Position Title: Chief, News and Media Division

Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P5

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

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 03 June 2024

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. External female candidates:
3. Candidate from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Dominica; Fiji; 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; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates.

Context:

The Department of Media and Communications (MCD) is comprised of experienced communications professionals based in Geneva and Manila.

The News and Media Team provides advice and support on media and public information issues to the Executive Office, Offices, Departments and Divisions at Headquarters, Regional Offices, and Country Offices worldwide.

It is responsible for global media relations, crisis management and advocacy, and produces a variety of on- and off-line content to enhance awareness of IOM, its operations, policies, and data among diverse audiences.

MCD manages IOM’s Global website and social media accounts, its institutional branding, and the development of innovative digital tools.

Under the direct supervision of the Director, Department of Media and Communications and in close collaboration with Media & Communications branches globally, the Chief, News and Media Division will be the lead focal point at IOM’s Headquarters for the organization’s media and formulate and implement creative communication strategies to promote IOM and raise awareness of migration in the media and among the general public. In addition, the successful candidate will have extensive contact with a wide variety of internal and external audiences ranging from media personnel, humanitarian actors etc. as well as well as staff from other UN organizations in the context of disseminating information and gathering support for IOM’s activities.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Work with and provide strategic advice to the Director, Department of Media and Communications to develop and implement the annual media plan which will feed into the organisational communications strategy and IOM’s Strategic Plan.
2. Manage the IOM headquarters (HQ) Press Office Team including handling of media requests and proactive media outreach – identifying media opportunities, preparing press releases, and selling into global, press, broadcast, and trade media, managing the arrangements for interviews between staff and the media.
3. Provide editorial and technical leadership across IOM Country and Regional Offices and HQ, including overseeing the development of promotional materials and advocacy campaigns.
4. Manage and develop the media relations by working closely with both internal and external stakeholders.
5. Write and update proactive communication materials including key messaging and media briefings ensuring the organisation is well informed and supported to talk confidently about IOM issues.
6. Strengthen relationships with national and international media outlets to promote the work of IOM by providing high-quality responses to media enquiries related to IOM programmes policies and, more broadly, on migration issues, enhancing IOM’s visibility and credibility.
7. Liaise with IOM Offices worldwide and partner organizations to promote IOM’s visibility and collaboration on communications initiatives. Coordinate with media relations and communication departments to amplify IOM’s messaging and outreach efforts.
8. Ensure accuracy of external materials and provide formal sign off as necessary.
9. Gather, prepare, and disseminate public information on IOM’s activities worldwide.
10. When necessary, serve as an IOM spokesperson.
11. Provide user and audience expertise into planning cycles and strategic decisions that influence the creation of media products and propositions.
12. Monitor and evaluate IOM’s activity against KPI targets.
13. Provide reports to the Director, Department of Media and Communications on achievements against KPIs and priorities.
14. Keep abreast with communications industry best practice and developments.
15. Manage and operate within the agreed business plan and budget.
16. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Journalism, Media or Communications or a related field from an accredited academic institution with ten years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with twelve years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in international journalism, including coverage of international organizations;
• Previous experience in editing, graphic design, online communications, and social media skills.
• Experience with media liaison;
• Experience in humanitarian communications;
• Experience in working in UN or other International organizations.

Skills

• Skills in graphic design, particularly using Adobe programmes an advantage;
• Skills in photography and videography, both shooting and editing an advantage;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and gender sensitivity;
• High level of professionalism and ability to work under pressure and adhere to strict deadlines in a complex and fast changing environment; and,
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) 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 3

• 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 3

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