Under the overall supervision of the Regional Director and direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM), and in coordination with the Regional Media and Communications Officer and the Media, Innovation, and Community Engagement Unit at Headquarters (HQ), the Media and Communications Officer will be responsible and accountable for managing the implementation of media and communications-related activities in IOM Country Office (CO).

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the implementation of CO’s external communications strategies in line with the Organization’s strategic communications priorities and guidelines, promoting an accurate narrative on migration-related issues with the media, general public, the UN, and other key partners.

• Act as Spokesperson for the CO, take a lead role in the preparation of Media-related content on current and emerging issues, and support the preparation of Media Lines to Take in crises by the Regional Media and Communications Officer and relevant colleagues at Media, Innovation & Community Engagement Unit at HQ.

• Provide technical advice to the Senior Management Team (SMT) on strategic communications issues, including sensitive internal and external communications, and ensure the high quality and consistency of media and public outreach for the CO by building the capacity of and providing strategic communications/media advice and support to the Chief of Mission and SMT.

• Supervise and manage the CO’s Media and Communications staff including Social Media Officers, Graphic Designers, and Audio-Visual Officers to ensure content is of the highest quality, aligned with IOM’s brand guidelines, and consistent with the Organization’s strategic communications priorities. Enhance CO’s communications capacity by developing training materials, providing training and capacity building to the Media and Communications staff and other relevant teams; provide advice and support to the field teams on Media and Communications management.

• Supervise all external communications content produced by the CO, including stories, blogs, videos, and social media content; provide timely editorial advice in consultation with the Regional Media and Communications Officer on whether they are best suited for publication on national, regional, or global IOM platforms.

• Support high-profile visibility events and assist the Chief of Mission in preparing to represent the CO, including arranging media interviews, reviewing speeches, and preparing media Lines to Take. Develop and contribute content to communications campaigns at a national, regional, and international level, including for relevant UN Days.

• Manage the CO’s online presence, including through its social media accounts and website to increase the impact of CO’s digital outreach.

• Strengthen IOM’s links with media in-country to promote the work of the CO; maintain media contact lists, coordinate responses to media requests; prepare timely press releases/media packages, and organize press briefings, media trainings, and partnerships, among other relevant activities.

• Draft media key messages, statements, talking points, and other relevant background documents for IOM’s use.

• Engage with the UN Country Team’s Communication Group and other relevant actors and lead in developing media messages on key issues by working together on campaigns and issues of joint concern.

• Undertake duty travel to take photographs and video footage and gather material for multimedia content showcasing the humanitarian situation and IOM field activities. Ensure that Media and Communications content is clear and concise, and digital informed consent is secured.

• Ensure that there is appropriate gender, diversity, and inclusion awareness in all IOM external communications.

• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Job Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s Degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or,

• University Degree in one of the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience as a writer, editor, and content producer/manager in international journalism and/or public information roles, preferably in the Region;

• Experience in digital communications and social media;

• Experience in corporate writing and editing;

• Experience in managing donor visibility;

• Experience with media liaison;

• Experience in humanitarian communications;

• Experience working in the region and/or in an emergency setting an advantage; and,

• Experience in working in the UN or other international organizations.

Skills

• Skills in graphic design, particularly using Adobe programs 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.

How To Apply

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.

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