Job Identification (Reference Number): 14215
Position Title: News Writer (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 Writer will be responsible for researching, writing, and supporting the publishing of news articles across various platforms, including digital and print media.
Under the overall supervision of the Director of DMC and direct supervision of the Editor in Chief, the News Writer 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.
Originate, write, re-write and edit high-quality English-language content such as press releases, media lines (proactive and reactive), op-eds, brief video scripts and high-level social media content for platforms.Ensure high level of accuracy and flexibility in creating, writing, and adapting content depending on the platform and audience.ย Identify and assess global news opportunities and stories by regular communications with regional focal points and provide advice for the preparation and dissemination of high-quality and impactful content.ย Analyze complex information, including statistics, financial information and other numerical, qualitative and quantitative data, to determine and extract key messages for integration into speeches/lectures and other communications material as required.Research and assess audience expectations or reactions, event agenda and topics, and focus the purpose of each piece of content for audience appeal and impact.Write other substantive material for Senior Leadership as requested, including statements, talking points, key messages and other written communications. This may include targeted messages for internal communications within IOM or for specific stakeholders and partners.Work with the Editor-In-Chief, DMC colleagues, Executive Office and colleagues in various Regional Offices to ensure that overall IOM messaging is consistent and incorporated into their communications materials.Attend, participate in and cover UN press briefings, meetings, and events, producing timely and accurate reports that are distributed to global audiences.Follow up and advise on the progress and impact of news initiatives in different regions.Ensure that all news stories are fact-checked, sources and data verified.Collaborate with other UN focal points, when needed, and external partners to gather information, ensure consistency in messaging, and meet deadlines for publications.Ensure that all written materials adhere to the UN's editorial standards, policies, and guidelines, including neutrality, balance, and inclusivity in reporting.Perform such other duties as assigned.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 news-oriented content on a variety of platforms, at least five of which should be on behalf of senior government officials or senior executives.Skills
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 serviceย 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