Job Description

Introduction

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.

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

                1. Internal candidates

                2. External female candidates:

                3. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.
 

Context

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Director for Strategy and External Engagement (SEE), and the direct supervision of the Spokesperson and Director of Media and Communications (DMC), and in close collaboration with the units of Department of Media and Communications in Headquarters (HQ), Geneva, different Regional, Global and Country Offices of IOM, as well as different departments at HQ, the Deputy Director, Department of Media and Communications will be responsible and accountable for formulating and implementing the Organization's internal and external communication strategies in addition to deputizing for Spokesperson and Director of the DMC. 

Responsibilities

1. Provide strategic advice to the Spokesperson and Director of DMC and Senior Management Team on relevant communications and media related priorities.
2. Oversee and supervise the day-to-day operations of different units including Editorial, Multimedia, Publications, and Online Communications. ensuring coherence across products, platforms, and institutional messaging. 
3. Provide substantive support to the Director of DMC, Senior Management Team and Leadership Team on ongoing strategic direction, advice and guidance on IOM advocacy, media relations, online presence, events and multimedia products.
4. Manage and support day-to-day the DMC staff in HQ, and coordinate with the positions  based in IOM’s Regional Offices and Country Offices, including in the recruitment, performance and career management processes.
5. Foster a culture of collaboration and excellence within the Department, promoting results-based management and continuous improvement.
6. Provide mentorship and guidance to staff, promoting professional development and capacity building.
7. Enhance the Department’s effectiveness and alignment with the broader organizational goals in day-to-day work by translating institutional priorities into clear, impactful, and audience-focused communications approaches.
8. Stand in as a Spokesperson and represent IOM in high-level media engagements, interviews, briefings, and public forums , when required.
9. Manage and enhance cross-team collaborations within DMC and across IOM on major advocacy/outreach campaigns in key policy/thematic areas.
10. Ensure quality and consistency in the development and roll out of training tools and toolkits covering all aspects of communication, facilitating capacity-building for IOM staff in HQ, Global Offices, Regional Offices and Country Offices.
11. Provide expert support and guidance during emergency situations, contributing to coordinated crisis communications strategies, rapid response messaging, and reputational risk mitigation in close collaboration with relevant departments.
12. Monitor, analyze, and report on communications performance, media trends, and audience engagement metrics to inform strategic decision-making and continuous improvement.
13. Support the development and maintenance of strategic partnerships with external media organizations and institutional partners to enhance IOM’s visibility.
14. Perform such other duties  as may be assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

• Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with ten years of relevant professional experience; or,
• Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with twelve years of relevant professional experience.

EXPERIENCE

• Experience in international journalism, including coverage of international organizations;
• Proven experience in leading and managing communications teams, with a track record of strategic decision-making in complex, fast-paced environments; and,
• Desired understanding of IOM and UN’s organizational structure and operations. 

SKILLS

• Demonstrated ability to inspire and motivate teams, foster collaboration, and apply creative problem-solving to achieve organizational goals;
• Exposure to digital content management systems (e.g., SharePoint, Drupal);
• Ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines and high pressure; 
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to liaise effectively with diverse stakeholders; and,
• Proficiency in Artificial Intelligence tools, Microsoft Office, and digital communication tools.

Languages:

IOM's official languages are English, French and Spanish. 

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.

Required Competencies:

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

 Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three 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 3

• 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 3

• 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.

Notes:

• 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 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.
• 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

Required Skills

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