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

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. 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, internal and internal-equivalent candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

Effective communication requires both strong strategic leadership and reliable operational execution. The Communications team depends on timely administrative support, efficient processing of payments and contracts, smooth logistics, and consistent day-to-day management of communication platforms.

The Senior Communication Associate plays a critical enabling role by supporting administrative, financial, logistical, and coordination functions of the team, while also contributing to basic field documentation and daily digital operations. The position  contributes to continuity, responsiveness, and operational discipline across communications work, while freeing technical officers to focus on strategy, content quality, and media engagement.

The Senior Communication Associate provides comprehensive administrative, logistical, and operational support to the Communications team, including support to social media and website management. The role supports daily communication outputs, ensures smooth internal functioning of the section, and contributes to field-based documentation and human interest storytelling when required.

Responsibilities

A. Administrative and Secretarial Support

• Provide day-to-day secretarial and administrative support to the Communications team.
• Manage correspondence, filing systems, documentation, and record-keeping related to communication activities.
• Support scheduling, coordination of meetings, preparation of agendas, minutes, and follow-up actions.
• Maintain organized tracking systems for communication requests, deliverables, and approvals.

B. Finance, Payments, and Contracts

• Support initiation, tracking, and processing of payments related to communication activities, including vendors, consultants, photographers, videographers, and service providers.
• Assist in preparation and administration of contracts, purchase requests, and supporting documentation in line with organizational procedures.
• Maintain up-to-date records of contracts, payments, and expenditures for the Communications section.
• Liaise closely with Finance, Supply, and Administration units to ensure timely processing and compliance.

C. Logistics, Events, and Coordination

• Support organization of meetings, workshops, trainings, media events, and field missions, including venue booking, logistics, and coordination with vendors.
• Assist with travel arrangements and logistical planning for communication missions and events.
• Coordinate with field offices to support communication activities, documentation visits, and campaigns.

D. Social Media and Website Support

• Work closely with the Social Media Officer to support the daily running of all social media platforms.
• Upload and publish daily social media content that has been cleared by the Social Media Officer, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to branding guidelines.
• Support day-to-day management of social media accounts, including scheduling posts, basic monitoring, and flagging comments or issues requiring follow-up.
• Support regular updating of the organization’s website, including uploading approved stories, news items, photographs, and multimedia content.
• Maintain basic content logs and posting trackers for social media platforms and the website.
• Provide operational support during online campaigns, launches, or digital activations as required.

E. Field Support and Basic Content Documentation

• Participate in selected field missions to support communication activities, when required.
• Assist in documenting human interest stories and field narratives through notes, photographs, short videos, or audio recordings, as appropriate.
• Collect quotes, observations, and background information from the field to support storytelling and content development.
• Ensure that all documentation adheres to ethical standards, consent requirements, and branding guidelines.

F. General Support to the Communications Team

• Provide cross-cutting operational and logistical support to media, digital, content, and advocacy activities.
• Support coordination with internal sections, field offices, and external partners on communication-related administration and logistics.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Chief of Communications in support of team objectives.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• A university degree, preferably in communications, media or journalism with a minimum four years of relevant experience, or . 
•  School diploma with minimum of six years of relevant experience in administrative, secretarial, or operational support roles.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

• Experience supporting payments, contracts, logistics, or event organization is required.
• Prior experience supporting social media platforms, website updates, or digital content management is an advantage.

• Exposure to field work or basic documentation is an asset.

Skills

• Strong organizational and administrative skills with high attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Good interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Basic understanding of social media platforms, websites, and digital communication workflows is an asset.

• Willingness and ability to travel to field locations when required.

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written)

Knowledge of one or more Nigerian languages is a strong asset

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 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, if with direct reports

• 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

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 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.

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.

No late applications will be accepted. 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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