Communication Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Communication Officer
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: 12 mars 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 encourages applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity.

Job Overview:
The Communication Officer position is situated within the NEWS Unit of the Department of Communication and Public Information (DCOMM). The incumbent will be part of a team responsible for public communication and information, focusing on four main categories: leading the ILO's networking with international media, proactively identifying key moments for communication about the ILO's work, producing high-quality multimedia products, and supporting media training for ILO staff. The role requires collaboration with various units within the department and regional communication officers, reporting directly to the head of the NEWS unit. The successful candidate will implement the ILO's global communication strategy, emphasizing international media relations and content creation, while ensuring adherence to the organization's communication standards and journalistic integrity.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implement the ILO's global communication strategy in alignment with organizational needs, focusing on international media relations and content creation.
• Write, edit, and review communication materials such as reports, press releases, speeches, digital news, human interest stories, and media presentations, ensuring compliance with ILO guidelines and global journalistic standards.
• Lead the production of ILO multimedia products, including podcasts, live productions, and multimedia content under the direction of the unit head.
• Proactively research and identify opportunities to integrate gender equality messages and other key ILO messages into the global media calendar, coordinating with technical departments and regions to propose ILO specialists for interviews.
• Organize media coverage and interviews for the Director-General and other ILO officials, co-leading official and unofficial press briefings at the United Nations and internationally.
• Provide technical expertise and advice to senior officials and communication staff on public information, interview techniques, and media relations.
• Perform other relevant tasks as assigned, complementing the generic duties established by the ILO for this position, which include managing a program's work, identifying public information needs, preparing and producing information materials, coordinating the dissemination of publications, contributing to multimedia campaigns, and acting as a spokesperson for the department during public information events.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a higher university degree in communication, journalism, international relations, literature, or a related field. A first-level university degree in one of the aforementioned fields or another relevant area, combined with two additional years of relevant experience, may be accepted in lieu of a higher degree. Additionally, candidates should have a strong understanding of global current affairs and labor issues, excellent writing and editing skills in English, and experience in impactful storytelling. The position requires strong analytical and negotiation skills, the ability to multitask and meet deadlines, and good interpersonal skills, with a capacity to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
A higher university degree in communication, journalism, international relations, literature, or a related discipline is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in one of these fields or another relevant area, along with two additional years of relevant experience, may be accepted in lieu of a higher degree. Candidates should demonstrate a strong academic background that supports their ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the position effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least seven years of professional experience in digital content production, journalism, public information, or another relevant field. Experience working in an international information environment as a writer, producer, journalist, or in a similar role is advantageous. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to produce high-quality content and engage effectively with media and public audiences.

Languages:
Excellent written and spoken command of English and a second working language of the organization (French or Spanish) is required. Candidates whose native language is not one of the ILO's working languages must have a satisfactory practical knowledge of at least one of the ILO's working languages. If appointed, they will be required to acquire knowledge of a second working language within their first years of service.

Additional Notes:
The contract is for a fixed term of twenty-four months, with the external candidate subject to a probationary period for the first two years of their assignment. Any extension of the contract beyond the probationary period is contingent upon satisfactory conduct and performance. All candidates must complete an online application form, and the recruitment process may include written assessments and interviews. The ILO applies a zero-tolerance policy towards exploitation and sexual abuse, ensuring that no staff member or beneficiary is victimized. The ILO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and does not require candidates to provide bank account information.