Position Title : Senior Strategic Communications Officer (Crisis and Policy)
Duty Station : Geneva, Switzerland

Classification : Professional Staff, Grade P4
Type of Appointment : Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible

Closing Date : 04 December 2024

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. External female candidates:
3. Candidate from the following non-represented member states:
Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands;
Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kiribati; Lao People's Democratic
Republic (the); Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated
States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia;
Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas;
Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and
female candidates.

Context:

Under the direct supervision of the Director of the Department of Media and Communications
(DMC) and in close coordination with Executive Office, crisis response teams, thematic
divisions, and policy units, the Senior Strategic Communications (Crisis and Policy) is
responsible for leading the design and implementation of strategic communication initiatives that
support IOM’s visibility and engagement in crisis and policy contexts. This position works
collaboratively to drive high-impact communication strategies that align with IOM’s objectives in
advocacy, humanitarian response, and policy influence, leveraging partnerships with member
states, UN agencies, and global stakeholders.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Lead the development and implementation of communication strategies focused on crisis
response, humanitarian needs, and policy engagement, aligning with IOM’s strategic objectives
in these areas.

2. Oversee the creation of high-quality communication materials, including policy briefs, impact
stories, Op-Eds, and reports that convey IOM’s contributions to humanitarian and policy
priorities.

3. Serve as a principal point of contact for strategic communication initiatives within crisis
response and policy, fostering trusted relationships with member states, thematic experts, UN
agencies, and advocacy partners.

4. Coordinate with thematic divisions to support and manage strategic campaigns that drive
awareness, amplify partnerships, and mobilize support for IOM’s crisis-related programs and
policy initiatives.

5. Crisis Communications and Content Management

6. Develop and execute communication responses during crises, managing the production of
timely, accurate, and impactful content across multimedia platforms, including press releases,
social media updates, and video stories.

7. Guide the DMC newsroom in creating and disseminating content that underscores IOM’s role
in humanitarian crisis response and policy influence, ensuring messaging is clear, consistent,
and aligned with IOM’s brand.

8. Liaise with internal teams and communication focal points to coordinate and streamline
messaging, optimize content creation, and reinforce strategic narrative across IOM’s
communication channels.

9. Media Relations and Stakeholder Outreach

10. Lead strategic media engagement to position IOM as a leading voice in migration policy and
crisis response, arranging interviews, briefings, and editorial engagements with key international
media outlets.

11. Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, communications partners, and UN
and NGO communication counterparts to strengthen IOM’s public profile and support joint
advocacy efforts.

12. Track and analyze media coverage and stakeholder engagement metrics, using insights to
refine communication strategies and report on the effectiveness and impact of media outreach
initiatives.

13. Leadership and Capacity Building

14. Provide strategic direction to the DMC crisis communication team, mentoring staff and
promoting a high-performance environment focused on accountability and excellence in crisis
communication.

15. Collaborate with DMC and thematic teams to build capacity on strategic communications,
crisis messaging, and media relations, supporting the professional development of
communications officers and interns.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Communications, International Relations, Journalism, Public Policy, or a

related field from an accredited academic institution with at least seven years of relevant
experience; or

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

Experience

• Proven experience in strategic communications and media relations, particularly in crisis

management and policy advocacy within international organizations or non-profits.

• Experience in managing high-stakes communication during crises, including developing

content, coordinating media engagement, and liaising with stakeholders.

• Track record of creating impactful communication strategies for diverse audiences, including

government agencies, media, and international partners.

• Prior experience working with the private sector, philanthropic organizations, or international

donors in support of humanitarian or development initiatives is an advantage.

Skills

• Advanced communication and presentation skills, with the ability to adapt messaging for

diverse audiences and sensitive contexts;

• Strong understanding of crisis communication dynamics, humanitarian response, and public

policy landscapes;

• Proficiency in digital media, content management systems, and multimedia production

software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite); and,

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outputs under pressure.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be
fluent in one of the three languages.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another
official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and 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 five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural

differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.

• 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.

• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly

treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 3

• 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 actions 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 3

• 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
leadership and professional potential.

• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best

and develop their potential.

• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and

communicates a clear strategic direction.

• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

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

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.p
df

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.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment,
accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and background verification and security
clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be
required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the
medical clearance process.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No

late applications will be accepted.

How to apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via PRISM, IOM e-Recruitment
system, by 04 December 2024 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment
system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information please refer to: www.iom.int/recruitment

Posting period:

From 21.11.2024 to 04.12.2024

No Fees:

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview,
processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank
accounts.

Requisition: VN 2024 688 Senior Strategic Communications Officer (Crisis and Policy) (P4) Geneva,
Switzerland (59287494) Released
Posting: Posting NC59287495 (59287495) Released