Senior Communications Coordinator At International Organization for Migration

Position Title: Senior Communications Coordinator

Duty Station: Kyiv, Ukraine

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P4

Type of Appointment: Special short-term graded, nine months with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 23 October 2023

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 a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.

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. Candidate from the following non-represented member states: Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Dominica; Fiji; Grenada; Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Solomon Islands; Suriname;

The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu

Second-tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates.

Context:

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and the direct supervision of the Deputy Chief of Mission for Management (DCoM Management), in collaboration with the other Country Office units, Regional Office Vienna’s Ukraine Support Unit and HQ’s Media and Communications Unit, the Senior Communications Coordinator will be responsible and accountable for the formulation of the communications and advocacy strategy for International Organization for Migration (IOM) Ukraine, promoting IOM’s Ukraine programmes to a wide audience.

This also includes the formulation and implementation of a communications plan and leading operations to carry out the communications programme in the country to increase the visibility of

IOM Ukraine’s activities and to promote and foster an accurate narrative on migration, displacement and return with partners in the government, donor community, international Media, United Nations (UN) agencies, as well as the general public.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Formulate the communications and advocacy strategy for International Organization for Migration (IOM) Ukraine, develop and manage the strategic workplan and calendar of activities, and ensure a wide range of media mechanisms are involved in the management and dissemination of information to promote support and understanding of the Country Office (CO) achievements and objectives.
2. Lead the CO’s strategic communications efforts to position IOM among external actors to maximize IOM’s political influence and operational effectiveness.
3. Manage and oversee the work of the CO’s media and communications team, who are responsible for gathering, preparing and disseminating public information on IOM activities in the country for international and national audiences, and ensure all work is carried out to the highest possible standard and in alignment with strategic messaging.
4. Serve as the CO’s spokesperson by directly addressing or responding to international and national media and information requests and queries, develop and strengthen IOM’s links with local, regional and international media, media departments of government partners, and speak for the CoM or Deputy Chief of Mission (DCoM), advocating for issues of concern.
5. Serve as the primary public information and communications focal point with the UN Country Communication and Advocacy Group in Ukraine, ensuring the best possible cooperation with the Organization and the reflection of IOM’s work in the country in updates from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and other relevant actors.
6. Prepare and coordinate key messages, statements, talking points and other relevant documents, including on sensitive issues for mission outreach, events, and high-level engagement.
7. Identify the need for, pursue opportunities, prepare and/or ensure the development of content and information for public communication, including on behalf of the CO and senior management, and provide authoritative advice to senior managers and other communications staff on the most effective communications methods and approaches.
8. Undertake regular duty travel to IOM Ukraine’s hubs in the field, and accompany the CoM/DCoM on their duty travel, to direct media outreach activities, and to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communication channels with representatives of all types of media, news services and relevant agencies.
9. Increase the impact of IOM Ukraine’s overall online and offline presence and brand recognition by formulating innovative communications campaigns, organizing media coverage, and writing material for distribution in major publications and information platforms.
10. Ensure media monitoring, including social media and other digital analytics, to assess the impact of Ukraine CO’s communications.
11. Provide authoritative advice for the development of project proposals and reporting that incorporates considerations regarding communication outputs and relevant budgets.
12. Exercise financial management responsibility for visibility and other communications budgets for donor projects, determine and advise on priority areas to fulfil visibility requirements, and liaise and negotiate with donor communications focal points as necessary.
13. Provide expert communications advice and support for the development of donor updates, infographics and situation reports, and manage the staff and work of the graphic design team.
14. Coordinate issues related to strategic communications, media content, and engagement in high-level events with the Regional Office Vienna’s Ukraine Support Unit and the Media and Communications Unit at Headquarters.
15. Ensure appropriate gender awareness in all IOM communications.
16. Organize and manage Media and Communications and high-level events, briefings, interviews, seminars, lectures and other events designed to raise IOM’s visibility in the country.
17. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Political Sciences, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in international journalism, public information and public relations;
• Experience in community engagement and digital awareness raising;
• Experience in the production of visibility materials and graphic design;
• Experience in dealing with diverse counterparts from government and UN agencies, civil society and think-tank is an advantage;
• Experience managing teams based in multiple locations;
• Previous experience of writing and reporting in international and crisis contexts preferably within the UN Common System and the International Humanitarian Field; and
• Experience in working in a multi-cultural setting.

Skills

• Strong understanding of the UN and IOM Rules Regulations and practices are essential;
• Ability to establish and maintain working relations with counterparts, UN agencies;
• Reporting, writing and editorial skills and ability to create or manage a multi-media content.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of Ukrainian/Russian is an advantage.

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

Notes

1 Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

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 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.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.p df

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

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.

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.

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 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. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.

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