Position Title: Communications Officer
Duty Station: Kabul, Afghanistan
Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P2
Type of Appointment: Special short-term graded, nine months with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible
Closing Date: 27 April 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.
Context:
Under the overall supervision of the Programme Support Unit Coordinator, and the direct supervision of the Media and Communications Officer, the Communications Officer will support and coordinate the successful implementation of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Afghanistan’s communications and outreach activities.
Core Functions / Responsibilities:
- Provide communications related inputs to support the implementation of the communication strategy that promotes the mission’s interventions, programmes and advocacy.
- Support the design and implementation of IOM Afghanistan’s in-country visibility strategy byproviding various creative and informational inputs.
- Check compliance with donor visibility requirements.
- Check that all external products developed by the programmes are in line with IOM standards and bring issues to the attention of the supervisor.
- Coordinate and liaise with the communications team in the sub-offices and graphic designer for the production of regular, high-quality content.
- Draft daily social media posts for Mission accounts.
- Regularly update and help to increase the impact of the Country Office (CO) Afghanistansocial media accounts.
- Coordinate, update and monitor the impact of CO Afghanistan communications and check that the website is aligned with IOM standards.
- Produce a monthly newsletter on the impact of IOM’s programmes in Afghanistan, compiling all content produced by the communication team and PSU.
- Undertake regular trips to the sub-offices to support ongoing training of communications staff in the field and provide media training to units and teams as required.
- Act as the Officer-in-Charge (OiC) to the Media and Communications Officer when required.
- Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
Education
- Master’s degree in Mass Communication, Journalism, Public Information, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or
- University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.
Experience
- Experience in media and communications;
- Previous experience writing and reporting in international and crisis contexts; and,
- Practical experience of how to multi-task, prioritize and work independently;
Skills
- Ability to understand the Organization’s structure and portfolios;
- Ability to work effectively and harmoniously in a team of colleagues of varied cultural and professional backgrounds;
- Reporting, writing and editorial skills and ability to create multi-media content;
- Proven ability to produce quality work accurately and concisely according to the set deadlines;
- Proven experience and ability to produce quality work accurately and concisely according to set deadlines;
- Excellent communication and writing skills with the ability to analyse complex problems and identify and convey clear, rapid solutions; and,
- Excellent general analytical skills.
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 UN Language 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
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 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
- 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.pdf
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.