Job Identification (Reference Number): 16982
Position Title: Spokesperson and Director Department of Media and Communications
Duty Station City: Geneva
Duty Station Country: Switzerland
Grade: D-1
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: 9 October 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, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, 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 Senior Director, Office of Partnerships, Advocacy and Communications (OPAC),  and in coordination with Senior Management and IOM Regional and Country Offices worldwide, the Spokesperson and Director, Department of Media and Communications is responsible and  accountable for the overall formulation and implementation of the Organization's internal and external communication strategies. This includes overseeing internal communication across the Organization, ensuring consistent, transparent and timely messaging to staff worldwide, as well as strengthening engagement with private sector partners on digital advertising campaigns and fundraising initiatives.

1. Provide strategic, timely and accurate advice to the Director General and Deputy Directors General on relevant Public Relation (PR) and Media, and Internal Communication related priorities. 
2. Develop a set of communication priorities to increase public understanding and awareness of the IOM’s work, as related to the strategic objectives and priorities, as well as travel and public engagements of the Director General.
3. Lead and strengthen the engagement with the private sector on digital advertising campaigns and fundraising, identifying innovative opportunities to amplify IOM’s visibility and attract resources in support of its mandate.
4. Organize and prepare press and public information materials, press conferences, press releases, web-related documents, briefing notes and talking points in support of public engagements of the Director General and Deputy Directors General.
5. Develop and maintain regular media contacts with key outlets, broadcasters and journalists.
6. Direct, coordinate and host press briefings on key issues related to the priorities of the IOM. 
7. Represent the Director General, and IOM, in interviews and other media-related activities.
8. Supervise the Department of Media and Communications at Headquarters and at Regional level to ensure consistency and quality of messaging related to the work of the organization, including oversight of internal communications strategies and platforms to strengthen engagement and information flow within IOM.
9. Oversee the social media accounts of the Director General and the organization. 
10. Perform such other media and communications-related tasks, as directed by the Director General and Executive Office.

Education

• Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism or a related field from an accredited academic institution with fifteen years of relevant professional experience.

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

Experience

• 15 years experience working in the field of Newspaper, Television, Broadcast Journalism or related field.

Languages

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

Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

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. 

Notes

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 and who do not have prior experience outside the duty station's country as staff member in the Professional category cannot be considered eligible.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies