Digital Communications Officer

Position Title: Digital Communications Officer

Job Code: VN 2023 518

Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P3

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

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 19 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); Latvia;

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 missions 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 of 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 Director, of the Media and Communications Unit, the Digital Communications Officer will be responsible and accountable for expanding MCU’s support to IOM projects in driving digital communication strategies, with a focus on advancing community engagement initiatives and leveraging innovative digital tools.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Design, develop, maintain, and integrate products and tools that support IOM’s digital platform efforts at large, with a special focus on the Community Response App, Community Response Map, and Assistance Tracking System.
2. Supervise the teams working on the Community Response App, Community Response Map, Assistance Tracking System, and other new digital platforms.
3. Substantively contribute to the development and execution of outreach and information strategies to promote specific projects both internally and externally and to increase visibility and understanding across various digital platforms.
4. Provide expert technical support for the integration of digital communications tools into assigned projects.
5. Ensure effective coordination and maintain fluid channels of communication between MCU and relevant country office counterparts to consistently advance both ongoing initiatives and new projects.
6. Support and collaborate closely with the headquarters, country, and regional focal points to integrate tools and strategies for effective digital communication approaches tailored to the different contexts where IOM operates.
7. Provide effective recommendations on the functional design and deployment of digital applications to meet project-specific requirements.
8. Organize and perform unit and integrated testing, design and utilization of test bases; assist in acceptance testing of digital tools, identify bugs, and coordinate work with developers to respond to user requirements.
9. Troubleshoot and provide continuing user support, including resolving difficult problems, advising on the use of new techniques, and monitoring transactions to measure the performance and effectiveness of digital tools.
10. Coordinate closely with ICT, OCU, and service providers for the maintenance and updates of digital tools in the IOM server environment and online platforms.
11. Research, analyze, and evaluate new technologies and make recommendations for their deployment to advance IOM’s digital communication capabilities and outreach.
12. Develop and maintain strong and effective working relationships with IOM missions and key stakeholders, internally and externally, to help expand and mobilize resources for digital communications activities.
13. Work openly and closely with partners, including academic researchers, in an open-sourced development environment to promote knowledge sharing and innovation.
14. Provide technical support to IOM staff to strengthen their work in engaging communities.
15. Ensure the mainstreaming of gender in project communications and strengthen the participation of women in communications activities.
16. Perform such other related duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Communications or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or
• Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Extensive experience in developing and implementing community engagement projects and digital communications.
• Experience in the planning, design, development, implementation, and maintenance of complex platforms for large international organizations, with proficiency and experience using Drupal.
• Experience in agile product development and working in open-source development.
• In-depth knowledge of the latest technological developments in information technology and information systems.
• Demonstrated proficiency in mapping out user journey experiences and UX/UI design.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of irregular migration, human trafficking, and other migration-related aspects.
• Experience working in the UN system and familiarity with interagency contexts.
• Excellent grasp of the evolving media environment as well as the political, cultural and economic impact of the changing landscape on non-profit campaigns

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 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, and 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.

Managerial Competencies – Behavioural Indicators level 2

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example, and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

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.