Position Title: Media and Communications Officer

Duty Station: Kinshasa, Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P2

Type of Appointment: Special short-term graded, 9 months with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 27 November 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 Chief of Mission (CoM) of IOM in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and the technical supervision of the Regional Media and Communication Officer, in close coordination with the Programmes Support Unit (PSU), and programme managers, the Media and Communications Officer will be responsible for coordinating and supervising the implementation of external communications, public information, and media related activities for IOM in the DRC.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Provide technical inputs to support the development and implementation of IOM DRC’s communication strategy, which cover both internal and external communication, and check alignment with the Country Offices (COs), IOM’s Regional, and the Global Communication strategies.
2. Coordinate internal and external communication strategies to help advance IOM DRC’s work within the UN system and among key partners.
3. Maintain IOM DRC’s online presence, including social media and website, to assist in amplifying the mission’s digital outreach.
4. Coordinate and follow up on the preparation of media-related content and draft Media Linesto Take during crises in close coordination with the Regional Media and Communications Officer.
5. Produce quality content in the form of text, audio-visual clips, situation reports, newsletters, info sheets, human-interest stories, photographs and press releases for IOM’s official channels, across digital and print formats including websites and social media, to help highlight IOM’s work in the DRC.
6. Assist with the proofreading and editing of reports and publications.
7. Provide technical and procedural guidance for the production and editing of photos, videos, and other multimedia content and communication materials, adhering to IOM’s communication tools and IOM Brand Style Guide.
8. Provide administrative and logistical support for the organization of press briefings and media trainings, and maintain media contact lists.
9. Provide technical, logistical, and administrative support for communication campaigns, awareness-raising interventions, and key events.
10. Assist in organizing specific events, such as International Migrants Day, and maintain a communication and visibility calendar for the mission.
11. Contribute to liaison with interagency communications working groups such as the UNCountry Team’s Communication Group to encourage information flow across agencies and facilitate the development of complementary communications strategies and joint media messages and campaigns under the One UN approach.
12. Closely collaborate with key partners through shared initiatives and strategic communication efforts.
13. Assist Project Managers in the development of communication and visibility plans for specific projects, in alignment with the mission’s communication strategy.
14. As needed, assist with proofreading project reports in compliance with IOM’s House Style Manual.
15. Perform such other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

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

Experience

• Experience working in digital communications;
• Experience writing or contributing to human-interest stories, press reports, lines-to-take, and other public information material;
• Experience working with graphic design tools such as Adobe Photoshop and InDesign;
• Previous experience in delivering trainings on communication and visibility is a distinct advantage; and,
• Previous working experience with UN organizations, Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs), international organizations is a distinct advantage.

Skills

• Knowledge and understanding of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization;
• Strong photography and storytelling skills;
• Proven ability to produce quality work accurately and consistently according to set deadlines;
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accuracy and confidentiality in performing assigned tasks; and,
• Knowledge of IOM Brand Style Guidelines and related materials as an advantage.

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 and French is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, 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.

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 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. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country cannot be considered eligible.

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.