Media and Communications Officer (Migration Health)

Position Title: Media and Communications Officer (Migration Health)

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: 24 October 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:

Under the direct supervision of the Director, the Migration Health Division (MHD) and in close coordination with the Media and Communications Unit (MCU) in HQ and relevant Regional and Country Office teams, the Media and Communications Officer (Migration Health) will be responsible and accountable for implementation of key advocacy, communications and public relations priorities concerning Migration Health Programmes in line with IOM’s overall strategic communications frameworks. The incumbent will carry out the following responsibilities aimed at internal and external stakeholders, such as IOM department, divisions, governments, UN agencies, donors, migrants and communities and other stakeholders, including media and the public relations.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. In coordination with MCU, develop and implement the MHD’s strategic media, communications, and public relations activities, including anticipating and preparing for risk and reputation management in media and communications, as it relates to the IOM’s Migration Health programmes, including the Health Assessment Programmes (HAP).
2. Serve as the Focal Point for the design, quality assurance, and/or maintenance of IOM’s Migration Health websites and other online platforms, in close coordination with MCU, Manila Administrative Center (MAC), and Country Offices.
3. Manage the current communication channels of IOM relevant for migration health, including the health sections of relevant IOM Migration Health websites (both global and country-specific project websites), internal HAP and emergency health portals, migration health SharePoint, social media platforms, information sheets, and other publications, migration health annual overviews, and others;
4. Carry out periodic reviews and develop monitoring indicators for the effectiveness of the IOMMigration Health websites and other related visibility outlets, including social media, client feedback mechanisms, etc. for IOM HAP implementation locations, and other key migration health programme areas, in collaboration with relevant units of MHD.
5. Develop and maintain a compendium of standard information and communication messages for different HAP procedures contributing to the design of evidence-informed products, such as HAP-related information sheets, bulletins, migration health information materials, including with external partners, etc.
6. Contribute to the development and rollout of behavioral change communications and information, education and communications (IEC) materials.
7. Liaise with Migration Health and communications team in the Regional and Country Offices, as required, ensure standardization of content in line with IOM style and standards, and contribute to the periodic updates and quality management.
8. lnitiate and implement media activities, develop information campaign materials, public information and other communications for key internal and external migration health events, including conferences, trainings, to improve the visibility and marketability of IOM’s migration health programme’s activities, in coordination with MCU.
9. In coordination with MCU and the Staff Development and Learning Unit, promote the capacity building and develop training materials for IOM staff on effective health-related advocacy, communication and public relations standards and tools, and ensure that health-related communication is integrated and aligned within various IOM institutional communications in a cross-cutting manner at the HQ, Regional, and Country Office levels.
10. Integrate and collaborate on the IOM social media strategies with specialized content and proactive engagement on migration health, to increase the visibility and reputation of IOM in the area of migration health. Provide advice and guidance to RO and CO Migration Health teams for implementation of their own social media activities and advise on situations that require timely and sensitive reputation management in the area of IOM’s clinical and other public health activities.
11. Act as the Focal Point for the MHD Director and IOM’s Regional and Country Offices in responding to external media and journalists in coordination with MCU. This also includes acting as a Focal Point on health-specific media inquiries and managing communications and campaigns with other UN agencies, donors, and partners.
12. Build effective relationships with a network of Migration Health and MCU Focal Points in th eRegional and Country Offices and seek out external partnerships to expand Migration Health advocacy and programmes, such as with the private sector, civil society, and migrant communities, including diaspora.
13. Support the Regional Thematic Specialists on health promotion, research, emergency operations, health security, and health informatics, for regular review of the latest migration health-relevant data and evidence to ensure that all Migration Health programme communications and projects are based on the best available evidence and up-to-date information.
14. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, International Affairs, Health Communications, Journalism, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or
• University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• At least five years (seven years for bachelor’s degree holders) of international communications/public relations experience working on migration health and/or public health topics of international concern; previous experience with IOM or UN system or intergovernmental agencies, an asset;
• Demonstrated experience in communications at the international level in the area of health is required;
• Demonstrated experience in the domain of media, social media and the latest communications-related technologies;
• Experience in social and behaviour change communication is a distinctive advantage; and,
• Demonstrated experience with publishing software (lnDesign, illustrator, Adobe Photoshop or others), web publishing software, and social media is required.
• Experience in developing internal strategy memos/presentations; high-level migration healthmessages for cross-thematic and organizational use.

Skills

• A track record of effective engagement with journalists at reputable media outlets on health topics is desirable;
• Online communication, branding and social media skills, with knowledge of communication-related applications and software;
• Ability to critically research and use strategic thinking in developing design elements and key messages;
• Ability to develop communication strategies that can be employed at different levels (policymaker, partner, community, and individual level) and across different communication channels (online and social media presence, production of information packets, creative activities for partners, officials and policy makers);
• Functional knowledge of the workings of international and/or complex organizations;
• Excellent interpersonal, cross-cultural and diplomatic skills and the ability to be a cooperative team player and work inclusively with a diverse team;
• Ability to work efficiently, under tight deadlines with flexibility and ability to take on new and emerging migration and health issues on a results-oriented basis; • Excellent analysis and writing skills.

Languages

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

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of other UN Languages are 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.

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.pdf

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 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 Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.