Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

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

Responsibilities or duties

1. Coordinate the implementation of CO’s external communication 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.

2. Draft, develop and review external communications content produced by the CO, including stories, blogs, video and social media content; provide timely support in consultation with the Regional Media and Communications Officer when requested.

3. Coordinate with communication service providers, verifying content is of the highest quality, aligned with IOM’s brand guidelines and consistent with the Organization’s strategic communications priorities.

4. Support high profile visibility events and assist the Chief of Mission in preparing for meetings and activities, including arranging media interviews, providing technical inputs for 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.

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

6. 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.

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

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

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

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

11. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications or requirements 

EDUCATION

• Master’s degree in journalism, Communications, or a related field from an accredited academic institution or,
• University degree in one of the above fields with two 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 UN or other international organizations.

SKILLS

• Skills in graphic design, particularly using Adobe programmes 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.

• Coordinate the implementation of CO’s external communication 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.
• Draft, develop and review external communications content produced by the CO, including stories, blogs, video and social media content; provide timely support in consultation with the Regional Media and Communications Officer when requested.
• Coordinate with communication service providers, verifying content is of the highest quality, aligned with IOM’s brand guidelines and consistent with the Organization’s strategic communications priorities.
• Support high profile visibility events and assist the Chief of Mission in preparing for meetings and activities, including arranging media interviews, providing technical inputs for 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 develop 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 multi-media content showcasing the humanitarian situation and IOM field activities. Ensure that Media and Communications content is clear and concise, and that 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.

• Skills in graphic design, particularly using Adobe programmes 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.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds.

• Master’s degree in journalism, Communications, or a related field from an accredited academic institution or, University degree in one of the above fields with two years of relevant professional 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.
• Experience in working in UN or other international organizations.