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.
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.
NOTE : This position is open to Nationals only.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
Project Development and Support Unit in coordination with different programme units specifically the Migration health Unit.
Tasks to be performed under this contract
1. Communication Planning and ComplianceDevelop communication plans for activities, particularly for IOM’s public health interventions such as Ebola preparedness and response activities, ensuring alignment with programme objectives, public health priorities, and donor visibility requirements.Provide guidance to project managers to ensure compliance with IOM and donor visibility requirements, especially preparedness and other public health interventions.2. Content Development and DocumentationPhotograph events related to IOM interventions, including Ebola preparedness and response activities (e.g., trainings, PoE screenings, community outreach, coordination meetings), ensuring systematic documentation and archiving in line with IOM standardsConduct interviews and develop human-interest stories highlighting impacts of IOM’s activities.Coordinate the review of speeches, talking points, public information materials, and other communication products to ensure the inclusion of accurate and validated public messaging.Contribute to the development of the mission's communication tools, including newsletters, social media platforms, websites, and information sheets, specifically ensuring regular coverage of Ebola preparedness and other public health priorities.3. Media Relations and Public InformationCoordinate the review and release of local, regional, and international press materials, ensuring timely dissemination and media engagement. Disseminate information on IOM’s interventions, through multiple communication channels (social media, radio, television, and other media) in coordination with the PDSU.Support the preparation and implementation of public health-related events and campaigns, including media engagement activities, as measured by the number of events supported and media outputs generated.4. Visibility and Awareness Materials Design and coordinate the production of visibility materials (banners, roll-ups, t-shirts, brochures, and other communication products) to support field activities and raise awareness of Ebola preparedness interventions, as measured by the number and type of materials produced and deployed.5. Partnerships, Coordination, and Strategic PositioningLiaise with project managers, programme staff, senior management, and the PDSU to enhance the visibility and strategic communication, ensuring coherent and consistent messaging across programme outputs.Liaise with UN partners and support joint communication initiatives, campaigns, and international observances to showcase public health efforts and strengthen inter-agency visibility.Liaise with project managers, programme staff, senior management, and the PDSU to enhance the visibility and strategic communication, ensuring coherent and consistent messaging across programme outputs.Liaise with UN partners and support joint communication initiatives, campaigns, and international observances to showcase public health efforts and strengthen inter-agency visibility
Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
- Timely delivery of all assigned communication products and activities.Quality of communication materials in accordance with IOM standards.Compliance with donor and IOM visibility requirements.Effective coordination with programme units and relevant stakeholders.Contribution to increased visibility of IOM Burundi's Ebola preparedness and public health interventions.Timely and accurate dissemination of public information and media products. Maintenance of an organized archive of communication materials and outputs.
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
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.
No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.