Job Description

Job Identification (Reference Number): 18246
Position Title: Head of Editorial
Duty Station City: Geneva
Duty Station Country: Switzerland
Grade: P-4
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: 21 January 2026

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

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

Context

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director of Media and Communications and in close collaboration with the Department of Media and Communications colleagues in Geneva, different regional and global offices as well as different departments at HQ, the Head of Editorial will lead and inspire a diverse editorial team (news and social media), driving the formulation and implementation of innovative and strategic initiatives that elevate IOM’s global visibility. The role requires visionary leadership, empathetic team management, and the ability to foster collaboration across HQ, regional, global, and local offices.

Responsibilities

1. Provide editorial leadership and strategic direction for a high-performing team producing daily communication materials for IOM external media, including daily news outputs as well as press briefing and associated social media content.
2. Support the oversight and guide global awareness campaigns, ensuring creative approaches to community engagement and staff digital interaction that reflect organizational priorities.
3. Coordinate, prepare, review and disseminate public information on IOM’s activities worldwide in high quality written reports in English and verbally as a spokesperson in English. 
4. Deliver visionary editorial leadership under pressure, mentoring teams across IOM missions and regional offices, and championing innovative storytelling and advocacy strategies.
5. When required, serve as a spokesperson at UN media briefings in Geneva and, if necessary, during emergencies, in the field, online or other locations.
6. Support the establish and strengthen effective working relationships with national, regional, and international media to promote the work of IOM by providing high quality, professional responses to media enquiries related to IOM programmes and policies and, more broadly, on migration.
7. Provide editorial communication guidance and technical support to IOM offices worldwide on the most effective information methods and approaches to strengthen coherence and impact.
8. Liaise with the communication departments of partner organisations, primarily the UN, to promote IOM visibility.
9. Cultivate a culture of empathy, respect and inclusion, empowering team members to contribute ideas and develop professionally.
10. Perform such other tasks as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field with seven years of relevant professional experience; or,
• Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in international journalism, including coverage of international organizations;
• Proven experience in leading and managing editorial teams, with a track record of strategic decision-making in complex, fast-paced environments; and,
• Previous experience in editing, graphic design, online communications and social media skills.

Skills

• Demonstrated ability to inspire and motivate teams, foster collaboration, and apply creative problem-solving to achieve organizational goals;
• Exposure to digital content management systems (e.g., SharePoint, Drupal);
• Familiarity with newsletter production;
• Strong writing and editing skills with attention to clarity, tone, and copy-editing;
• Ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines and high pressure; 
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to liaise effectively with diverse stakeholders; and,
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, intranet platforms, and digital communication tools.

Languages

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

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 three 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 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.

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

Required Skills

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