Position Title: Public Information Officer

Duty Station: Niamey, Niger

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P2

Type of Appointment: Special short-term graded, 9 months with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 06 January 2025

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:

1. Internal candidates
2. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states.

Context:

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) in Niger and in coordination with the Regional Communications and Media Officer in Dakar and technical guidance of Media and Communication Unit in IOM Headquarters (HQ), the Public Information Officer will be responsible for developing and implementing a work-plan and outputs to address the media and communication needs of IOM Niger’s strategies and programmes. This includes supporting the formulation and implementation of creative communication strategies to raise awareness of IOM Niger and its work, and to promote an accurate narrative on migration in the media, among the UN and other IOM key partners as well as the general public.

The Public Information Officer will ensure the quality and consistency of the media and public outreach in Niger, including by providing direct strategic communications and media advice to the Chief of Mission and managing the external communications content of for the mission.

The Public Information Officer will coordinate the production of visibility materials and the development of common media messages and “Lines to Take” for the use of IOM staff in Niger in coordination with RO Dakar and HQ. Moreover, the Public Information Officer will plan, organize, and contribute to the development of public events, media campaigns and act as a liaison focal point for all local/international journalists. In addition, the Public Information Officer will be responsible to monitor and following up on compliance with donor specific requirements in terms of communication and visibility.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Contribute to the formulation and implementation of a public information action plan to promote Niger Country Office’s (CO) key results of its interventions and programmes.
2. Work with different programme teams in Niger CO and contribute to the building of an accurate narrative on migration in the public domain, including in local, regional and international media.
3. Liaise with the UN, NGOs and media outlets based in Niger in the field of communications.
4. In close coordination with the relevant programme staff, CoM and Regional Communications Officer in RO Dakar, draft, update and disseminate all relevant approved media content (press releases, feature stories, blogs, video and social media) produced by Niger CO, and provide editorial advice on whether they are best suited for publication on national, regional or global IOM platforms.
5. Maintain a national media contact database and proactively foster relations with key media actors in Niger and outside of Niger.
6. Check that messaging included in public-facing content is consistent with the strategic aims of the Organization.
7. Act as media Focal Point as appropriate, by coordinating the preparation of “Media Lines to Take” for emerging issues including cross-border contexts and crisis/emergency communications.
8. Undertake regular travel duties to Sub-Offices of Niger CO to support media outreach activities, gather material for multi-media projects and provide PI and media training to individuals and teams as required.
9. Contribute to the promotion of the activities of Niger CO by providing timely, accurate responses to media-related enquiries in close coordination with the Regional Communications and Media Officer in RO Dakar.
10. Increase the impact of Niger CO’s social media accounts, generate timely press releases of public interest while monitoring impact in the media; develop audio visual materials along with other creative communication approaches.
11. Coordinate, update and monitor the impact of Niger CO’s communications via IOM’s Content Engine platform while ensuring that the CO’s website is in alignment with IOM standards and achieving its full potential as a tool of advocacy.
12. Contribute towards the high quality and consistency of media and public outreach for Niger CO by building the capacity of national staff in order to provide strategic communications/media coordination and support to the CoM and Heads of Sub-Offices.
13. Support and contribute to the effective liaison with the UN Country Communication and Media Group and other relevant actors, draft media messages on key migration issues, provide editorial and technical assistance to Sub-Offices in all aspects of media and communications management, and provide technical support in monitoring the media and public outreach carried out by Niger CO.
14. Ensure that media content being produced for Niger CO has appropriate informed consent and follows IOM Corporate Branding Guidelines.
15. Contribute to the development and implementation of awareness raising campaigns aimedat improving the public perception of migrants in Niger CO while supporting the Organization’s global awareness raising efforts.
16. Keep abreast of migration-related developments and processes in the UN agencies, and contribute to the research, collection and analyzing of information on migration and related emerging issues, as well as coordinating the formulation of IOM’s related media position.
17. Generate monthly newsletters for Niger CO and provide inputs to IOM’s regional and global newsletters and other communication products and support internal communication on IOM’s work, including by updating the relevant intranet sections.
18. Contribute to the development of visibility materials and ensure compliance with donor specific requirements in terms of communication and visibility.
19. Contribute to the inclusion of appropriate gender awareness in communications of Niger CO.
20. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Journalism or Media and Communications, International Relations, Social Sciences, Law or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience;
• University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in community engagement and digital awareness raising; and,
• Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and think tanks.

Skills

• Background in international journalism and public information;
• Proven ability to work effectively in multicultural settings;
• Proficient in reporting, writing, and creating multimedia content;
• Skilled in social media content creation, publication, and impact assessment;
• Adept in producing visibility materials and graphic design; and,
• Familiar with international organizations and their communication needs.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

For this position, fluency in English and French is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, 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.

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.p df

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 background verification 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.