Job Identification (Reference Number): 14217
Position Title: Communications Officer (Thematic)
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: 16 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:
1. Internal candidates
2. 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
IOM’s Department of Media and Communications (DMC) is comprised of experienced communications professionals based in IOM Headquarters (HQ) in Geneva and Administrative Centre in Manila (MAC). The team provides advice and support on media and public information issues to IOM HQ, and Global, Regional and Country Offices worldwide. It is responsible for direct media relations with UN-accredited Geneva press corps and others, administers IOM’s global social media accounts and website and manages content submitted from around the world to be published on those global platforms, oversees institutional branding and initiates and manages global information campaigns.
Under the overall supervision of the Director of DMC and the direct supervision of the Editor in Chief, the Communications Officer (Thematic) will be responsible and accountable for developing, coordinating and managing internal communication processes across the Organization. The incumbent will focus on creating clear communication channels, ensuring consistent messaging, and enhancing information flow between 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.
Coordinate the delivery of the media and communications objectives of key teams and functions across IOM, including but limited to resource mobilization, private sector, UN Network on migration, partnerships, Member State engagement, as well as on key thematic areas of work in the Operations pillar, and serve as the liaison on these functions within the DMC .Contribute to the development and execute communications strategies targeting key stakeholders, including internal thematic areas, Goodwill Ambassadors, member states, and other UN agencies and external partners, to support IOM’s strategic engagement, advocacy, and fundraising goals.Through collaboration with editorial team (news and social media), lead the creation of tailored and high quality communication materials to support thematic engagement, including press releases, key messages, scripts, fundraising content, Op-Eds, and stories that highlight IOM’s impact and encourage partner support.Serve as a primary point of contact for thematic divisions, building trusted relationships and facilitating regular dialogue to ensure consistent messaging and coordinated outreach efforts.Collaborate with thematic divisions to support and lead communication campaigns that increase visibility, expand partnerships, and encourage support for IOM’s programmes and initiatives.Develop and implement content strategies to boost engagement with target audiences through digital media, social platforms, and traditional channels, including print and television.Liaising with HQ, ROs and COs, to support the development of long-term media and communications strategies to engage thematic partnersand institutional donors in line with IOM’s strategic goals.Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of media and communications initiatives, providing regular reports on outcomes and impact to guide ongoing strategy refinement. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.Education
Master's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, International Relations, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or,University degree in a similar field with seven years of relevant professional experience in communications, donor relations, or private sector engagementAccredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
Experience
Three years proven experience in private sector engagement, corporate communications, or donor relations, particularly in international or non-profit organizations;Experience in content creation, including writing and editing for digital media, website content, and social media platforms;Three years experience in strategic communications and donor engagement strategies; and,Experience working with private sector stakeholders, businesses, or philanthropies in supporting humanitarian or development initiatives is an advantage.Skills
Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences;Have a good knowledge of private sector engagement strategies and fundraising communications;Proficiency in digital media and content management tools, including social media platforms and content creation software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite); and,Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality work under pressure.Languages
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.
IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. 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
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 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. Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2
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.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. 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 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