development Strategy, and the changing dynamics of the labour market in Qatar.

A number of the labour-related policy priorities identified in the National Development Strategy relate to the type of workforce that Qatar wants and needs, and include, inter alia, increasing the presence of nationals in the private sector, bolstering the number of women in the workforce, increasing the proportion of skilled workers, and attracting and retaining talent. Moreover, the protection of the rights of workers remains a priority. In that regard, implementing the labour laws and policies of the country requires effective labour market institutions that monitor working conditions and promote safe and healthy workplaces, that resolve disputes in a fair and timely manner, that review and adjust the minimum wage, that enable social dialogue, etc.

Given Qatar’s commitment to multilateralism and active role in the United Nations, the ILO is also building and expanding strategic partnerships with Qatari development partners to advance the decent work and social justice agenda in the region and globally, and also further enhancing cooperation with the large and growing UN presence in Doha.

Given Qatar’s commitment to multilateralism and active role in the United Nations, the ILO is also building and expanding strategic partnerships with Qatari development partners to advance the decent work and social justice agenda in the region and globally, and also further enhancing cooperation with the large and growing UN presence in Doha.

Within the policy and procedural requirements established by the ILO and the 3rd phase of the Technical Cooperation Project for the State of Qatar, the Communications Officer will be responsible for supporting the project staff with communications needs.

Reporting lines:

The Communications Officer will be located in the ILO Office in Doha. The incumbent will report to the Country Director as the first level manager, and to the Regional Communication & Public Info Officer in the Regional Office for Arab States as the matrix manager. The incumbent will work closely with technical specialists and the project team, the Regional Communication Unit for Arab States, and the global Department of Communication. The role will also involve close collaboration with the Ministry of Labour’s Public Relations Office and the Government Communications Office (GCO).

Description of Duties

1. Originate, write and edit information material for dissemination across all platforms, including social media, and project's webpage. Commission, write or edit brochures, posters, press kits, articles, talking points, speeches, infographics, and/or press releases in English and Arabic. Ensure consistent messaging and alignment with ILO communication guidelines.
2. Develop and maintain automated databases and mailing lists of target audiences, and provide information through such means as press releases, interviews, features, audio/visual productions, etc.
3. Maintain contacts with media representatives, communication focal points from the government and others to promote the activities of the organization. Ensure that responses to direct or indirect requests for information about the work of the organization promote better understanding of its objectives and activities.
4. Act as focal point for liaison with identified offices, obtain ongoing information about their areas of activity, and arrange for meetings of representatives, and brief communication and public information specialists accordingly.
5. Liaise closely with public relations and communications focal points in partner institutions to agree in advance on event protocols, branding, visibility, media engagement, and logistical arrangements, ensuring that all events, site visits, and public engagements are conducted in accordance with agreed institutional requirements and diplomatic norms.
6. Support high-level missions and visits by preparing briefing files, agendas, and background materials.
7. Evaluate the effectiveness of approaches to reach the media and public, undertake active follow up to increase impact, and assist in the launching of promotional campaigns and live events.
8. Manage the ILO Office social media accounts and website.
9. Liaise with the contracted interpreters / translators to ensure that the scope of the contract is met as per the TORs and technical need.
10. Develop training materials and conduct seminars and workshops, meetings and discussions with media representatives and other concerned parties, and reply to specific enquiries. Analyse and prepare briefing papers on meetings and activities of the organization. Provide senior communication and public information specialists with regular updates on upcoming communication items and packages, meetings, conferences and seminars, and with press reviews of articles published in the international media.
11. Co-ordinate, promote linkages and share best practices and lessons learnt with other relevant ILO projects/programs, ILO units and external stakeholders.
12. Conduct research and propose ideas for multimedia and digital products, coordinate technical standards, verify production work has been completed within approved budgets. Commission consultants to carry out graphic design, publication of materials, organization of events, etc.; and oversee the work of the consultants, and ensure consistency with ILO branding, visibility requirements, and quality standards prior to publication and dissemination.
13. Conduct light analytical work to support policy discussions, including desk research, compilation of international good practices, and preparation of background notes.
14. Prepare summaries of legislation, policies, and institutional developments relevant to labour governance.
15. Promote the inclusion of gender equality and non-discrimination in all aspects of the communications activities.
16. Undertake other duties as assigned by the ILO Country Office Director.

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree in communications, journalism, international relations, liberal arts or other relevant discipline, or its equivalent.

A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in one of the afore-mentioned fields or other relevant field with an additional two years of relevant experience, in addition to the required experience stated below, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

At least five years of relevant professional experience in public information or related fields of work at the national level, or three years at the international level. Familiarity with ILO policies and procedures including experience working with officials of ministries of labour would be an advantage.

Experience working in the Arab region and/or with government institutions, social partners, or UN/international organizations is an advantage.

Experience developing knowledge products (analytical briefs, reports, event summaries, etc.) is required.

Languages

Excellent knowledge of English and Arabic. Ability to draft high-quality policy content in both languages is essential.

Competencies

• Excellent writing skills.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to adapt messages to culturally diverse audiences.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Good knowledge of the organization’s mandate and its programme of activities.
• Ability to evaluate information needs and to provide appropriate and targeted information accordingly.
• Knowledge of audio/visual production techniques and methods.
• Ability to provide technical advice and to guide and coordinate the work of external collaborators, general service staff and young professionals in the area of specialization.
• Excellent analytical skills and knowledge of analytical tools and qualitative and quantitative techniques.
• Good computer skills.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and gender-sensitive behaviour and attitudes are also required.
• Good knowledge of computer applications for information collection, management and dissemination.
• Ability to work on own initiative as well as a member of a team.