National Media and Communications Officer

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

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and direct supervision of the Project Development and Reporting Officer, and in coordination with the Regional Media and Communications Officer and the Media, Innovation & Community Engagement Unit at Headquarters (HQ), the National Media and Communications Officer will be responsible for supporting the implementation of media and communications-related activities in IOM Country Office (CO).

Responsibilities

• Assist in implementing the CO’s external communications strategies in line with the Organization’s strategic communications priorities and guidelines, supporting efforts to promote an accurate narrative on migration-related issues with the media, general public, the UN and other key partners.

• Support the preparation of Media Lines to Take in crisis situations compiling background information and drafting inputs for review by the Regional Media and Communications Officer and relevant colleagues at Media, Innovation & Community Engagement Unit at HQ. 

• Provide inputs to the Senior Management Team (SMT) on communications issues, under the guidance of supervisor.

• In coordination with the project managers, assist in the development and implementation of project-level communications plans in alignment with IOM communications guidelines.

• Draft or review external communications content produced by the CO, including stories, blogs, video and social media content; revise drafts for clearance in coordination with the Regional Media and Communications Officer.

• Support the organization of high-profile visibility events and media interviews; assist in preparing briefing materials and media Lines to Take for the Chief of Mission and the Senior Management Team (SMT); contribute to communications campaigns through content development and logistical support at a national, regional and international level, including for relevant UN Days.

• Maintain the CO’s online presence, including its social media accounts and website, by managing day-to-day content updates and monitoring performance metrics, to increase the impact of CO’s digital outreach.

• Monitor the CO’s branding, public visibility, support advocacy efforts and verify the consistent application of IOM brand guidelines across all platforms and events; report inconsistencies and support corrective actions; assist in organizing public campaigns, high-level events and outreach initiatives that enhance visibility, strengthen strategic partnerships and advance advocacy objectives.

• Strengthen IOM’s links with media in-country by supporting outreach activities and maintaining media contact lists; coordinate responses to media requests in consultation with supervisor; prepare draft press releases and media packages, and support the organization of press briefings, media trainings and partnerships, among other relevant activities

• Draft media key messages, statements, talking points and other relevant background documents for IOM’s use, for review and clearance by senior communications staff. 

• Participate in meetings of the UN Country Team’s Communication Group and other relevant actors by provide updates, background information and draft inputs as requested, under the guidance of supervisor.

• Undertake duty travel to take photographs and video footage and gather material for multi-media content showcasing the humanitarian situation and IOM field activities. Ensure that Media and Communications content is clear and concise, and that digital informed consent is secured. 

• Verify that there is appropriate gender, diversity and inclusion awareness in all IOM external communications and report any inconsistencies to the supervisor.

• Supervise and provide guidance to assigned staff, as required, to ensure high-quality, consistent and results-oriented communications outputs.  Contribute to knowledge sharing and participate in training activities, as required.

• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Business Administration, Political or Social Sciences, or a related field from an accredited academic institution; or,

• Bachelor’s degree in one of the above fields with two years of relevant professional experience.

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

Experience

• Experience as a writer, editor and content producer/manager in international Journalism and/or public information roles, preferably in the Region; 

• Experience in digital communications and social media;

• Experience in corporate writing and editing;

• Experience in managing donor visibility;

• Experience with media liaison;

• Experience in humanitarian communications; 

• Experience working in the region and/or in an emergency setting an advantage; and, 

• Experience in working in UN or other International organizations.

Skills

• Skills in graphic design, particularly using Adobe programmes an advantage;

• Skills in photography and videography, both shooting and editing an advantage;

• Demonstrated gender awareness and gender sensitivity;

• High level of professionalism and ability to work under pressure and adhere to strict deadlines in a complex and fast changing environment; and, 

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds.

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 and Tok Pisin 

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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