National Communications Officer, (Social Media)

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 as well as external women candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nigeria operates in a complex, fast-evolving operational and public communications environment, where narratives around migration, displacement, return and reintegration, humanitarian response, and development are increasingly shaped through digital platforms. Social media has become a primary space where public opinion is formed, misinformation circulates, reputational risks emerge, and institutional credibility is tested.

Nigeria has one of the largest and youngest digitally active populations globally, with rapidly changing patterns of social media usage across platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and emerging digital spaces. Audiences, particularly young people, consume information quickly, visually, and in real time, placing increasing demands on organizations to be present, relevant, and responsive online.

To strengthen its digital footprint and safeguard its public reputation, IOM Nigeria requires dedicated, in-house technical capacity to manage social media strategically, proactively, and in real time. The National Communications Officer, Social Media  will be responsible for supporting managing all IOM Nigeria social media assets,  implementing sustained thematic campaigns, monitoring reputational risks, identifying trends, and  including IOM’s priorities  in online public discourse.

Under the direct supervision and oversight of the Chief of Communication,  the National Communications Officer, Social Media  will  support day-to-day management and strategic use of IOM Nigeria’s social media platforms. The position is designed to help ensure that IOM Nigeria’s digital presence is timely, audience-focused, data-driven, and aligned with organizational priorities, while remaining agile enough to respond to real-time developments, crises, and emerging reputational issues.

The role requires strong contextual understanding of Nigeria’s social media ecosystem, youth engagement trends, platform-specific dynamics, and the ability to operate confidently in a high-visibility, fast-paced communications environment.

Under the direct supervision and oversight of the Chief of Communication, the National Communications Officer, Social Media  will support the day-to-day management of IOM Nigeria’s social media platforms and assist in implementing digital communication activities aligned with the organization’s priorities.

Responsibilities

A. Social Media Platform Management

• Support the daily management and updating of IOM Nigeria’s official social media platforms, ensuring timely and accurate posts.
• Assist in publishing content across platforms such as X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube in line with the communications unit’s plans and priorities.
•  Maintain a basic social media posting calendar to ensure consistent activity across platforms.

• Ensure that posts follow IOM branding, messaging guidance, and communication standards.

  B. Platform Planning and Key Milestone Support

• Prepare simple social media planners for each platform, taking into account key national and international observances, important events, and institutional milestones relevant to IOM Nigeria.
• Assist in preparing posts or small social media messaging packages around these dates to ensure that IOM Nigeria’s online presence reflects important events and priorities.

• Support the preparation and posting of short social media bursts or mini-campaigns aligned with key moments, launches, and field activities.
   

  C. Social Media Monitoring

• Monitor social media platforms for mentions of IOM Nigeria and migration-related discussions.
• Flag potentially sensitive issues, misinformation, or negative narratives to the Chief of Communication in a timely manner.

• Track trending hashtags and conversations relevant to migration, youth engagement, and humanitarian issues in Nigeria, and share updates with the communications team.

  D. Support to Thematic Campaigns

• Assist the communications team in implementing thematic social media campaigns aligned with IOM Nigeria’s priorities.
• Work closely with the Media Officer and the Content Creation Officer to ensure campaign content is posted and amplified on social media platforms.

• Support the rollout of campaign messaging over defined periods and ensure posts are scheduled and published as planned.

  E. Content Deployment on Social Media

• Work closely with the Content Creation Officer to ensure that produced photos, videos, graphics, and stories are appropriately packaged and posted across IOM Nigeria’s social media platforms.
• Adapt captions and messaging for different platforms to improve engagement.

• Ensure that social media posts respect ethical storytelling principles, consent requirements, and IOM communication standards.

  F. Basic Analytics and Reporting

• Monitor basic performance metrics across social media platforms such as reach, engagement, and follower growth.
• Prepare  periodic summaries of social media activity and engagement for the Chief of Communication.

• Support the communications team by identifying posts or content that perform well and may be replicated or further promoted.

  G. Internal Coordination

• Coordinate with programme teams and field offices to obtain timely information, photos, and updates for social media posts.
• Support the communications unit in ensuring that social media messages reflect ongoing programme activities and institutional priorities.

• Assist in maintaining coordination between social media activities and broader communication initiatives of the mission.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Media Studies, Digital Media, Marketing, International Relations, or a related field.
• Additional training or certification in digital communications, social media management, or analytics is an asset

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

Experience

• Minimum of three years of professional experience in social media management, preferably within Nigeria.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple social media platforms and tailoring content for different audiences.
• Proven experience in social media monitoring, analytics, and performance reporting.
• Experience in humanitarian, development, media, or public sector communications is an advantage.

Skills

• Strong understanding of Nigeria’s social media landscape, digital culture, and youth engagement trends.
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to adapt tone and language for different platforms and audiences.
• High level of digital literacy and familiarity with social media management, scheduling, and analytics tools.
• Ability to work quickly, accurately, and confidently in real-time and high-pressure environments.
• Strong judgment, discretion, and sensitivity when handling reputational or politically nuanced issues.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively across teams.
• High level of professionalism, initiative, and attention to detail.

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).

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Knowledge of Nigerian languages, including Nigerian Pidgin, is a strong asset, particularly for youth-focused and community-oriented digital engagement.

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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