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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
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:
Internal candidates
Candidates from the following IOM Member States that are not represented among staff members in the Professional and higher categories: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.
Organizational Context and Scope
Under the direct supervision of the Regional Director in the Regional Office (RO) in Nairobi and in collaboration with the Head of the Media and Communications Division in Geneva, the successful candidate will be responsible for contributing to the formulation and implementation of communications strategies to promote IOM’s programmes and policies and raise awareness of migration issues throughout the Region of East and Horn of Africa.
Responsibilities
1. Develop a planned, strategic approach to achieving IOM visibility across the region and globally via communication activities and campaigns by optimizing outreach via media, social media and other computer-mediated tools.
2. Coordinate regional activities and plans of communication that highlight the value of migration and contributions of migrants to countries of origin, transit and destination; help change negative perceptions of migration.
3. Support IOM Country Offices in the Region in developing national communication strategies in order to achieve their objectives and position IOM with key local audiences and enablers among government, civil society, partners and the general public.
4. Gather, prepare, edit and disseminate public information materials on IOM activities throughout the region, both in writing and verbally in English.
5. Write, edit and produce public information material for IOM’s bi-weekly press briefing notes, website and social media.
6. Advise IOM Chiefs of Mission, Media Focal Points and other staff in the region in a timely manner on media, public information, social media, and event management and visibility issues.
7. Develop and strengthen links with international and national media outlets in the region to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of IOM’s programmes and policies.
8. Produce a strong stream of content in the form of human-interest stories from the field, photographs and video clips for an international audience.
9. Collaborate with media counterparts in governmental and non-governmental partner agencies. Participate in national and regional UN communications groups.
10. Ensure timely and efficient publication and distribution of media content via social media, on the global website iom.int, RO Nairobi website and via other IOM media channels, websites etc.
11. Process media enquiries being received and be available for interview on print, radio and television.
12. Provide detailed ongoing guidance and talking points as requested to colleagues in the RO, country offices and headquarters regarding ongoing media requests and interview opportunities.
13. Build the media and communications skills of missions in the region through training and support in the recruitment of qualified communications staff.
14. Initiate and manage outreach events designed to raise IOM’s visibility in the region. Represent IOM at events that contribute to the Organization’s visibility.
15. Promote IOM’s digital communications tools to collect informed consent and video stories to IOM Country Offices and partner agencies.
16. Provide support/cover to Headquarters (HQs) and Africa Region Media and Communications Division (MCD) units, as required, particularly during leave and TDY periods.
17. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
Master’s degree in Journalism, Mass Media Communications, Public Information 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.
Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
Experience
Extensive experience in international journalism, including coverage of international organizations preferably in Horn of Africa; and,
Previous experience in video production and editing.
Skills
Excellent skills in drafting, editing and graphic design;
Strong online communication and social media skills;
High level of professionalism and ability to work under pressure and adhere to strict deadlines in a complex and fast changing environment;
Familiarity with international organizations;
Advanced linguistic abilities (including writing and editing) in English;
Strong communication and interpersonal skills as well as strategic and creative thinking; and,
Ability to supervise staff and coordinate administrative matters.
Languages
All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM’s official languages (English, French, Spanish).
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).
Working knowledge of French and/or 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 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.
Notes
Previous candidates do not need to re-apply.
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.
For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country and who do not have prior experience outside the duty station’s country as staff member in the Professional category cannot be considered eligible.
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
How to apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications HERE by 30 March 2026 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.