Speechwriter

Position Title: Speechwriter

Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P5

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

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 07 September 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.

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; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Dominica; Fiji; Grenada; 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; Seychelles; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

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

Context:

IOM’s Speechwriter is responsible for developing high-impact communications for the organization’s Director General and Deputy Directors General. This position requires strategic thinking with the ability to deliver consistently and high quality, well-written, thought-provoking materials under pressure and tight deadlines. The Speechwriter will be part of the Media and Communications Division.

Under the overall supervision of the Director General and direct supervision of the Director of Media and Communications Division (MCD), the Speechwriter will be responsible and accountable for the following:

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Lead the drafting of thought-provoking English-language speeches and lectures for the Director General and Deputy Directors General, consistently ensuring a high level of accuracy and flexibility in creating, writing, and adapting content and presentation for a wide variety of audiences, including:

• Undertaking original research on a range of Migration topics as needed to inform the speech/lecture and soliciting inputs from across the organization as needed;
• Analyzing complex information, including statistics, financial information, and other numerical, qualitative and quantitative data, to extract key messages for integration into speeches/lectures and other communications material as required; and,
• Researching audience expectations, event agenda and topics, and assist in focusing the purpose of each speech or lecture to tailor messages for audience appeal and impact.

1. Draft/review/edit other substantive written material for the Executive Office as requested including statements, briefings, op-eds, opinions, articles, talking points, key messages, and other written communications. This may include targeted messages for internal communications within IOM or for specific stakeholders and partners, as needed by the Executive Office.
2. Work with senior managers and communications colleagues in various Regional Offices to incorporate Executive Office messaging into their speeches and other communications materials.
3. Coordinate with the Executive Office and Communications Group on publishing speeches and presentation content on IOM’s corporate website including maintaining an up-to-date archive of speeches.
4. Extract key messages from speeches/presentations/articles for dissemination through social media channels, in close collaboration with the Communications Group.
5. Perform any other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Social Science, International Relations, or Development-related field with ten years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with twelve years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• At least nine years of experience writing English-language speeches and/or articles at least five of which should be on behalf of senior executives, government leaders or leaders in other fields, and demonstrated ability to translate complex and technical messages into plain language for audience appeal and impact.

Skills

• Demonstrated track record of performing excellently under pressure and adhering to strict deadlines while maintaining a sophisticated understanding of organizational and external contexts;
• Excellent general understanding of Migration to governments and migrants, including internally displaced persons, refugees, and migrant workers and other related issues; and,
• Familiarity with the UN system in general and/or with IOM’s mission in particular are an asset.

Languages

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

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).

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 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.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.

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.