Call for Applications - Communications Specialist (maternity coverage)

Job Description

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and the National Communications Officer, and the direct supervision of the National Communications Officer (Managing Editor), in coordination with IOM hub leads and programme teams, the incumbent will work to ensure effective implementation of IOM Ukraine communications and outreach strategy on crisis response and recovery efforts.

The incumbent will be expected to undertake regular duty travel within the designated regional hub area, including field visits to communities, distribution sites, collective sites, local authorities, implementing partners and other relevant stakeholders. For the Dnipro regional hub, this may include travel across Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, Poltava and Sumy regions, subject to programme needs, operational requirements and applicable security procedures.

Responsibilities

1. Assist the Communications Team and the designated regional hub  to prepare an outreach and visibility plan for IOM's response in the targeted region, including through field visits and regular coordination with regional stakeholders.

2. Reach out to implementing partners (IPs) in the designated region to inform and instruct them on IOM visibility guidelines for project implementation; train IPs when needed on how to ensure maximum visibility of IOM’s interventions.
3. Ensure visibility of all IOM activities implemented in the targeted region. This entails attending planned events and field activities, taking photos, preparing press releases, ensuring local media presence, conducting interviews with key stakeholders and beneficiaries, drafting human interest stories and preparing posts for social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and the website.
4. Undertake regular duty travel within the designated region, including to field locations across Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, Poltava and Sumy regions, as applicable, to support communications, visibility, outreach, media engagement and content-gathering activities, in line with programme needs and IOM security procedures.
5. Prepare periodic observation reports on IOM activities, outlining actions taken on communications and visibility, challenges faced and lessons learned.
6. Contribute to the drafting and editing of the Mission’s and individual programmes’/projects’ newsletter/circular, promotional, visibility, analytical, and administrative publications, products, and materials as requested.
7. Take the lead in the organization of public awareness campaigns in the designated region.
8. Draft articles, briefs, press announcements, press releases, and responses to media inquiries related to the work of the Mission in the targeted region.
9. Liaise with external photographers, video production companies, etc., to ensure high-quality photo and video materials on the wide range of Mission activities in the designated region.
10. Liaise with local media and communications counterparts.
11. Provide Ukrainian-English and English-Ukrainian informal translations of various documents and materials, when necessary.
12. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

• ​​High school diploma or equivalent with at least six years of relevant experience; 

OR

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism or in a related field from an accredited academic institution with at least four years of relevant professional experience.

EXPERIENCE

•  Relevant experience in print, broadcast, internet media, public information, communications, outreach or visibility activities;

•  Experience in developing content for social media, websites and other digital communications channels;

• Experience in preparing visibility materials, press releases, human interest stories, articles, briefs and other communications products;

• Experience in working with implementing partners, local authorities, media representatives, photographers, videographers or other communications service providers is desirable;

• • Familiarity with the work of international organizations and/or humanitarian response is desirable.

SKILLS

•  Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills;

•  Excellent knowledge of social media platforms and principles, including content development and digital media management for outreach purposes;

•  Excellent writing, editing and storytelling skills;

• Ability to collect, verify and present information from field activities in a clear, accurate and human-centred manner;

• Ability to work with beneficiaries, communities, implementing partners, local authorities and media representatives respectfully and professionally;

• Ability and willingness to travel frequently within the designated regional hub area and work in field settings, including in areas affected by the humanitarian response, in line with IOM security and operational procedures;

• Graphic design, photo and/or video editing skills will be an advantage.

Languages

For this position, fluency in English and Ukrainian is required.

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 1

• 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

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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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