Communication Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that aims to promote social justice and fair labor practices globally. Established in 1919, the ILO has a mission to advance decent work opportunities for all women and men, enhance social protection, and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues. The organization operates in over 180 countries and has a diverse workforce of approximately 3,300 employees. The ILO is committed to promoting rights at work, encouraging decent employment opportunities, enhancing social protection, and strengthening dialogue on work-related issues.

Job Overview:
The Communication Specialist will play a crucial role in advancing the ILO's mission by developing and implementing communication strategies that raise awareness of the organization's initiatives related to forced displacement, reintegration, and employment recovery in Syria and neighboring countries. The incumbent will be responsible for creating high-quality content that effectively communicates the impact of ILO programs to various stakeholders, including national governments, donors, and affected communities. This position requires a deep understanding of the socio-economic challenges faced by displaced populations and the ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. The Communication Specialist will also support crisis communications and ensure that messaging aligns with ILO standards and the broader UN framework. The role involves close collaboration with various partners, including UN agencies, NGOs, and local organizations, to amplify the visibility of ILO's interventions and promote inclusive recovery efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communication Specialist will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Developing and implementing comprehensive communication plans that align with ILO's objectives and enhance the visibility of its programs.
• Producing a variety of high-quality written and visual content, such as human interest stories, infographics, videos, and social media posts, to effectively communicate the results and impact of ILO initiatives.
• Drafting press releases, op-eds, and reports that articulate ILO's policy positions and achievements in the context of forced displacement and recovery.
• Supporting crisis communications by monitoring media trends and preparing evidence-based inputs for senior management.
• Coordinating digital communications, including managing program-specific web pages and optimizing social media channels.
• Conducting media analytics to track the reach and impact of communications efforts and inform content strategy.
• Maintaining strategic partnerships with national counterparts, social partners, and other stakeholders to enhance the visibility of decent work interventions.
• Strengthening internal communications and facilitating learning events to ensure coherence across ILO offices.
• Providing guidance and training to program teams on ILO communications standards and ethical storytelling. 1
• Promoting gender equality and non-discrimination in all communications activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Communication or a relevant field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) in a related field, combined with an additional two years of relevant experience, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Candidates should have at least five years of professional experience in communication, with prior experience in UN or international organizations being a strong advantage. Experience in contexts of forced displacement is also highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a good understanding of UN operations and the ability to provide technical advice and coordinate the work of external collaborators and staff.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Communication or a relevant field. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) in a related field, along with additional relevant experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of communication in international contexts and for effectively engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of five years of professional experience in communication, particularly within the context of international organizations or UN agencies. Experience in communication strategies related to forced displacement and socio-economic recovery is highly advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of developing and implementing successful communication plans and producing high-quality content that engages various audiences.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the ILO and with international stakeholders. A good working knowledge of Arabic is considered an advantage, as it will facilitate communication with local partners and communities in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of two years, with the possibility of extension subject to various factors, including the availability of funds and the continuing need for the functions. The ILO values diversity and encourages applications from qualified female candidates and individuals with disabilities. The recruitment process will involve an online application, and selected candidates may be contacted for a written test or interview. The ILO has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse and conducts background verifications to ensure the integrity of its hiring process.