Head of Internal Communications (P)

Job Identification (Reference Number): 14478
Position Title: Head of Internal Communications 
Duty Station City: Geneva
Grade: P-4
Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 1 year with possibility of extension
Closing date: 08 May 2025

Introduction:

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 ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

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. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Second-tier candidates include:

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

 

Context:

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Media and Communications in Geneva, the Head of Internal Communications Officer is responsible for developing and managing internal communication processes across the Organization. This role focuses on creating clear communication channels, ensuring consistent messaging, and enhancing information flow between Headquarters (HQ), Global Offices (GO), Regional Offices (ROs), and Country Offices (COs). The position is essential in fostering a cohesive communication strategy that aligns with the Organization’s strategic objectives and supports operational efficiency.

Guided by the Organization’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity, the Head Internal Communications Officer will establish protocols and standards for internal communication, ensuring that messaging is clear, consistent, and accessible across all levels. They will work closely with the Director of Media and Communications and regional focal points to streamline communication processes, reduce information overload, and support the overall strategic alignment of internal communications with organizational goals.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

Internal Communication Strategy and Planning

Develop and implement an internal communication strategy that aligns with the Organization’s mission, values, and strategic objectives.Work closely with HQ, ROs, and COs to ensure that internal communication efforts are cohesive and consistent across all levels.Establish and maintain standardized communications structures and protocols, messaging templates, and best practices with regard to ensure consistency in internal communications.Oversee the creation and dissemination of internal communication materials, including newsletters, intranet content, and internal announcements.

Communication Process Management

5. Evaluate and manage the internal communication channels, including emails, newsletters, and instant messaging platforms, ensuring that they are effectively utilized to support information sharing. This could include creating a more user-friendly intranet page and leveraging tools like SharePoint for organizing and sharing resources.

6. Establish new structures to coordinate with internal communication focal points at the HQ and regional levels to streamline communication pathways and enhance the efficiency of information dissemination.

7. Ensure the organization of regular town halls, monthly newsletters, and bi-monthly meetings with focal points to ensure transparency and engagement in coordination. 

8. Implement clear feedback loops to ensure that communication is two-way and that staff at all levels can contribute to organizational conversations.

Training and Capacity Building

9. Provide training and support to staff across the Organization on effective internal communication practices, including the use of digital tools and platforms, enhancing multilingual capabilities and ensuring accessibility for all IOM staff (e.g. sign-language, braille, etc.)

10. Develop FAQs, best practices, and guidelines to support internal communication efforts at HQ, ROs, and COs.

Crisis Communication and Internal Campaigns

11. Develop and manage an internal crisis communication plan, ensuring that critical information is disseminated quickly and effectively during emergencies.

12. Serve as a point of contact for internal communications during crises, coordinating with relevant departments to ensure clear and consistent messaging.

13. Design timely and creative internal campaigns where required.

Monitoring and Evaluation

14. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of internal communications through multiple feedback mechanisms including staff surveys, surveys, polls, suggestion boxes, 360° feedback, and participation rates in communication activities.

15. Regularly review internal communication processes and make recommendations for improvements based on feedback and best practices.

📚 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯! 🌍🤝 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗡𝗛𝗖𝗥, 𝗪𝗙𝗣, 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗙, 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗦, 𝗨𝗡𝗙𝗣𝗔, 𝗜𝗢𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀! 🌐

⚠️ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐰: 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖!

16. Utilize metrics such as staff participation rates and feedback to assess the impact and efficiency of communication efforts.

17. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; orUniversity degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:

Experience in internal communications in a large organization.Experience developing institutional strategic documents.Experience in dealing with diverse counterparts from government and/or UN agencies and civil society and think tank an advantage.Experience in the field of migration issues, including operational and field experience is an advantage.

Skills:

Excellent skills in writing for a diverse range of platforms and publications; andKnowledge of the broad range of migration-related subject areas dealt with by the Organization.

Languages:

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. 

For all applicants, 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.

Required Competencies:

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

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.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. 

Notes:

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.

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

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies