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 internal and external candidates. 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, internal and internal-equivalent candidates as well as external women candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nigeria operates in a complex, high-visibility environment where migration, displacement, humanitarian response, recovery, and development intersect. With an expanding programme footprint across multiple states and thematic areas, IOM Nigeria requires a strong, proactive, and strategic media and external relations function that positions the organization as a trusted, authoritative, and credible voice on migration and displacement.

The National Communication Officer, Media and External Relations, plays a critical role in shaping IOM Nigeria’s public narrative, strengthening its relationships with national, regional, and international media, building strategic partnerships, and supporting advocacy efforts that advance IOM’s mandate and priorities.

Under the general supervision of the Chief of Mission and the direct supervision of the Chief Media and Communication Officer, the individual is responsible for coordinating all media engagement and external relations for IOM Nigeria. The role ensures that IOM is consistently visible, relevant, and accurately represented across national, regional, and international media platforms.

The position focuses on proactive media engagement, strategic partnerships, advocacy support, and reputation management, ensuring that IOM not only responds to media interest but actively makes news by aligning programme milestones, data, human-interest stories, and leadership voices with key moments in the national and global discourse on migration.

A. Media Relations and Strategic Media Engagement

•  Coordinate the implementation of IOM Nigeria’s overall media relations strategy across television, radio, print, and digital media.
•  Contribute to positioning IOM Nigeria in the news through identifying media opportunities to  present stories, opinion pieces, interviews, data releases, and field-based reporting.
• Build, maintain, and strengthen high-quality professional relationships with journalists, editors, producers, and media owners at national and regional levels.
• Establish and regularly update comprehensive media contact lists, segmented by geography, language, and media type.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and consistent flow of information to the media, including press releases, media advisories, backgrounders, and fact sheets.
• Coordinate media interviews for the Chief of Mission and other senior staff, including television, radio, and print engagements.
• Identify and leverage key moments, national observances, global days, policy debates, and programme milestones where IOM’s mandate strongly resonates, and translate these into media opportunities.
• Facilitate regular media briefings and engagements, including press conferences, media roundtables, and field visits for journalists, in close coordination with programme teams.

B. Content Coordination for Media Use

• Work closely with programme teams to identify strong stories, data points, and human-interest angles emerging from the field.
•  Support the technical translation of programmes reports, assessments, and evaluations into media-friendly narratives.
• Coordinate the flow of field content, including quotes, case studies, photos, and videos, for use in media engagement.
•  Monitor consistency of messaging, accuracy of information, and alignment with IOM branding and ethical standards in all media-facing materials.

C. Media Preparation and Messaging Support

•  Participate in the drafting of key messages, talking points, and briefing notes for the Chief of Mission and senior management in preparation for media engagements.
•  Compile anticipated questions and answers, reactive lines, and crisis communication inputs as required.
• Provide information and technical inputs to senior management on media risks, opportunities, and reputational considerations.
• Support the drafting of rapid response to emerging issues in line with organizational procedures and guidelines. 

D. Strategic Partnerships and External Relations

•  Support the identification and engagement of media partnerships that contribute to IOM Nigeria’s visibility, credibility, and advocacy reach.
•  Maintain working-level contacts with journalist unions, guilds of editors, press associations, and media training institutions.
• Explore partnerships with media and relevant CSOs to further the mandate of IOM in Nigeria. 
•  Assist in the development of partnership concepts that strengthen media understanding of migration issues and position IOM as a thought leader.
• Maintain a mapping of existing and potential partners at national and sub-national levels, with clear objectives and value propositions.

E. Celebrity Engagement and Advocacy

• Identify and suggest opportunities for engagement with celebrities, influencers, and public figures, including Nollywood, Kannywood, musicians, and cultural icons.
•  Assist in the development of celebrity engagement strategies that are culturally sensitive, linguistically appropriate, and regionally balanced between North and South.
• Support the identification and nurturing of IOM champions and advocates who can credibly amplify IOM’s mandate and messages.
•  Support advocacy-related outreach that strengthens IOM’s relationships with opinion leaders and decision-makers.

F. Coordination, Planning, and Reporting

•  Contribute to the preparation and implementation of an annual media and external relations plan aligned with IOM Nigeria’s strategic priorities.
• Under the supervision of the Chief of Communication, coordinate closely with the Communications team, programme sections, and senior management to ensure coherence and impact.
• Liaise with the Regional Office and Headquarters on media issues, guidance, and approvals as required.
• Monitor media coverage and provide regular analytical reports on media performance, reach, and sentiment.
• Document lessons learned and good practices to continuously strengthen IOM Nigeria’s media engagement approach.

G. Donor Visibility Management

•  Contribute to the preparation and implementation of a comprehensive donor visibility and communication strategy for IOM Nigeria, aligned with donor agreements and organizational priorities.
•  Support the development and maintenance of a donor visibility work plan and oversight matrix to track, monitor, and manage visibility commitments across all donor-funded activities.
•  Draft donor-specific visibility plans for new and ongoing funding for review and approval by the Chief of Communication.
• Implement approved donor visibility plans across media engagement, publications, events, photos, videos, and digital content, in coordination with programme teams.
•  Maintain and update standardized donor visibility templates and visibility packages in line with established guidance and parameters. 
• Monitor compliance with donor visibility requirements and maintain records and reporting to support accountability and sustained donor relations.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Advanced University degree in Communications, Journalism, International Relations, Public Affairs, or a related field.
• Minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience in media relations, journalism, strategic communications, or external relations.

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

Experience

• Demonstrated experience managing high-level media engagement and working with senior leadership.
• Strong understanding of the Nigerian media landscape, including regional, linguistic, and cultural dynamics.
• Proven ability to develop strategic partnerships and manage complex stakeholder relationships.

• Experience working in humanitarian, development, or international organizations is an asset.

   

Skills

• Strategic thinking and sound judgment
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-management skills
• Ability to work under pressure and manage sensitive issues
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
• Cultural awareness and political sensitivity
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, 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.

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 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, if with direct reports

• 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

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

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 will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

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

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.

No late applications will be accepted. 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