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.
Organizational Context and Scope
Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) in Conakry, Guinea and the direct collaboration with the Programme/Project Managers, and in close coordination with the Media and Communications Unit (MCU) at the Regional Office (RO) of West and Central Africa in Dakar and the Media and Communications Division (MCD) in Geneva, the Media and Communications Officer will assist with the implementation of internal and external communication and media related activities for IOM in Conakry, Guinea. In light of the rise in irregular migration and the abuses suffered by migrant’s en-route, notably in Libya, the scale of IOM’s response in West Africa is growing exponentially. The successful candidate will support the preparation and coordination of communications outputs from migrants who have been returned voluntarily to their countries of origin, to share such stories with the communities, the media, general public and internally within IOM with a focus on awareness raising in Conakry, Guinea.
- Facilitate the proper coordination of the awareness raising strategy in the country.
- Recommend and organize outreach activities and assist the Chief of Mission in carrying out initiatives that promote IOM’s image and increase the awareness of IOM activities in the country.
- Inform the Chief of Mission and Programme/Programme Managers on media and communication issues/campaigns.
- Participate in inter-agency media and communication working groups to encourage information flow across agencies and to contribute to the development of complementary media strategies.
- Inform field and programme staff in the sub-offices on issues relating to public information, and media and communication.
- Contribute to the design and preparation of appropriate information campaigns for a variety of target groups. Draft detailed cost projections and timelines for executing each element of the strategy.
- Utilize social media communication tools (including but not limited to Twitter, Facebook, IOM website) to increase awareness of IOM’s work in Conakry, Guinea.
- Participate in Country Office (CO) key events and workshops and undertake field duty travels as needed in order to acquire material, including photographs of work being undertaken by the field, that would promote IOM with donors and governments.
- Check that all multimedia materials used in the public domain have the necessary consent forms on file, including digital consent forms through use of Community Response App.
- Work closely with Media and Communication Division in Headquarters (HQs) to coordinate news stories, features and Global campaigns.
- Liaise closely with IOM Conakry, Guinea Programme/Project Managers to regularly update the CO website.
- Assist the Programme Unit with regular reporting, info graphics and situation reports.
- Contribute to the development of IOM communications strategy for communicating about irregular migration, including development of a centralized system for knowledge sharing and information management.
- Check that there is appropriate gender parity and awareness in all IOM communications.
- Contribute towards the coordination of IOM’s media outreach with the UN Humanitarian Communications team and other international and news agencies.
- Coordinate the development of social mobilization strategies and tools to strengthen information campaigns in Ebola-affected areas.
- Contribute towards the production of various media resources for affected populations based on key messages and concerns in the context of the Joint Initiative project (funded by the European Union).
Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Education
- Master’s degree in Mass Communication, Journalism, Public Information 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 media and communications;
- Previous experience writing and reporting in international and crisis contexts; and,
- Practical experience of how-to multi-task, prioritize and work independently
Skills
- Proven ability to produce quality work accurately and concisely according to set deadlines;
Strong organizational and editorial skills;
- Ability to timely understand the Organization’s structure and portfolios; and,
- Ability to work effectively and harmoniously in a team of colleagues of varied cultural and professional backgrounds.
Languages
For this position, fluency in English and French is required (oral and written).
Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish) and/or West African language 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.