Job Identification (Reference Number): 14216
Position Title: News Editor (P)
Duty Station City: Geneva
Duty Station Country: Switzerland
Grade: P-3
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: 10 April 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:ย
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 1.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Internal candidates
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 2.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Candidates from the following non-represented member states:
Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, 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.
Context
IOMโs Department of Media and Communications (DMC) is comprised of experienced communications professionals based in Geneva and Manila. The team provides advice and support on media and public information issues to IOM Headquarters and missions worldwide. It is responsible for direct media relations with UN-accredited Geneva press corps and others. The news editor is responsible for ensuring the quality, accuracy and relevance of news content, this includes editing, proof reading for grammar, spelling, style and factual errors.ย
Under the overall supervision of the Director of DMC and direct supervision of the Editor in Chief, the News Editor would be 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 Organizationโs strategic objectives and supports operational efficiency.
Edit and review global news content, human interest stories, including news releases, op-eds, and various other article formats, ensuring editorial clarity and precision in communication.Coordinate the production and editorial workflow for key institutional materials, such as fact sheets, Lines to Take, event invitations, Palais media briefings, press conferences, and other official collateral.Edit and curate content for DMC and other offices as directed, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.Maintain an up-to-date news and events calendar, establish editorial priorities and guidelines, and optimize workflow processes to meet organizational demands.Collaborate with the team to identify and seize news opportunities, contributing to the creation of multimedia editorial packages on the IOM's website, with a focus on expanding the web audience.Monitor content production prepares comprehensive editorial and production reports for leadership and relevant programs.Develop and prepare media lines (proactive and reactive), lines to take, and respond to media inquiries, ensuring consistent messaging.Ensure the quality, consistency, and timely delivery of all content, tailored for diverse audiences, including internal stakeholders, the general public, and key external actors such as policymakers and foreign policy elites.Assesses available information to determine how it can best serve the IOM's strategies and objectives, identifying new opportunities for content development, and advising on framing and effective communication strategies.Guarantee consistency in grammar, mechanics, expression, formatting, logical structure, and overall readability across all communications.Undertakes additional duties as assigned to support the successful delivery of editorial initiatives.Education
Masterโs degree in Journalism, Communications, Social Science, International Relations, Development, 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.ย
Accredited Universities are those listed in theย UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
Experience
At least five years (seven years for bachelorโs degree holders) of experience writing English-language speeches and/or articles at least five of which should be on behalf of senior Officials, Senior government officials or Senior Managements in other fields.ยSkills
Demonstrated ability to translate complex and technical messages into plain language for audience appeal and impact.Demonstrated track record of performing excellently under pressure and adhering to strict deadlines while maintaining a sophisticated understanding of organizational and external contexts;Excellent general understanding of Migration to governments and migrants, including internally displaced persons, refugees, and migrant workers and other related issues; and,Familiarity with the UN system in general and/or with IOMโs mission in particular are an asset.Primary:
Multimedia writing/editing: Ability to originate or edit written content for media and the general public to be disseminated through press or other online outlets;Brand and Quality Management: Ability to position the IOM brand and uphold it to a high level of quality;Research: Knowledge of analytical tools and methods for undertaking substantive research on various policy related issues;Marketing: Ability to communicate the value of a product or service;Secondary Knowledge Management: Ability to efficiently handle and share information and knowledge; and,Relationship Management: Ability to engage with other parties and forge productive working relationships.
Languages
For this position, fluency inย English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.
IOMโs official languages are English, French and Spanish.ย All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the the three languages.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments
Required Competencies
IOMโs competency framework can be found at thisย linkย Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Valuesย - 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.ย Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.
Core Competenciesย โ behavioural indicators Level 2
ย Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.ย Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.ย Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.ย Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organizationโs priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.ย Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.
Notes
Open to internal candidates and previous IOM employees only.
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.ย 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. 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.
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 theย IOM e-Recruitmentย systemย (for internal candidates linkย 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:ย IOM Careers and Job Vacancies