Position Title: Public Health Communications Officer
Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland
Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P3
Type of Appointment: Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible
Closing Date: 02 May 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.
IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.
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 non-represented member states:
Antigua and Barbuda; Aruba (Netherlands); Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Curaçao; Fiji; Grenada; Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kingdom of Eswatini; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Samoa; Seychelles; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Timor-Leste; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu
Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states.
Context:
Under the overall supervision of Director, DPSMM and direct supervision of the Director, Migration Health Division (MHD) and in collaboration with the Media and Communications Unit and other communications focal points across the Organization, the Public Health Communications Officer will be responsible for the development, implementation and promotion of IOM’s MHD programmes communications strategy, with a focus on the largest set of activities, the global Health Assessment Programmes (HAP).
Core Functions / Responsibilities:
1. Develop, Run and review a migration health communication strategy for IOM that is closely aligned to the workflow of the Media and Communications Unit (MCU), and other IOM communication officers across HQ, ROs and Missions, to enhance the understanding of and promote the work of IOM in the domain of migration health. The communication strategy is aimed at internal and external stakeholders, such as IOM divisions/departments, beneficiaries, clients, governments, UN agencies and other organizations, partners, with an emphasis on the global IOM Health Assessment Programmes (HAPs):
- Review and analyse current communication channels, including the IOM website (both global and country-specific), HAP portal, social media platforms, information sheets and other publications, MHD annual overviews, websites of receiving countries and embassies, visa facilitation services, and potentially, websites of UN and other agencies, as well;
- ldentify communication gaps and propose potential solutions;
- lmprove the above-mentioned visibility outlets of IOM HAPs, and other key MHD programme areas, in collaboration with relevant colleagues;
- Advise HAP-implementing Country Offices on communication strategies;
- Develop a network of MHD communication focal points in all Regions; and,
- Develop standards of MHD promotional communications.
- Develop global and location-customizable promotional materials for HAPs as specified in point 1, ensuring there is a global approach to the branding, messaging, and overall standards of materials.
- Review the information for beneficiaries and clients provided during the health assessment process and the methods of delivery of this information and identify gaps; create a compendium of standard information/messages for different procedures (such as the initial information package, voice messages for call centres, instructions and visual aids, videos, information for travel and information on related IOM services, among others).
- ln coordination with IOM health educators and counsellors, review behaviour changes communication (BCC) activities within HAPs and the broader MHD programmes, conduct comprehensive analysis and develop a framework for the effective delivery of BCC.
- Work with IOM’s country teams to support the development and dissemination of appropriate health communications and awareness-raising resources for target communities as needed.
- Development and dissemination of innovative communications tools and products to collect and visualize feedback across IOM health projects, also to emphasize integration of health-related achievements in the broader work of IOM.
- lnitiate and prepare media activities, information campaign materials, public information and other communications for key internal and external migration and health events, including conferences, trainings, UN GA and New York level IOM communications, and migration health-relevant international days.
- lmprove the visibility and marketability of IOM MHD’s work, with the aim of enhancing the diversification of the Division’s portfolio and fostering new avenues for collaboration by preparing and disseminating media releases, and messaging to external stakeholders, including governments, donors, employers and others.
- Train IOM staff on effective health-related communication standards and tools, and ensure that health-related communication is integrated in various IOM institutional communications in a cross-cutting manner at the HQ, RO and country levels.
- Represent MHD in responding to external media and journalists. This also includes acting as focal point in the organization and managing communications and campaigns with other UN agencies, donors and partners.
- Ensure that communication and visibility activities within MHD are aligned with the IOM standards; coordinate media content with MCU.
- Develop a quality management system for communications in HAPs by identifying needs and proposing solutions.
- Work closely with the Migration Health Research team and the Migration Health lnformatics Unit on regular updates of the HAP portal and to ensure that all communications is based on the best available data and evidence
- Take the lead in the development of the health information package in MigApp, in close collaboration with the MigApp team.
- Work with the Global Migration Health Research and Epidemiology Coordinator in GDI Berlin, Germany to promote IOM’s research and IOM’s health programme accomplishments.
- Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
Education
- Master’s degree in Communication, Media, Medicine, Public Health or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or
- University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.
Experience
- Demonstrated experience in communications for health-related programme areas is mandatory;
- Experience in the domain of public health and/or migrant health is a distinctive advantage;
- Experience in social and behaviour change communication is a distinctive advantage;
- Demonstrated experience with publishing software (lnDesign, lllustrator, Adobe Photoshop or others), web publishing software and social media is a distinct advantage.
Skills
- Online communication and social media skills;
- Ability to critically research and use strategic thinking in developing design elements and key messages;
- Ability to develop communication strategies that can be employed at different levels (policymaker, partner, community and individual level) and across different communication channels (online and social media presence, production of information packets, creative activities for partners, officials and policy makers);
- Excellent analytical writing skills;
- Excellent interpersonal, cross-cultural and diplomatic skills and the ability to lead and work inclusively with a diverse team.
Languages
IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of French 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 endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board 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.
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.
How to apply
To apply, interested applicants are invited to submit their applications HERE via the IOM e-Recruitment system by 02 May 2023.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For further information please refer to: www.iom.int/recruitment
Posting period:
From 19.04.2023 to 02.05.2023
No Fees:
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.
Requisition: VN 2023 156 Public Health Communications Officer (P3) Geneva, Switzerland (58089106) Released
Posting: Posting NC58089107 (58089107) Released
