Job Description

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

This Vacancy Notice is part of IOM’s competitive mobility exercise, open for applications from internal and internal-equivalent candidates only. 

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the overall supervision of Director of BMRR and direct supervision of the Senior Programme Manager (COMPASS), and in close coordination with the COMPASS Core Management, thematic units within BMRR, as well as the relevant Regional Thematic Specialists, the Communication & Awareness Raising Officer, (COMPASS) will coordinate the design and implementation of communications, awareness-raising and advocacy efforts across the COMPASS and COMPASS MPF portfolios including the integration of digital solutions and social and behavioural change approaches into programme delivery to enhance outreach, visibility, and impact.

Responsibilities

  1. Oversee the timely and effective implementation of awareness raising activities across COMPASS and COMPASS MPF countries, ensuring alignment with IOM policies, donor requirements, and social and behaviour change (SBC) approach.
  2. Develop, coordinate and monitor the implementation of a programme-wide communications approach, ensuring alignment with IOM and donor priorities and facilitating adoption across COMPASS and COMPASS MPF countries.
  3. Support the strategic use and positioning of digital and community-based initiatives and innovations (including through WakaWell, Yenna, and country-level initiatives), to maximize outreach, engagement, and sustainable impact.
  4. Contribute to timely and quality project development and the preparation and submission of all COMPASS and COMPASS MPF reports according to requirements of IOM, donors, and relevant stakeholders.
  5. Contribute to innovation and learning across COMPASS and COMPASS MPF, including through the adaptation of new technologies, evidence-based programme design, and expertise-based partnerships (e.g. universities, research institutions and specialised stakeholders, etc.).
  6. Develop communication and visibility products on programme achievements, lessons learned, success stories, and innovations, while supporting the COMPASS management team in strategic donor and stakeholder engagement, including the organization of programme events and preparation of related communication and visibility materials, in line with IOM and donor requirements.
  7. Facilitate collaboration with IOM global and regional platforms, including the Migrant Protection Platform, to enhance learning, visibility, and policy influence of COMPASS and COMPASS MPF programming, and to connect programme experience with broader organizational and policy processes.
  8. Provide technical inputs to IOM institutional strategies on SBC, knowledge management, digital innovation and route-based approaches, bringing field-driven insights to inform strategic direction and guidance.
  9. Provide timely and quality technical support and guidance to COMPASS and COMPASS MPF country teams in designing and implementing awareness raising, communication activities and innovations, ensuring alignment with programme objectives as well as compliance with respective IOM and donor requirements.
  10. Provide technical oversight of consultants and service providers to ensure timely and quality delivery of outputs in line with approved Terms of Reference (TORs) and IOM standards and donor requirements.
  11. Contribute to the implementation of BMRR Division and DMPI communications and advocacy priorities by developing targeted content and coordinating with relevant units to enhance the visibility and impact of departmental initiatives.
  12. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Education

  • Master’s degree in communications, journalism, political or social Science, international studies or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or,
  • Bachelor’s degree in the above field with seven years of relevant professional experience.
     

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

Experience

  • Experience in one or more of the following areas: social and behaviour change, knowledge management, communication for development, public advocacy or other related area;
  • Operational experience in multi-country or regional programmes preferably EU funded is highly desirable;
  • Demonstrated experience in leading or supporting the design, implementation, and scaling of digital or community-based engagement solutions, including platforms, tools or knowledge systems is an asset.
     

Skills

  • Proven skills in the development and implementation of communication/media products and engagement approaches, products and tools including strong analytical, writing and editing skills;
  • Demonstrated understanding of social and behaviour change (SBC), digital and community-based engagement, and innovation processes, including ability to apply them in programme contexts;
  • Proficiency in digital tools and information system(s), as well as good understanding and operational knowledge of ethical AI use;
  • Social media and multimedia skills;
  • Advocacy skills compounded by strong communication and representation skills;
  • Knowledge of IOM project management cycle and tools is an advantage;
  • Familiarity with IOM’s and the UN’s wider communications operations, including those at regional and global level;
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and implement communications strategies, across multi-country and complex programme settings;
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate complex and technical matters to diverse audiences is highly desirable;
     

Languages

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

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

Working knowledge of Arabic 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

Required Skills

Job info

Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Initial Contract Duration: 12 months with possibility of extension
Org Type: HQ
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Recruiting Type: Professional
Grade: P-3
Is this S/VN based in an L3 office or in support to an L3 emergency response?: No
At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.