Media and Communications Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is a Related Organization of the United Nations. As the leading UN agency in the field of migration, IOM works closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. The organization provides services and advice to governments and migrants, ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally while harnessing the full potential of migration. IOM operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various aspects of migration management and support.

Job Overview:
The Media and Communications Officer will work under the overall supervision of the Regional Director and the direct supervision of the Senior Regional Media and Communications Officer. The incumbent will assist missions in their communications activities and support the Regional Office Media and Communications work, particularly focusing on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), League of Arab States (LOAS), and other regional entities. This role requires adaptability in a fast-paced environment, often involving support for crisis communications. The officer will provide technical support to country missions in media relations, including editing and reviewing press materials, drafting op-eds, and supporting media-related planning. The position also involves maintaining regional media outlets, forums, influencers, and goodwill ambassadors, as directed, and organizing media orientation or information sessions for IOM staff and partners to strengthen preliminary media engagement capacity. Additionally, the officer will contribute to the creation and rollout of innovative communications products, including podcasts and influencer collaborations, update media talking points and communication materials, support fundraising efforts through media engagement and storytelling, and assist in monitoring media coverage and preparing summaries to support communications planning. The role also includes contributing to the preparation of the monthly Regional Office newsletter and organizing outreach events to raise IOM’s visibility in the region and promote positive perceptions of migration. The officer will also develop high-quality text stories, photos, video, and audio content for donor submissions, IOM websites, and social media platforms, while performing other duties as assigned.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical support to country missions in media relations, including editing and reviewing press materials and drafting op-eds.
• Support media-related planning and maintain regional media outlets, forums, influencers, and goodwill ambassadors.
• Assist in organizing media orientation or information sessions for IOM staff and partners.
• Contribute to the creation and rollout of innovative communications products, including podcasts and influencer collaborations.
• Update media talking points and communication materials in line with agreed public messaging.
• Support fundraising efforts through media engagement and storytelling.
• Provide input for the development and regular updating of the regional communications work plan.
• Assist in monitoring media coverage and preparing summaries to support communications planning.
• Contribute to the preparation of the monthly Regional Office newsletter. 1
• Assist in organizing outreach events to raise IOM’s visibility in the region. 1
• Develop high-quality text stories, photos, video, and audio content for donor submissions, IOM websites, and social media platforms. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or a Master’s degree in any of the above-mentioned fields.
• Demonstrated competency as a writer and editor in English (native or similar level) and Arabic.
• Experience working in a newsroom or other communications unit.
• Familiarity with international organizations, preferably within UN systems.
• Previous working experience with UN agencies, similar organizations, or equivalent private sector experience.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field from an accredited academic institution. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. A Master’s degree in the aforementioned fields is also acceptable, particularly for candidates with less professional experience.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least two years of relevant professional experience if they hold a Bachelor’s degree, or relevant experience may be less if they possess a Master’s degree. Experience should include demonstrated competency as a writer and editor in English and Arabic, as well as familiarity with international organizations, preferably within UN systems. Previous working experience with UN agencies or similar organizations is highly desirable, along with experience in a newsroom or communications unit.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required, both oral and written. IOM’s official languages also include French and Spanish, which may be beneficial but are not mandatory. Proficiency in these languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
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 will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months. National Professional Officers should be nationals of the country of their employment. NPOs perform work at the professional level and must meet the same standards of recruitment qualifications and performance required for International Professional staff. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background, or disabilities. 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 online recruitment system, which also allows candidates to track the status of their application.