Communication Planning Officer

Introduction

The position is located in the Strategic Communications Unit (STRATCOM) within the Department of Communication and Public Information (DCOMM). DCOMM works with all ILO headquarters departments and field offices to deliver the global communication strategy and is responsible for ensuring a common approach to ILO communications. The role of STRATCOM is to ensure that key ILO content reaches external audiences in the most effective, efficient and strategic way through the appropriate channels, including social media, digital marketing platforms and the web. STRATCOM  is also responsible for coordinating DCOMM’s advocacy efforts.

The Communication Planning Officer is responsible for working with all ILO departments and field offices to collect information on planned knowledge products, events, projects and campaigns. The position maintains the global communication calendar and strategic scheduling in coordination with the Chief of STRATCOM and the Head of News and Media. It works in coordination with all DCOMM units, ILO departments and field offices to devise and implement communication plans. It is also responsible for developing and managing the communication guidance function of DCOMM, including developing content for the SharePoint and scheduling and hosting LABS training sessions. 

The position will report to the Chief of STRATCOM.

Specific Duties

1.    Build, develop and work with a network of communication contact points across the ILO (headquarters and field offices) with the purpose of building and maintaining a comprehensive, detailed and up-to-date plan of ILO communications.

2.    Responsible for the daily management and update of the global communication calendar by following up with ILO departments and field offices and briefing communication colleagues in DCOMM.

3.    Guide and advise ILO departments and field offices on their communications plans and strategies. Make recommendations on strategic scheduling, communication approaches, product and channel selection, messaging and branding. 

4.    Responsible for the scheduling of ILO communication output in coordination with the Chief of STRATCOM and Head of News and Media and for delivering the daily and weekly communication updates to ILO colleagues and UN Communication networks. 

5.    Devise new methods to improve the two-way flow of information and knowledge with ILO departments and field offices, including by optimised use of Microsoft Teams and SharePoint. Keep abreast of applicable standards, best practices and technological developments and make recommendations for the improvement of communication processes, service design and delivery.  

6.    Work with the Chief of STRATCOM and other colleagues to prepare communication messages on key ILO issues. 

7.    Participate in communication planning meetings, including in UN system-wide meetings with a view to sharing knowledge and developing and enhancing areas for synergies and joint initiatives; update colleagues on latest information. 

8.    Conceive, prepare and regularly publish engaging content on the DCOMM SharePoint, which  provides the latest planning information, access to communication assets and advice and guidance on communication skills, in written and multimedia formats.

9.    Determine and manage the schedule of DCOMM LABS online communication training sessions in coordination with DCOMM teams, including marketing the series internally. Host and facilitate each LAB on Teams, with the technical expert,  and publish the video recording on SharePoint. 

10.    Film and edit footage of training sessions and produce other videos and products designed to provide guidance on communication skills for all colleagues. 

11.    Contribute to the implementation of major projects managed by STRATCOM.

12.     Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

These specific duties are aligned with the relevant ILO generic job description, which includes the following generic duties:

optional section (only if needed)

Generic Duties

1. Originate, write and edit information material for dissemination. Commission, write or edit brochures, posters, press kits, articles and/or press releases.
2. Conduct original research for information projects and publications. Analyze and prepare briefing papers on meetings and activities of the organization. Provide senior communication and public information specialists with regular updates on upcoming meetings, conferences and seminars, and with press reviews of articles published in the international media.
3. Develop automated databases and mailing lists of target audiences, and provide information through such means as press releases, interviews, features, audio/visual productions, etc.
4. Maintain contacts with media representatives and others to promote the activities of the organization. Ensure that responses to direct or indirect requests for information about the work of the organization promote better understanding of its objectives and activities.
5. Act as focal point for liaison with identified substantive offices, obtain ongoing information about their areas of activity, arrange for meetings of representatives of substantive units, and brief communication and public information specialists accordingly.
6. Evaluate the effectiveness of approaches to reach the media and public, undertake active follow up to increase impact, and assist in the launching of promotional campaigns.
7. Organize seminars, meetings and discussions with media representatives and other concerned parties, and reply to specific enquiries.
8. Compile and maintain audio/video (A/V) libraries. Conduct research for A/V projects, propose programme formats and technical approaches, coordinate technical standards and ensure the production of language versions, and verify that production work has been completed and within approved budgets.

Required qualifications

Education

First level university degree in communications, journalism, international relations, liberal arts or other relevant discipline, or its equivalent.

Experience

Over five years of professional experience in public information or related fields of work at the national level, or three years at the international level.

Languages

Excellent command of two official languages (English, French, Spanish) of the Organization.  One of these languages must be English. 

Competencies

In addition to the ILO core competencies, this position requires:

Technical

Excellent writing, presentation and interpersonal skills. Comprehensive knowledge of communication and/or information management principles and concepts. Good knowledge of the ILO’s mandate and its programme of activities. Ability to evaluate information and communication needs and to provide appropriate and targeted information and advice accordingly. Ability to create and edit multimedia content, including video and audio.  Ability to use tools and techniques for digital content creation and web content management systems, as well as social media platforms. Ability to use SharePoint content management or equivalent.

Behavioural
Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.