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. It is the leading UN agency in the field of migration, working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, providing services and advice to governments and migrants. The organization is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. IOM operates in numerous countries around the world, focusing on various aspects of migration, including humanitarian assistance, policy development, and capacity building.

Job Overview:
The Media and Communications Officer will be responsible for contributing to the formulation and implementation of communications strategies that promote IOM’s programs and policies while raising awareness of migration issues throughout the East and Horn of Africa region. The successful candidate will work under the direct supervision of the Regional Director in Nairobi and collaborate with the Head of the Media and Communications Division in Geneva. The role involves developing strategic communication plans to enhance IOM's visibility, coordinating regional communication activities, supporting country offices in developing national communication strategies, and producing public information materials. The officer will also be tasked with managing media inquiries, producing content for various platforms, and building relationships with media outlets to foster a better understanding of IOM’s work.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a strategic approach to enhance IOM visibility through communication activities and campaigns.
• Coordinate regional communication plans that highlight the value of migration and the contributions of migrants.
• Support IOM Country Offices in developing national communication strategies.
• Prepare, edit, and disseminate public information materials on IOM activities.
• Write and produce content for press briefings, websites, and social media.
• Advise IOM staff on media and public information issues.
• Build relationships with media outlets to promote IOM’s programs.
• Produce human-interest stories and multimedia content.
• Collaborate with governmental and non-governmental partners. 1
• Ensure timely publication and distribution of media content. 1
• Handle media inquiries and provide guidance on media requests. 1
• Train and support communications staff in the region. 1
• Initiate outreach events to raise IOM’s visibility. 1
• Promote digital communication tools for collecting stories. 1
• Provide support to HQ and regional media units as needed. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Journalism, Mass Media Communications, Public Information, or a related field from an accredited institution, along with seven years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a University degree in the same fields with nine years of relevant experience is acceptable. Candidates should have extensive experience in international journalism, particularly in the Horn of Africa, and prior experience in video production and editing is preferred. Excellent drafting, editing, and graphic design skills are essential, along with strong online communication and social media skills. A high level of professionalism and the ability to work under pressure are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in Journalism, Mass Media Communications, Public Information, or a related field from an accredited academic institution. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Alternatively, a University degree in the same fields with nine years of relevant professional experience is acceptable.

Experience:
The position requires extensive experience in international journalism, particularly with coverage of international organizations in the Horn of Africa. Candidates should also have previous experience in video production and editing, demonstrating a strong understanding of media and communications in a complex environment.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, both oral and written. All IOM staff members are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages, which include English, French, and Spanish. A working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is considered an advantage, and proficiency in the required languages will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to funding confirmation, and the selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country and who do not have prior experience outside the duty station’s country in the Professional category cannot be considered eligible. Appointment will be contingent upon certification of medical fitness, accreditation, and any residency or visa requirements. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including discrimination and harassment. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system.