Communications Officer (Europe)

Position Title: Communications Officer (Europe)

Job Code: VN 2023 517

Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P2

Type of Appointment: Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 11 December 2023

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.

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:

1. Internal candidates
2. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo

(the); Cook Islands; Dominica; Fiji; Grenada; Guinea-Bissau; Holy See;

Iceland; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Madagascar;

Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru;

Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu

Second-tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states.

Context:

IOM’s Media and Communications Unit (MCU) is comprised of experienced communications professionals based in Geneva and Manila.

The team provides advice and support on media and public information issues to IOM Headquarters and Regional and Country Offices worldwide. It is responsible for direct media relations with UN-accredited Geneva press corps and others, administers IOM’s global social media accounts and website and manages content submitted from around the world to be published on those global platforms, oversees institutional branding, and initiates and manages global information campaigns.

MCU produces a wide range of print and audio-visual materials for a variety of audiences to enhance understanding about IOM’s work and its position as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, and to advocate on behalf of the rights of migrants worldwide.

Under the direct supervision of the Managing Editor and in close collaboration with Regional Media and Communications Officers, the Communications Officer (Europe) will be responsible and accountable for contributing to the preparation and dissemination of communications materials that promote IOM’s work and raise awareness of migration issues in Europe.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Gather, draft, and disseminate public information content to raise awareness about IOM activities in Europe.
2. Draft, edit, and produce content for IOM press briefing notes, the global website, and social media in clear and concise English, ensuring appropriate gender representation in all IOM communications in coordination with relevant staff at Headquarters (HQs), and thematic experts in the Regional and Country Offices.
3. Provide logistical and technical support for the promotion of IOM global campaigns and UN-led campaigns.
4. Collaborate closely with Regional Media and Communications Officers in Europe to produce content in the form of human-interest stories from the field, photographs, and video clips for an international audience, and to support donor visibility.
5. Provide various inputs on IOM activities and events for IOM’s social media presence and support live feed outputs on social media during IOM high-level events.
6. Contribute to the development and strengthening of links with international media in Geneva that promote IOM’s work and reputation.
7. Liaise with media and communications counterparts in governmental and non-governmental partner agencies.
8. Participate in interagency media and communication working groups in Europe to encourage information flow and community engagement activities across agencies.
9. Provide staff training sessions on media and communications best practices.
10. Monitor media and highlight trending humanitarian-related topics.
11. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Journalism, Communications, 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 writing and editing, in international journalism, and public information.

Skills

• Demonstrated high competency as a writer, and editor in English;
• Knowledge of graphic design, web, social media, and video production;
• Familiarity with international organizations;
• Familiarity with migration-related issues in the region advantageous

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish and another UN 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.

Notes

Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies:

Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent, and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action-oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge, and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring, and motivational way.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.p df

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and background verification and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time in Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.