Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. 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, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

  1. Internal candidates
  2. Candidates from the following IOM Member States that are not represented among staff members in the Professional and higher categories: Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
     

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

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Director of the Department of Media and Communications and the direct supervision of the Head of Editorial, the Communications Officer (Campaigns) will be responsible and accountable for designing, developing and implementing global campaigns to support International Organization for Migration’s (IOM’s) strategic objectives. The Communications Officer (Campaigns)  will develop impactful communication and advocacy campaigns, strengthening public awareness of IOM’s work, and will create clear communication channels, ensuring consistent messaging, and enhancing information flow between Headquarters (HQ), Global Offices (GOs), Regional Offices (ROs), and Country Offices (COs). The position is essential in fostering a cohesive communication strategy that aligns with the Organization’s strategic objectives and supports operational efficiency. 

Responsibilities

  1. Design and develop global campaigns that align with IOM’s strategic priorities, addressing topics such as migration, humanitarian response, and policy advocacy.
  2. Contribute to the development of campaign frameworks, goals, and messaging strategies to maximize impact across diverse audiences, including the general public, donors, member states, and thematic partners.
  3. Coordinate with thematic divisions, COs, GOs, and regional communication teams to ensure campaign alignment and consistency across IOM’s programmes and regions.
  4. Oversee the execution of multi-channel campaigns, utilizing digital media, print, broadcast, and direct engagement to help enhance IOM’s visibility and public awareness of migration issues.
  5. Collaborate with the online, multimedia and news teams to develop creative content and assets that strengthen campaign messaging.
  6. Coordinate joint campaign efforts with internal and external stakeholders including other UN agencies, Non Government Organizations (NGOs), and international organizations to amplify shared messages and reach wider audiences.
  7. Develop and implement mechanisms for monitoring campaign performance, tracking metrics to assess engagement, reach, and impact.
  8. Analyze campaign results and produce reports to inform ongoing strategy development, capturing lessons learned and best practices.
  9. Facilitate media relations by establishing and maintaining relationships with journalists, coordinating press releases, and managing media inquiries.
  10. Identify opportunities for effective communications and campaigns around key international moments, IOM response, and other moments.
  11. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Education

  • Master’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Development, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or,

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


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

Experience

  • Three years of experience in driving a message or a campaign for a United Nations (UN) agency, Non Profit Organization (NPO) or other civil society organizations;

  • Experience and understanding of what drives news coverage and influences policymakers, specific media relations experience an additional asset;

  • Experience developing institutional strategic documents;

  • Experience in dealing with diverse counterparts from government and/or UN agencies and civil society; and,

  • Experience in the field of migration issues, including operational and field experience, would be an advantage.


Skills

  • Proven track record of managing or providing oversight on a successful communication campaign;

  • Demonstrated track record of performing excellently under pressure and adhering to strict deadlines while maintaining a sophisticated understanding of organizational and external contexts;

  • Excellent general understanding of migration and migrants, including internally displaced persons, refugees, and migrant workers and other related issues; familiarity with the UN system in general and/or with IOM’s mission in particular are an asset; and,

  • Excellent skills in writing for a diverse range of platforms and publications.


Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

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 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.
     

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 will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

Appointment will be subject to all clearances, including medical and security as well as accreditation, any residency or visa requirements. 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, harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and any forms of discrimination. IOM is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.

IOM conducts reference checks and background verification, including through system wide databases such as ClearCheck, to help ensure that candidates have no record of misconduct, including on sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, or fraud. Candidates are expected to uphold these standards and principles at all times.

IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process—whether for application, interview, processing, training, or otherwise—and does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM WAVE 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

Job info

Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Initial Contract Duration: 12 months with possibility of extension
Org Type: HQ
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Recruiting Type: Professional
Grade: P-3
Is this S/VN based in an L3 office or in support to an L3 emergency response?: No
At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.