Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. With 165 member states, a further 8 states holding observer status and offices in over 100 countries, 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 works to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced people. The IOM Constitution recognizes the link between migration and economic, social and cultural development, as well as to the right of freedom of movement.

Summary

Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Regional Director for East and Horn of Africa (EHOA) and direct supervision of the Senior Regional Migrant Response Plan Coordinator for the Horn of Africa, and the technical supervision of the Regional Public Information Officer, the Communications Officer (Migrant Response Plan (MRP)) would:

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

• Provide technical and administrative support for coordination activities with partners in the field of communications within the framework of the Regional Migrant Response Plan (MRP) for the Horn of Africa and Yemen and Southern Route.
• Participate in the implementation of the MRP’s internal and external communications strategies in line with the MRP’s guidelines and donor requirements, helping to promote an accurate narrative on migration and other issues central to the MRP with the media, general public, donors, the UN and other key partners.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and reporting on project visibility and communication plans in line with donor requirements, while maintaining close contact with donor communications focal points and providing them with regular updates and information.
• Participate in the implementation of communications campaigns (e.g., global advocacy initiatives, regional public information programmes) and joint communications strategies in humanitarian and development contexts in close coordination with relevant thematic specialists for the positioning and visibility of the MRP.
• Draft and/or coordinate the preparation of specific communications content produced by MRP partners in a timely manner, including stories, blogs, videography, photography, audio production (podcasts) and graphic/digital design and social media content.
• Liaise with relevant Communications Working Groups and other relevant actors to assist in the development of media messages on key issues, working closely for campaigns and on issues of joint concern.
• Provide technical support to the MRP working groups, such as the Migrant Protection Working Group and Information Management Working group, to facilitate their visibility and communications work.
• Participate in relevant meetings and conferences. Support information networks, and assist inorganizing media coverage, briefings, interviews, seminars, outreach activities, joint activities with MRP partners, lectures, conferences, media trips, and public events on major issues and events concerning the MRP.
• Keep abreast of global migration-related developments and processes in the UN system by researching, collecting and analyzing information on displacement, migration and humanitarian developments and emerging issues.
• Act as a focal point for the MRP website: upload documents, update information and support its broadcasting; draft preliminary responses to press requests related to MRP issues. Maintain an updated database with contacts of journalists.
• Provide technical inputs for the preparation of a range of information communications products in support of priority MRP initiatives. Coordinate the publication processes.
• Track and monitor topics related to the MRP in the media, highlight points of interest, evaluate the impact of communications activities, and document developments, trends, and attitudes regarding the MRP and the broader response.
• Produce PowerPoint presentations and other digital and printed documents necessary for meetings or external presentations, working closely with the graphic design team for the development of internal and external products, including donor updates, infographics and situation reports.
• Provide training, information and assistance to field teams on various aspects of media and communications, particularly in relation to the Communications Plan for the MRP at country levels.
• 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 MRP partners in the field and check that audio and visual media content being collected by MRP partners includes appropriate informed consent and is captured and stored according to the MRP’s digital library and data protection protocols.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Media, Communication, Journalism, Social Sciences 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

• A minimum of 2 years (four years for Bachelor’s degree holders) of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration, or related area;
• Experience in advanced data visualization and information design skills; and,
• Humanitarian experience in the field (actual setting where a mission and/or project is being implemented) in emergencies (complex or natural disasters) is required.

Skills

• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with various partners and stakeholders, including media focal points; and,
• Advanced knowledge in Adobe programs.

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 French, and/or languages in the East and Horn of Africa is an advantage.
• Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

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.