14478 Head of Internal Communications (P4) Geneva, Switzerland

Job Identification (Reference Number): 14478
Position Title: Head of Internal Communications
Duty Station City: Geneva
Grade: P-4
Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 1 year with possibility of extension
Closing date: 08 May 2025

Introduction:

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 ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

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. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Solomon Islands, Suriname, 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 Media and Communications in Geneva, the Head of Internal Communications Officer is responsible for developing and managing internal communication processes across the Organization. This role focuses on creating clear communication channels, ensuring consistent messaging, and enhancing information flow between Headquarters (HQ), Global Offices (GO), Regional Offices (ROs), and Country Offices (COs). The position is essential in fostering a cohesive communication strategy that aligns with the Organization’s strategic objectives and supports operational efficiency.

Guided by the Organization’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity, the Head Internal Communications Officer will establish protocols and standards for internal communication, ensuring that messaging is clear, consistent, and accessible across all levels. They will work closely with the Director of Media and Communications and regional focal points to streamline communication processes, reduce information overload, and support the overall strategic alignment of internal communications with organizational goals.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

Internal Communication Strategy and Planning

1. Develop and implement an internal communication strategy that aligns with the Organization’s mission, values, and strategic objectives.
2. Work closely with HQ, ROs, and COs to ensure that internal communication efforts are cohesive and consistent across all levels.
3. Establish and maintain standardized communications structures and protocols, messaging templates, and best practices with regard to ensure consistency in internal communications.
4. Oversee the creation and dissemination of internal communication materials, including newsletters, intranet content, and internal announcements.

Communication Process Management

5. Evaluate and manage the internal communication channels, including emails, newsletters, and instant messaging platforms, ensuring that they are effectively utilized to support information sharing. This could include creating a more user-friendly intranet page and leveraging tools like SharePoint for organizing and sharing resources.

6. Establish new structures to coordinate with internal communication focal points at the HQ and regional levels to streamline communication pathways and enhance the efficiency of information dissemination.

7. Ensure the organization of regular town halls, monthly newsletters, and bi-monthly meetings with focal points to ensure transparency and engagement in coordination.

8. Implement clear feedback loops to ensure that communication is two-way and that staff at all levels can contribute to organizational conversations.

Training and Capacity Building

9. Provide training and support to staff across the Organization on effective internal communication practices, including the use of digital tools and platforms, enhancing multilingual capabilities and ensuring accessibility for all IOM staff (e.g. sign-language, braille, etc.)

10. Develop FAQs, best practices, and guidelines to support internal communication efforts at HQ, ROs, and COs.

Crisis Communication and Internal Campaigns

11. Develop and manage an internal crisis communication plan, ensuring that critical information is disseminated quickly and effectively during emergencies.

12. Serve as a point of contact for internal communications during crises, coordinating with relevant departments to ensure clear and consistent messaging.

13. Design timely and creative internal campaigns where required.

Monitoring and Evaluation

14. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of internal communications through multiple feedback mechanisms including staff surveys, surveys, polls, suggestion boxes, 360° feedback, and participation rates in communication activities.

15. Regularly review internal communication processes and make recommendations for improvements based on feedback and best practices.

16. Utilize metrics such as staff participation rates and feedback to assess the impact and efficiency of communication efforts.

17. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education:

• Master’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or
• University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:

• Experience in internal communications in a large organization.
• Experience developing institutional strategic documents.
• Experience in dealing with diverse counterparts from government and/or UN agencies and civil society and think tank an advantage.
• Experience in the field of migration issues, including operational and field experience is an advantage.

Skills:

• Excellent skills in writing for a diverse range of platforms and publications; and
• Knowledge of the broad range of migration-related subject areas dealt with by the Organization.

Languages:

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

For all applicants, 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.