Position Title: Communications Officer (Thematic)

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: 05 December 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. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; 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; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

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

Context:

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Newsroom in the Department of Media and

Communications (DMC) and in technical coordination with various thematic divisions, the Communications Officer (Thematic) will support IOM’s efforts to enhance engagement and visibility across thematic areas, including partnerships with member states, global stakeholders, and special supporters such as Goodwill Ambassadors. The Communications Officer will collaborate with these divisions to develop high-quality, creative communication materials that align with IOM’s strategic objectives, supporting engagement, advocacy, and fundraising activities.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

Thematic Communications and Stakeholder Engagement

• Contribute to the development and execute communications strategies targeting key stakeholders, including thematic experts, Goodwill Ambassadors, member states, and other partners, to support IOM’s strategic engagement, advocacy, and fundraising goals.
• Lead the creation of tailored communication materials to support thematic engagement, including press releases, key messages, scripts, fundraising content, Op-Eds, and stories that highlight IOM’s impact and encourage partner support.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for thematic divisions, building trusted relationships and facilitating regular dialogue to ensure consistent messaging and coordinated outreach efforts.
• Collaborate with thematic divisions to support and lead communication campaigns that increase visibility, expand partnerships, and encourage support for IOM’s programs and initiatives.

Content Creation and Digital Media Management

• Produce high-quality content, including press releases, articles, social media posts, and other multimedia materials, in a timely manner that highlights IOM’s collaborative efforts with thematic partners and stakeholders.
• Develop and implement content strategies to boost engagement with target audiences through digital media, social platforms, and traditional channels, including print and television.
• Work with internal stakeholders across DMC and thematic divisions to ensure consistency with IOM’s organizational strategy, utilizing established guidelines and SOPs for effective messaging and brand alignment.

Strategic Planning and Reporting

• Support the development of long-term media and communications strategies to engage thematic partners, Goodwill Ambassadors, and institutional donors in line with IOM’s strategic goals.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of media and communications initiatives, providing regular reports on outcomes and impact to guide ongoing strategy refinement.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Marketing, International Relations, 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

• Proven experience in private sector engagement, corporate communications, or donor relations, particularly in international or non-profit organizations;
• Experience in content creation, including writing and editing for digital media, website content, and social media platforms;
• Experience in strategic communications and donor engagement strategies; and,
• Experience working with private sector stakeholders, businesses, or philanthropies in supporting humanitarian or development initiatives is an advantage.

Skills

• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences;
• Knowledge of private sector engagement strategies and fundraising communications;
• Proficiency in digital media and content management tools, including social media platforms and content creation software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite); and,
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality work under pressure.

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 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.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.