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.
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:
- Internal candidates
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.
Organizational Context and Scope
To address disaster-related displacement and strengthen community resilience, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) implements a range of preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience-building initiatives across FSM. Following a recent typhoon that severely impacted communities throughout Chuuk State, IOM has been supporting the Government of FSM in delivering emergency relief assistance to affected populations. Furthermore, IOM is also preparing to implement long-term recovery activities, including the reconstruction of damaged homes and public facilities in Weno and across Chuuk’s lagoon and outer islands.
In addition to recovery efforts, IOM works throughout Chuuk and the wider North Pacific region to strengthen community resilience through disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation programming. These initiatives include projects focused on food and water security, and the enhancement of emergency evacuation shelters, helping communities better prepare for, withstand, and recover from future climate-related shocks.
Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, the direct supervision of Programme Support Unit Coordinator based in Pohnpei (FSM), and in close coordination with the Head of Sub-Office in Chuuk and project teams, the Communications Officer will be responsible and accountable for supporting the implementation of communications and visibility activities and contribute to the development of communications materials and outreach initiatives for IOM’s reconstruction, resilience, and climate adaptation programmes.
The successful candidate will be responsible for producing high-quality communications content and visibility products that effectively showcase programme achievements and community impact, while ensuring compliance with IOM branding standards and donor visibility requirements.
- Assist in the development and implementation of communications plans for reconstruction and resilience projects in Chuuk to enhance public understanding and visibility of IOM’s work in the North Pacific.
- Identify communications opportunities and produce high-quality public information materials, including human-interest stories, press releases, social media posts and articles for Medium and mission newsletters, in line with regional and headquarters guidance.
- Create multimedia content, including videos, photographs, graphics, GIFs, and other digital assets, supporting all stages of production, including concept development, storyboarding, filming, photography, editing, and post-production, in accordance with IOM branding and visibility guidelines.
- Draft, edit, and disseminate timely and accurate information materials such as fact sheets, project briefs, project updates and other communications products highlighting project outcomes and community experiences across Chuuk State.
- Support the development of visibility materials for the mission such as banners, posters, signages, and promotional materials ensuring IOM and donor branding.
- Provide communications support for programme activities and public events, including project launches, workshops, consultations, handovers, and international days, ensuring appropriate visibility and media coverage.
- Provide user support and technical assistance to IOM personnel on communications-related tools and systems, including the Community Response App and Digital Informed Consent processes.
- Contribute to the development of key messaging, media lines, briefing materials, and crisis communications products in response to media inquiries and emerging issues
- Establish and maintain working relationships with local media outlets, government communications focal points, and relevant stakeholders to support visibility activities.
- Monitor local media and information channels, identify relevant coverage, and provide regular updates and summaries to support communications planning.
- Research emerging communications trends, tools, and platforms, and contribute suggestions to support outreach and audience engagement activities.
- Perform such other relevant duties as may be assigned.
Education
- Master’s degree in Journalism, Media Communications, Public Information, International Relations or a related field from an accredited academic institution; or,
- Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with two years of relevant professional experience.
Experience
- Experience in digital content creation, including photography, videography, video postproduction, graphic design and editing;
- Experience producing communications or public information content for humanitarian, development, governmental or international organizations; and,
- Work experience in the Pacific is an advantage.
Skills
- Excellent skills in drafting, editing, graphic design and video production;
Demonstrated photojournalism skills;
- Understanding of social media and experience working with UN media partners.
- Ability to contribute to communications initiatives while effectively managing day-to-day operational tasks;
- Ability to think both creatively and strategically; and,
- Detailed-oriented, inquisitive, with great follow-up and reporting skills.
Languages
All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).
At least a working knowledge of another language (including one of the six official UN languages, and/or a language that may be widely spoken in the country context) is desirable.
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
Notes
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.