Regional Media and Communications Officer at UN Migration Agency (IOM)

Job description

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

• Take a planned, strategic approach to achieving IOM visibility across the region and globally via communication activities and campaigns by optimizing outreach via media, social media and other computer-mediated tools.
• Suggest  and  coordinate  regional  activities  and  plans  of  communication  that  highlight  the value  of  migration  and  contributions  of  migrants  to  countries  of  origin,  transit  and  destination; help change negative perceptions of migration.
• Support  IOM  Country  Missions  in  the  region  in  bringing  forward  national  communication strategies  in  order  to  achieve  their  objectives  and  position  IOM  with  key  local  audiences  andenablers among government, civil society, partners and the general public.
• Gather,   prepare,   edit   and   disseminate   public   information   materials   on   IOM   activities throughout the region, both in writing and verbally in English, French and Portuguese.
• Write,  edit  and  produce  public  information  material  for  IOMs bi-weekly  press  briefing  notes,
• website and social media in English, French and Portuguese.
• Advise  IOM  Chiefs  of  Mission,  media  focal  points  and  other  staff  in  the  region  in  a  timely manner on media, public information, social media, and event management and visibility issues.
• Produce  a  strong  stream  of  content  in  the  form  of  human  interest  stories  from  the  field, photographs and video clips for an international audience.
• Ensure timely and efficient publication and distribution of media content via social media, on the global website iom.int, RO Pretoria website and via other IOM media channels, websites etc.
• Process English, French and Portuguese media enquiries being received and be available for interview on print, radio and television.
• Provide detailed ongoing guidance and talking points as requested to colleagues in the RO, country  offices  and  headquarters  (HQs)  regarding  ongoing  media  requests  and  interview opportunities.
• Build the media and communications (M&C) skills of missions in the region through training and support in the recruitment of qualified M&C staff.
• Develop  and  strengthen  links  with  international  and  national  media  outlets  in  the  region  to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of IOM s programmes and policies.
• Initiate  and  manage  M&C  outreach  events  designed  to  raise  IOMs  visibility  in  the  region.
• Represent IOM at events that contribute to the Organizations visibility.
• Collaborate   with   media   counterparts   in   governmental   and   non-governmenta partner agencies.  Participate in South Africa-based national and regional UN communications groups.
• This is important, should probably go higher.
• Promote  IOMs  Communications  with  Communities  strategy  and  its  Community  Response
• Map feedback platform to IOM missions and partner agencies.
• Provide  support/cover  to  the  HQs  and  Africa  Region  Media  and  Communications  Division (MCD) units, as required, particularly during leave and TDY periods.
• 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 at least five years of relevant professional experience; or
• University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

•  Writing and editing experience in international journalism and public information, preferably in
• Africa;
•  Knowledge of graphic design, web, social media and video production;
•  Familiarity with international organizations;
•  Advanced linguistic abilities (including writing and editing) in English and French;
•  Strong communication and interpersonal skills as well as strategic and creative thinking;
•  Ability to guide and supervise staff and coordinate administrative matters.
• Languages
• Fluency in English and French is required. Working knowledge of Portuguese is an advantage.
• Desirable Competencies:

Behavioral

•  Accountability
•  takes responsibility for action and manages constructive criticisms;
•  Client Orientation
•  works effectively well with client and stakeholders;
•  Continuous Learning
•  promotes continuous learning for self and others;
•  Communication
•  listens and communicates clearly, adapting delivery to the audience;
•  Creativity and Initiative
•  actively seeks new ways of improving programmes or services;
•  Leadership  and  Negotiation
•  develops  effective  partnerships  with  internal  and  external
• stakeholders;

  Performance  Management

• identify  ways  and  implement  actions  to  improve  performance  of
• self and others;
• Planning  and  Organizing  -  plans  work,  anticipates  risks,  and  sets  goals  within  area  of
• responsibility;

 Professionalism -  displays mastery of subject matter;

Teamwork
contributes  to  a  collegial  team  environment;  incorporates  gender  related  needs,
perspectives, concerns and promotes equal gender participation;

 Technological Awareness - displays awareness of relevant technological solutions;

 Resource Mobilization - works with internal and external stakeholders to meet resource needs
of IOM.

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.
• 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 stations 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.