Job Identification (Reference Number): 14129
Position Title: Strategic Communications Officer (Crisis and Policy)
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 ย communications professionals based in Geneva and Manila.
Under theย overall supervision of theย Director/Spokesperson of the Department of Media and Communications (DMC) and direct supervision of the Senior Strategic Communications Advisor โ Crisis and Policy, the Strategic Communications Officer (Crisis and Policy) will beย responsible for developing, managing and implementing communication initiatives that support communication strategies.
Contribute substantive and creative inputs to support the development and implementation of communication strategies focused on crisis response, humanitarian needs, and policy engagement.ย Create high-quality forward facing communication materials, including policy and media briefs, Lines to Take, impact stories, Op-Eds, and reports that convey IOMโs contributions to humanitarian and policy priorities.ย Work closely with the Senior Strategic Communications Advisor (Crisis and Policy) to develop, support and execute communication responses during crises, and support necessary planning work and the development of Crisis Communication Plans to get ahead of crises.In coordination with the DMC newsroom, develop and support the dissemination of strategic and persuasive content aligned with IOMโs brand.ย Liaise with internal teams and communication focal points to support content creation and the development of strategic narratives across IOMโs communication channels.ย Establish, strengthen and maintain media relations and outreach, and provide substantive support to the Senior Strategic Communications Advisorโs senior counsel to Leadership, and internal communications work as directed.Monitor, analyze and assess media coverage and stakeholder engagement metrics, using insights to refine communication strategies, and report on the effectiveness and impact of media outreach initiatives.Perform such other duties as may be assigned.Education
Masterโs degree in Journalism, Communications, Development or a related fieldย 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 experience.ย
Accredited Universities are those listed in theย UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
Experience
Experience in communications in a large organization,ย particularly in crisis management and policy advocacy within international organizations or non-profits;Experience in managing communication during crises, including developing content, coordinating media engagement, and liaising with stakeholders;Experience in dealing with diverse counterparts from government and/or UN agencies and civil Society, ย including government departments, media, and international partners;Experience in the field of migration issues, including operational and field experience and collecting proof-points/data, an advantage; and,Prior experience working with the private sector, philanthropic organizations, or international donors in support of humanitarian or development initiatives is an advantage.Skills
Demonstrated track record of performing excellently under pressure and adhering to strict deadlines while maintaining a sophisticated understanding of organizational and external contexts;Good communication and presentation skills, with the ability to adapt messaging for diverse audiences and sensitive contexts;Good understanding of crisis communication dynamics, humanitarian response, and public policy landscapes;Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outputs under pressure; and,Excellent skills in writing for a diverse range of platforms and publications.
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