Communications Officer (P)

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn 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. Candidates from the following IOM Member States that are not represented among staff members in the Professional and higher categories: Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
    

Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.

Organizational Context and Scope

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and natural hazards, including typhoons, droughts, storm surges, and king tides. These events can result in significant damage to infrastructure, livelihoods, and essential services, while increasing the risk of displacement for affected populations. 

To address disaster-related displacement and strengthen community resilience, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) implements a range of preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience-building initiatives across FSM. Following a recent typhoon that severely impacted communities throughout Chuuk State, IOM has been supporting the Government of FSM in delivering emergency relief assistance to affected populations. Furthermore, IOM is also preparing to implement long-term recovery activities, including the reconstruction of damaged homes and public facilities in Weno and across Chuuk’s lagoon and outer islands. 

In addition to recovery efforts, IOM works throughout Chuuk and the wider North Pacific region to strengthen community resilience through disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation programming. These initiatives include projects focused on food and water security, and the enhancement of emergency evacuation shelters, helping communities better prepare for, withstand, and recover from future climate-related shocks. 

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, the direct supervision of Programme Support Unit Coordinator based in Pohnpei (FSM), and in close coordination with the Head of Sub-Office in Chuuk and project teams, the Communications Officer will be responsible and accountable for supporting the implementation of communications and visibility activities and contribute to the development of communications materials and outreach initiatives for IOM’s reconstruction, resilience, and climate adaptation programmes.  

The successful candidate will be responsible for producing high-quality communications content and visibility products that effectively showcase programme achievements and community impact, while ensuring compliance with IOM branding standards and donor visibility requirements. 

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Journalism, Media Communications, Public Information, International Relations or a related field from an accredited academic institution; or,
• Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with two years of relevant professional experience.

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

Experience

• Experience in digital content creation, including photography, videography, video postproduction, graphic design and editing; 
• Experience producing communications or public information content for humanitarian, development, governmental or international organizations; and,
• Work experience in the Pacific is an advantage.

Skills

• Excellent skills in drafting, editing, graphic design and video production; 
• Demonstrated photojournalism skills; 
• Understanding of social media and experience working with UN media partners. 
• Ability to contribute to communications initiatives while effectively managing day-to-day operational tasks; 
• Ability to think both creatively and strategically; and,
• Detailed-oriented, inquisitive, with great follow-up and reporting skills. 

Languages

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

At least a working knowledge of another language (including one of the six official UN languages, and/or a language that may be widely spoken in the country context) is desirable.

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.

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.

Notes

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. 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 all clearances, including medical and security as well as accreditation, any residency or visa requirements. 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, harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and any forms of discrimination. IOM is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.

IOM conducts reference checks and background verification, including through system wide databases such as ClearCheck, to help ensure that candidates have no record of misconduct, including on sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, or fraud. Candidates are expected to uphold these standards and principles at all times.

IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process—whether for application, interview, processing, training, or otherwise—and does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM WAVE 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