Communication Consultant

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

Project Context and Scope

The reputation, visibility, financial positioning, and credibility of the IOM Burundi mission have been reinforced through a structured and strategic communication approach, previously led by a Media and Communications Officer within the Project Development and Support Unit (PDSU). However, critical internal capacity gaps persist at a time when effective risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) are essential, particularly in the context of Ebola preparedness and the need to support early detection, prevention, and response efforts in the coming months.

In this context, the PDSU seeks to engage a consultant, to be based within the unit, to ensure continuity, coherence, and technical quality of media and communications interventions. The consultant will play a key role in supporting communication activities related to Ebola preparedness, with a focus on strengthening public awareness, promoting preventive behaviors, and ensuring the timely dissemination of accurate, evidence-based information. The selected candidate will be responsible for developing, managing, coordinating, and implementing communication, public information, and media strategies that contribute to an effective public health response, while promoting accurate narratives on migration and Ebola preparedness among the media, United Nations partners, key stakeholders, and the general public.

Responsibilities

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Science, International Relations, Global Communications, International Development, Journalism, Social Sciences, or a related field;

Experience

• Familiarity with a multitude of international development and humanitarian areas of intervention;

• Work experience in technical writing, editing, outreach and communication in English and French;

• Familiarity with international organizations;

• Familiarity with migration-related issues, and demonstratable knowledge of Burundi’s context advantageous.

Skills

• Knowledge of graphic design, web, social media and video production

Languages

For this consultancy, fluency in French and 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.

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

• 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

This position is open to Nationals only. 

IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work. 

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

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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