Job Identification (Reference Number): 16028
Position Title: Senior Strategic Communications Officer (Crisis and Policy)
Duty Station City: Geneva
Grade: P-4
Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 1 year with possibility of extension
Closing date: 13 August 2025
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:
1. Internal candidates
2. External female candidates:
3. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:
Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
Second-tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates.
Context:
Under the direct supervision of the Director of the Department of Media and Communications (DMC) and in close coordination with Executive Office, crisis response teams, thematic divisions, and policy units, the Senior Strategic Communications (Crisis and Policy) is responsible for leading the design and implementation of strategic communication initiatives that support IOM’s visibility and engagement in crisis and policy contexts. This position works collaboratively to drive high-impact communication strategies that align with IOM’s objectives in advocacy, humanitarian response, and policy influence, leveraging partnerships with member states, UN agencies, and global stakeholders.
- Lead the development and implementation of communication strategies focused on crisis response, humanitarian needs, and policy engagement, aligning with IOM’s strategic objectives in these areas.
- Oversee the creation of high-quality communication materials, including policy briefs, impact stories, Op-Eds, and reports that convey IOM’s contributions to humanitarian and policy priorities.
- Serve as a principal point of contact for strategic communication initiatives within crisis response and policy, fostering trusted relationships with member states, thematic experts, UN agencies, and advocacy partners.
- Coordinate with thematic divisions to support and manage strategic campaigns that drive awareness, amplify partnerships, and mobilize support for IOM’s crisis-related programs and policy initiatives.
- Crisis Communications and Content Management
- Develop and execute communication responses during crises, managing the production of timely, accurate, and impactful content across multimedia platforms, including press releases, social media updates, and video stories.
- Guide the DMC newsroom in creating and disseminating content that underscores IOM’s role in humanitarian crisis response and policy influence, ensuring messaging is clear, consistent, and aligned with IOM’s brand.
- Liaise with internal teams and communication focal points to coordinate and streamline messaging, optimize content creation, and reinforce strategic narrative across IOM’s communication channels.
- Media Relations and Stakeholder Outreach
- Lead strategic media engagement to position IOM as a leading voice in migration policy and crisis response, arranging interviews, briefings, and editorial engagements with key international media outlets.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, communications partners, and UN and NGO communication counterparts to strengthen IOM’s public profile and support joint advocacy efforts.
- Track and analyze media coverage and stakeholder engagement metrics, using insights to refine communication strategies and report on the effectiveness and impact of media outreach initiatives.
- Leadership and Capacity Building
- Provide strategic direction to the DMC crisis communication team, mentoring staff and promoting a high-performance environment focused on accountability and excellence in crisis communication.
- Collaborate with DMC and thematic teams to build capacity on strategic communications, crisis messaging, and media relations, supporting the professional development of communications officers and interns.
Education:
- Master’s degree in Communications, International Relations, Journalism, Public Policy, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with at least seven years of relevant experience; or
- University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience in crisis communication, strategic communications, or policy advocacy.
Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
Experience:
- Proven experience in strategic communications and media relations, particularly in crisis management and policy advocacy within international organizations or non-profits.
- Experience in managing high-stakes communication during crises, including developing content, coordinating media engagement, and liaising with stakeholders.
- Track record of creating impactful communication strategies for diverse audiences, including government agencies, media, and international partners.
- Prior experience working with the private sector, philanthropic organizations, or international donors in support of humanitarian or development initiatives is an advantage.
Skills:
- Advanced communication and presentation skills, with the ability to adapt messaging for diverse audiences and sensitive contexts;
- Strong understanding of crisis communication dynamics, humanitarian response, and public policy landscapes;
- Proficiency in digital media, content management systems, and multimedia production software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite); and,
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outputs under pressure.
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 official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and 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 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 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:
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.
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
