National Communications Officer

Damascus

  • Organization: IOM - International Organization for Migration
  • Location: Damascus
  • Grade: Junior level - NO-A, National Professional Officer - Locally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Communication and Public Information
  • Closing Date:

Job Description

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 candidates are considered first-tier candidates.
 

​​Following the rapid political shift in Damascus on 8 December 2024, Syria is undergoing a critical period of transformation. The transition has been marked by escalating tensions with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), renewed regional disputes, and growing concerns over a potential resurgence of other groups. These developments have further intensified displacement across the country and complicated the dynamics of return, placing increased pressure on already vulnerable communities. 

In response to the evolving situation, IOM has re-established its presence in Damascus and is rapidly scaling up emergency operations across the country, while maintaining cross-border assistance in northwest Syria. To meet urgent humanitarian needs, this response aims to assist 1.1 million people with life-saving support, including shelter, winterization, health care, protection services, camp coordination and management, and early recovery assistance. 

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (COM) for Syria and direct supervision of the Programme Support Unit (PSU) Coordinator, and in close collaboration with the relevant units at the Regional Office and Headquarters (HQ), the National Communications Officer will be responsible and accountable for supporting the implementation of media and communications-related activities in IOM Syria.

Responsibilities

  1. Assist in the implementation of the CO’s external communications strategy in line with IOM’s strategic communications priorities and guidance, by assisting in the preparation of materials and outreach activities aimed at promoting an accurate narrative on migration-related issues.
  2. Contribute to the preparation of media content on current and emerging issues and support the development of Media Lines to Take in crisis situations with the PSU Coordinator, and relevant colleagues from the Regional Office and HQ.
  3. Support the implementation of communication activities by assisting in the preparation and review of internal and external materials, ensuring consistency with IOM’s communications standards and guidelines.
  4. Coordinate with Media and Communications team members (e.g., Social Media, Graphic Design, Audio-Visual) to support the production of content that aligns with IOM’s brand and quality standards. 
  5. Support communications capacity-building efforts in the CO by assisting in organizing trainings, developing guidance tools and providing basic advice to field teams on communication-related tasks.
  6. Assist in organizing visibility events and media-related engagements, including scheduling interviews, drafting talking points, and supporting the preparation of speeches and communication materials (including UN days). 
  7. Support the maintenance of the CO’s online presence by assisting with updates to social media accounts and website content, following established guidelines to help enhance the CO’s digital outreach.
  8. Maintain and update media contact lists, assist in responding to media queries, and support the drafting of press releases, media kits, and other outreach materials.
  9. Under the guidance of the supervisor, prepare key messages, talking points, and background documents in close coordination with colleagues from the Regional Office and HQ. 
  10. Support engagement with the UN Country Team’s Communication Group and other relevant stakeholders in developing media messages on joint issues of concern, in coordination with the supervisor.
  11. Undertake duty travel to collect photos, video footage, and other multi-media content to showcase the humanitarian situation and IOM field activities.
  12. Support efforts to ensure that gender, diversity, and inclusion considerations are reflected in all IOM external communications.
  13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Information Management, or related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or,
  • Master’s degree in above or related field.
Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
 
Experience
  • Experience in media, communications, journalism, public information, or a related field.
  • Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.
Skills
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, complex environment.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and teamwork skills; ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
  • Strong writing and editing skills.
  • Excellent multimedia skills (e.g., photography, videography and/or graphic design).
  • Online communication and social media skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, E-mail, Outlook); previous experience in SAP is a distinct advantage.
  • Attention to detail, ability to organize paperwork in a methodical way. 

Discreet, details and clients-oriented, patient and willingness to learn new things.

Languages
  • For this position, fluency in English and Arabic is required (oral and written).
IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish.
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 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) (applicable only if position is 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
  1. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
  2. 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.
  3. National Professional Officers should be nationals of the country of their employment. NPOs perform work at the professional level and the same standards of recruitment qualifications and performance, required for International Professional staff.
  4. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
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: Special Short Term Graded (Up to 9 months)
Initial Contract Duration: 6 months
Vacancy Type: Special Vacancy Notice
Recruiting Type: National Officer
Grade: NO-A
Alternative Required Language 1: Arabic
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.
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