Communication Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Communication Officer
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: 12 March 2025

Job Details

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. Established in 1919, the ILO has a mission to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection, and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues. The organization operates in over 180 countries and has a diverse workforce committed to improving labor standards globally. The ILO values diversity and inclusivity, welcoming applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, disability, or background.

Job Overview:
The Communication Officer position is situated within the News and Media Unit (NEWS) of the Department of Communication and Public Information (DCOMM). This role is integral to a team of communication and public information officers, focusing on enhancing the ILO's presence in international media. The officer will engage in proactive relationship building with media outlets, identify key moments for communication, and create high-quality multimedia content. Responsibilities include drafting press releases, speeches, and digital news items, as well as organizing media training for ILO staff. The officer will report to the Chief of the News and Media Unit and collaborate with various units within DCOMM and regional communication officers to ensure cohesive messaging and effective media engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implement the ILO’s global communication strategy, focusing on media relations and content creation.
• Write, edit, and revise materials for distribution, ensuring adherence to ILO guidelines and journalistic standards.
• Lead the production of multimedia products, including podcasts and live productions.
• Identify opportunities to promote gender equality and ILO messages in the media.
• Organize media coverage and interviews for senior ILO officials.
• Provide technical expertise on public information and media relations to senior officials.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned, including covering public information needs and developing communication strategies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in communications, journalism, international relations, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant experience will be accepted. The role requires at least seven years of professional experience in digital content production, journalism, or public information, preferably in an international context. Experience in an international news environment is advantageous.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in communications, journalism, international relations, liberal arts, or a relevant field is required. A first-level university degree in one of these fields, combined with additional relevant experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of professional experience, including international experience in digital content production, journalism, or public information. Experience in an international news environment as a writer, multimedia producer, or reporter is considered an advantage.

Languages:
Candidates must have an excellent command of written and spoken English and a second working language of the Organization, which can be French or Spanish. External candidates whose mother tongue is not one of the ILO's working languages must demonstrate a satisfactory working knowledge of at least one of these languages and are expected to learn a second working language during their initial years of service.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of 24 months, with a probation period of two years for external candidates. The successful candidate's appointment is subject to medical fitness certification by the ILO Medical Adviser. The ILO has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse and conducts background checks on candidates. The recruitment process includes an online application, potential written tests, and interviews, which may utilize communication technologies. The ILO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.