Communications Officer 218 views0 applications

Position Title : Communications Officer

Duty Station : Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Classification : Professional Staff, Grade P2

Type of Appointment : Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible

Closing Date : 19 April 2021

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.

Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process.

For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

1. Internal candidates
2. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Cook Islands; Cuba; Fiji; Gabon; Guinea-Bissau; Guyana; Holy See; Iceland; Kingdom of Eswatini; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Latvia; Luxembourg; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Montenegro; Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Seychelles; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Timor-Leste; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states.

Context:

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Programme Support Coordinator and the direct supervision of the Media and Communications Officer and in coordination with the Heads of Unit, Programme Managers, and other relevant focal points, the incumbent will be responsible for assisting with the implementation of internal and external communications, public information, and media related activities of IOM in Ethiopia, including contributing to strengthening the visibility and outreach of the Mission’s Special Liaison Unit’s (SLU) programmes:

(1) The AU-Horn of Africa Initiative (AU-HoAI) on Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants.

(2) The African Union (AU) Protocol on Free Movement of Persons in Africa.

(3) The Joint Labour Migration Programme (JLMP).

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Provide technical inputs for the development and implementation of a communications strategy for IOM in Ethiopia and IOM’s advocacy and liaison work with/to the AU, the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and JLMP.
2. Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of strategy and content of similar past and planned public information campaigns in Ethiopia and make recommendations for improvements.
3. Liaise closely with Programme/Project Managers to assist with regularly updating mission information products, platforms, updates, infographics, and situation reports.
4. Assist in developing and maintaining a SLU web-portal as part of the IOM Ethiopia website(ethiopia.iom.int) to facilitate the positioning of the organization as a lead humanitarian agency with donors, partners, media agencies and the public.
5. Collect, draft and assist with updating programme and project information for on-line publication, including on the mission’s social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook), as well as information fact sheets, brochure updates, and power point presentations.
6. Maintain an editorial calendar of Unit activities and collect PI materials (photographs, videos, migrant stories) that highlight the actions and results of SLU projects and programmes.
7. Establish a database of media contacts and contribute to the development and strengthening of links with international and local media to promote SLU’s work and reputation.
8. Provide assistance to the Media and Communications Officer in responding when appropriate or coordinating responses to media requests.
9. Inform AU, ECA and JLMP programme staff on media relations, public information, awareness raising and visibility that is consistent with IOM and partner brand rules, regulations, and policies.
10. Undertake necessary mission travel to assist with media outreach and public visibility activities.
11. Facilitate the reflection of appropriate gender awareness and cultural sensitivity in communications and visibility materials.
12. Provide support for the development and maintenance of the JLMP website as needed.
13. Based on specific instructions, draft key messages and utilize established channels for the subsequent distribution of public information on JLMP to key stakeholders to facilitate buy-in at the community, national, regional and continental levels.
14. Contribute technical inputs for the development of an effective and robust crisis communications plan that will enable effective response to an emergency.
15. Implement mechanisms using diverse mediums to disseminate and receive JLMP relevant information in a timely manner.
16. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Social Science, Public Information, Media and Communication, Graphic and Web design, Management Information Systems or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional work experience; or

• University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.

• Professional certification in Content Strategy or Knowledge Management is an advantage.

Experience

• Experience working on communication related regional initiatives;

• Experience working in and with international institutions.

Skills

• Online communication and social media skills;

• Ability to critically research and use strategic thinking in developing design elements and key messages;

• Ability to develop communication strategies that can be employed at different levels (policymaker, partner, community and individual level) and across different communication channels (online and social media presence, production of information packets, creative activities for partners, officials and policy makers);

• Strong communication skills;

• Excellent analytical writing skills;

• Drives and fosters understanding of Media and Communications concepts amongst key personnel in IOM;

• Demonstrate effective ability for teamwork, as well as the ability to work independently;

• Correctly and effectively applies knowledge of traditional and social media;

• Interfaces across units and departments within IOM to extract relevant information;

• Excellent interpersonal, cross-cultural and diplomatic skills and the ability to lead and work inclusively with a diverse team;

• Ability to establish strong working relationships with senior officials in government, with civic leaders, businesspeople, and international donors;

• Excellent drafting/writing/reporting and analytical skills;

• Demonstrated communication, interpersonal, networking and presentation skills.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Notes

1

Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies:

Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.

• Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.

• Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2

• Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.

• Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.

• Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.

• Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.

• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2

• Leadership: provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the organization’s vision; assists others to realize and develop their potential.

• Empowering others & building trust: creates an atmosphere of trust and an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.

• Strategic thinking and vision: works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency…

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country cannot be considered eligible.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.