Media and Communications Officer (P)

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
• Candidates from the following IOM Member States that are not represented among staff members in the Professional and higher categories:

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and direct supervision of the Programme Support Unit (PSU), the Media & Communications Officer will support the coordination and implementation of communications, public information and media-related activities and strategies that promote an accurate narrative on IOM Chad programmes in the media, among the UN, Donor, and other IOM key partners as well as the general public.

Participate in the implementation of IOM Chad internal and external communications strategies, in line with the Organization’s guidelines and donor requirements, helping to promote an accurate narrative on IOM Chad response activities and other issues central to IOM with the media, public, donors, the UN, and other key partners.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of project visibility and communication plans in line with donor requirements, while maintaining contact with donor communications focal points and providing them with regular updates and information.
• Draft and/or coordinate the preparation of specific communications content produced by IOM Chad in a timely manner, including stories, blogs, videos, and social media content.
• Participate in the implementation of communications campaigns at a national, regional, and international level, including for relevant UN Days.
• Support the management of IOM Chad's online presence, including through its social media accounts and website, with a view to increasing the impact of IOM Chad's digital outreach.
• Draft responses to press/media requests and coordinate media engagement activities, assist in organizing media coverage, briefings and interviews, and maintain an updated database with contacts of journalists.
• Draft specific elements of key messages, statements, talking points and other relevant background documents for IOM use.
• Coordinate and provide guidance to the graphic design team for the development of internal and external products, including donor updates, infographics and situation reports, facilitating high-quality outputs that follow IOM brand guidelines.
• Liaise with UN Country Team Communication Groups and other relevant actors to assist in the development of media messages on key issues, working closely on campaigns and on issues of joint concern.
• Contribute technical inputs for the development of training materials and deliver specific training to team members, other units and field teams.
• Undertake field duty travel to take photographs and video footage and gather material for multi-media content showcasing the humanitarian situation and work being undertaken by IOM in the field.
• Check that audio and visual media content being collected by IOM Chad includes appropriate informed consent and is captured and stored according to the organization’s digital library and data protection protocols, bringing issues to the immediate attention of the supervisor.
• Keep abreast of global migration-related developments and processes in the UN system by researching, collecting, and analyzing information on displacement, migration, and humanitarian developments and emerging issues.
• Perform such other related duties as may be assigned.

Education

• Master’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Development, International Relations, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in coordinating, supporting, and/or implementing digital communications and social media activities for an organization;
• Experience in corporate writing and editing;
• Experience in supporting donor visibility;
• Experience liaising with the media, preferably in the region;
• Experience in humanitarian communications; and,
• Experience working in the region and/or in an emergency setting an advantage.

Skills

• Sound knowledge and understanding of migration issues, including the importance of promoting social cohesion and migrant inclusion;
• Excellent liaison and networking skills with government agencies, donors, and International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs)/ Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs);
• A high level of personal commitment, efficiency, flexibility, drive for results, respect for diversity, creative thinking;
• Ability to establish priorities and undertake assigned tasks with minimum supervision and maintain composure under pressure;
• Ability to manage workload within the general schedule of work, instructions, and standard practices;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment;
• Ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relationships;
• Relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds;
• Ability to prepare and present clear and concise technical reports in English in a timely manner; and,
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (word-processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail).

Languages

For this position, fluency in English and French is required (oral and written).

Working knowledge of another official UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, 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, and any residency or visa requirements. Vacancies close at 23:59 local time in 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.