Media and Communications Officer

Position Title: Media and Communication Officer

Duty Station: Mogadishu, Somalia

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: 29 June 2023

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.

Context:

Since 2006, IOM Somalia has been implementing a range of humanitarian and development projects in all regions of Somalia. With 6.7 million people requiring humanitarian assistance in 2017, evolving mixed migration flows in and out of Somalia, increasing access and donor interest in Somalia, programmatic scope for IOM is growing rapidly. In this context, IOM Somalia is implementing a multitude of projects and is expanding its sectoral portfolio. IOM Somalia is therefore seeking an incumbent to support project development and resource mobilization efforts.

Under the overall supervision of the Regional Director of East Horn Africa Region and the direct supervision of Chief of Mission, and in coordination with the Programme Support Unit (PSU) team and relevant programme managers, the Media and Communication Officer will be responsible for supervising and coordinating the implementation of communications, public information and media related activities for IOM in Somalia and in close coordination with IOM’s Regional and Headquarters (HQ) and Media and Communications Division (MCD), when relevant.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Provide technical inputs to support the development and implement IOM Somalia´s internal and external communications strategies, in line with the Organization’s guidelines and donor requirements, that promote an accurate narrative on displacement, migration and other issues central to IOM with the media, general public, donors, the UN and other key partners.
2. Recommend and organize outreach activities and assist the Chief of Mission in carrying out initiatives that promote IOM’s image and increase the awareness of IOM activities in the country.
3. Supervise and coordinate the production of relevant multimedia communications content in a cohesive manner, including press notes, feature stories, videos, photo essays, and social media content, and provide timely editorial guidance on whether they are best suited for publication on national, regional or global IOM platforms, in close consultation with the Regional Media and Communications Officer in Nairobi.
4. Maintain IOM Somalia´s online presence, including its social media accounts and website, with the aim of increasing the impact of IOM Somalia´s digital outreach.
5. Contribute to the development and strengthening of links with international and local media to share information and help raise the visibility of IOM operations in Somalia.
6. Supervise IOM Somalia communications support staff, including technical Communications Assistants and Graphic Designers, and participate in recruitment processes for additional consultants and service providers when necessary.
7. Gather, draft and disseminate public information on IOM Somalia activities both in writing and verbally, including Media Lines to Take for emerging issues.
8. Assist in enhancing IOM Somalia´s communications capacity by contributing to the development of training materials, and providing and evaluating training to staff members and key implementing partners in aspects of media and communications management.
9. Facilitate cooperation and coordination on communications with relevant actors, including United Nations (UN) agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and relevant stakeholders, through participation in relevant inter-agency groups and working groups to encourage information flow and community engagement activities across agencies.
10. Undertake field duty travel to take photographs and video footage and gather material for multi-media content showcasing the humanitarian situation and work being undertaken by IOM Somalia.
11. Facilitate suitable gender and diversity representation in IOM communications products.
12. Collaborate closely with the Programme Support Unit (PSU) for the production of situation reports, mission updates and other public information products to update donors and partners on IOM operations in Somalia.
13. Collaborate with other departments to contribute to the development and dissemination of appropriate Communication for Development (C4D) approaches, including awareness raising campaigns.
14. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Development, International Relations, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or
• University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in digital communications and social media;
• Experience in corporate writing and editing;
• Experience with donor visibility activities;
• Experience with media liaison;
• Experience in humanitarian communications; and
• Experience working in the region and/or in an emergency setting an advantage

Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds;
• Excellent writing skills;
• High level of professionalism and ability to work under pressure and adhere to strict deadlines in a complex and fast changing environment;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and gender sensitivity;
• Skills in graphic design, particularly using Adobe programmes an advantage;
• Skills in photography and videography, both shooting and editing an advantage; and
• Knowledge of international agencies like the UN and the humanitarian system an advantage.

Languages

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

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of Somali 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

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 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 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 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 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.pdf

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. 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.