Sr National Communication Officer

Context:

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands launched the Cooperation on Migration and Partnerships to Achieve Sustainable Solutions initiative (COMPASS) at the beginning of 2021. COMPASS is a global initiative, in partnership with 14 countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan, and Tunisia.

COMPASS is designed to enhance access to protection-sensitive pathways and empower migrants of all genders and diversity groups, enabling them to contribute to sustainable development outcomes in their communities. A second phase of the program (2014 – 2017) was recently announced.

Under the overall supervision of the COMPASS Programme Manager and the direct supervision of the Awareness Raising and Communications Officer, and in collaboration with relevant units at Headquarters and the Regional Office, the National Communications Officer will be responsible and accountable for managing the communications and visibility functions of the COMPASS program.

The position will be based in IOM’s Regional Office for West and Central Africa in Dakar, Senegal.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

The National Communications Officer will play a crucial role in facilitating effective communication and promoting the objectives and achievements of the COMPASS programme. They will be responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies, managing the programme’s communication channels, and engaging with stakeholders to ensure the programme’s message is conveyed accurately and consistently.

Key responsibilities:

1. Communication Strategy: update and implement the yearly COMPASS communication plans aligned with the programme’s goals and objectives. Evaluate target audiences, key messages, and appropriate communication channels for dissemination.
2. Content Creation and Management: Create engaging and compelling content for various the IOM websites, social media platforms, newsletters, reports, and press releases. Ensure the content is accurate, timely, and aligned with the programme’s messaging and branding guidelines.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Establish and maintain effective relationships with colleagues, country level staff, donor, governments, partners, and beneficiaries. Coordinate and facilitate communication activities, and provide capacity building where needed.
4. Media Relations: Develop and maintain relationships with international media outlets and support national level IOM Public Information Officers in managing national level media relations. Proactively pitch project-related stories, respond to (international) media inquiries, and organize interviews. Monitor media coverage and prepare media reports.
5. Digital Media Management: Oversee the COMPASS digital presence within IOM global, regional and national social media accounts, websites, and online campaigns for selected International Days. Monitor and analyze social media trends, engagement metrics, and user feedback to improve online communication strategies.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation: Develop and implement mechanisms to measure the effectiveness of communication activities. Analyze data and feedback to assess the impact of communication strategies and identify areas for improvement.
7. Branding and Visual Identity: Ensure consistent application of the COMPASS and IOM branding guidelines across all communication materials and implementing missions. Collaborate with designers and other team members to develop visually appealing and impactful communication products.
8. Perform other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field with four years of relevant professional experience;
• Master’s degree in above or related field with two years of relevant professional experience.

Experience:

• Prior work experience in a communications role, preferably with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization is an advantage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences.
• Strong storytelling and content creation abilities, with proficiency in producing engaging written, visual, and multimedia content.
• Experience in managing social media platforms, website content management systems, and digital analytics tools.
• Familiarity with media and donor relations, including pitching stories, press releases, and organizing media and donor events.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team, with excellent interpersonal and networking skills.
• Proficiency in using communication tools and software, including graphic design software, video editing tools, and project management platforms.

Other

• 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, internal candidates are considered first-tier candidates. Second tier candidates include all external candidates.
• Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
• Only candidates residing in the country of the duty station within commuting distance of the duty station will be considered.
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
• Women with the above qualifications are encouraged to apply.

Skills

• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization; and,
• Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation techniques to measure communication effectiveness.
• Knowledge of rules and regulations for programme management (including procurement).

Languages

Required

External applicants for all positions in the Professional category are required to be proficient in English and have at least a working knowledge of one additional UN Language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).

For all applicants, fluency in English and French is required (oral and written).

Desirable

Working knowledge of Arabic.

Required Competencies:

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

Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.

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.

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 action 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.

Other

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

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.