Senior National Media and Communications Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is an intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to include 173 member states and operates in over 100 countries worldwide. The organization aims to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, ensuring that migration is safe, orderly, and dignified. IOM's mission includes addressing the challenges of migration, providing humanitarian assistance, and supporting the development of migration policies that respect human rights.

Job Overview:
The Senior National Media and Communications Officer will play a crucial role in managing the media and communications activities at the IOM Türkiye Country Office. This position requires a strategic approach to external communications, ensuring that the organization's messaging aligns with its strategic priorities. The officer will act as the spokesperson for the Country Office, preparing media content and managing communications during crises. The role involves providing technical advice to senior management on communications issues, supervising the Public Information Unit, and enhancing the communications capacity of the office through training and support. The officer will also manage the CO's online presence and liaise with government partners and donors to ensure consistent messaging.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the implementation of external communications strategies in line with IOM's strategic priorities.
• Act as the spokesperson for the Country Office, preparing media-related content and managing communications during crises.
• Provide technical advice to the Senior Management Team on strategic communications issues.
• Supervise the Public Information Unit, ensuring high-quality content aligned with IOM's brand guidelines.
• Develop training materials and provide capacity building for Public Information staff.
• Review and approve all external communications content produced by the CO.
• Support high-profile visibility events and assist the Chief of Mission in media representation.
• Manage the CO's online presence, including social media and website content.
• Liaise with government partners and donors to ensure alignment in messaging. 1
• Maintain media contact lists and coordinate responses to media requests. 1
• Draft media key messages, statements, and background documents. 1
• Engage with the UN Country Team’s Communication Group on joint campaigns. 1
• Undertake duty travel to collect multimedia content and provide guidance to field teams. 1
• Ensure gender, diversity, and inclusion awareness in all communications. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field with five years of relevant experience, or a University degree in the same fields with seven years of experience.
• Proven experience as a writer, editor, and content producer/manager in international journalism or public information roles.
• Experience in digital communications and social media management.
• Strong background in corporate writing and editing.
• Experience managing donor visibility and media liaison.
• Familiarity with humanitarian and development communications, particularly related to migration issues.
• Experience working in UN or other international organizations is an advantage.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field from an accredited institution. Alternatively, a University degree in one of these fields is acceptable if accompanied by seven years of relevant professional experience. Accredited institutions are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in media and communications roles, particularly in international journalism or public information. Experience in digital communications, social media, and managing donor visibility is essential. Familiarity with migration-related issues and experience working in UN or international organizations will be considered advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Turkish is required, both oral and written. Knowledge of other IOM official languages, such as French and Spanish, is considered an advantage. Proficiency in 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 fill similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in a similar position for 24 months. National Professional Officers must be nationals of the country of employment. The appointment will be contingent upon medical fitness certification, residency verification, and necessary government authorizations. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its objectives, including discrimination and harassment. The organization does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system.