National Media and Communications Officer

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and direct supervision of Senior Programme Coordinator (Development and Reporting), and in coordination with the Regional Media and Communications Officer and the Department of Media and Communications (DMC) at Headquarters (HQ), the Senior National Media and Communications Officer will be responsible and accountable for managing the implementation of media and communications-related activities at the IOM Türkiye Country Office (CO).

1. Coordinate the implementation of CO’s external communications strategies in line with the Organization’s strategic communications priorities and guidelines, promoting an accurate narrative on migration-related issues with the media, general public, the UN and other key partners.
2. Act as Spokesperson for the CO, take a lead role in the preparation of media-related content on current and emerging issues and support the preparation of media lines- to-take in crisis situations by the Regional Media and Communications Officer and relevant colleagues at the Department of Media and Communications at HQ.
3. Provide technical advice to the Senior Management Team (SMT) on strategic communications issues, including sensitive internal and external communications, and ensure the high quality and consistency of media and public outreach for the CO by building the capacity of and providing strategic communications/media advice and support to the Chief of Mission and SMT.
4. Supervise and manage the CO’s Public Information Unit, including national communications officers, social media and audiovisual specialists, and graphic designers, to ensure content is of the highest quality, aligned with IOM’s brand guidelines and consistent with the Organization’s strategic communications priorities. Enhance the CO’s communications capacity by developing training materials, providing training and capacity building to Public Information staff and other relevant teams; provide advice and support to the field teams on media and communications.
5. Supervise all external communications content produced by the CO, including stories, blogs, video and social media content; review content for their suitability to the context; provide timely editorial advice in consultation with the Regional Media and Communications Officer on whether they are best suited for publication on national, regional or global IOM platforms.
6. Support high-profile visibility events and assist the Chief of Mission in preparing to represent the CO, including arranging media interviews, reviewing speeches and preparing media lines-to-take. Develop and contribute content to communications campaigns at a national, regional and international level, including for relevant UN Days.
7. Manage the CO’s online presence, including through its social media accounts and website, to increase the impact of the CO’s digital outreach.
8. Liaise with communications counterparts among government partners and donors to ensure alignment in messaging and visibility.
9. Strengthen IOM’s links with the press in-country to promote the work of the CO; maintain media contact lists, coordinate responses to media requests; prepare timely press releases/media packages, and organize press briefings, media trainings and partnerships, among other relevant activities.
10. Draft media key messages, statements, talking points and other relevant background documents for IOM’s use.
11. Engage with the UN Country Team’s Communication Group and other relevant actors and lead on developing media messages on key issues by working together on campaigns and issues of joint concern.
12. Undertake duty travel to collect multimedia content showcasing IOM field activities and to provide guidance to Public Information staff in sub-offices. Ensure that media and communications content is clear and concise, and that digital informed consent is secured.
13. Ensure that there is appropriate gender, diversity and inclusion awareness in all IOM external communications.
14. Perform such other duties as may be assigned. Education
    • Master’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or,
    • University degree in one of the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Experience
      • Experience as a writer, editor and content producer/manager in international journalism and/or public information roles, preferably in the country; 
      • Experience in digital communications and social media;
      • Experience in corporate writing and editing;
      • Experience in managing donor visibility;
      • Experience with media liaison;
      • Experience in humanitarian and/or development communications; 
      • Experience working on migration-related issues an advantage; and,
      • Experience in working in UN or other international organizations.Skills
        • Skills in graphic design, particularly using Adobe programmes, an advantage;
        • Skills in photography and videography, both shooting and editing, an advantage;
        • Demonstrated gender awareness and gender sensitivity;
        • High level of professionalism and ability to work under pressure and adhere to strict deadlines in a complex and fast changing environment; and,
        • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds.Languages
          • Fluency in English and Turkish are required (oral and written). Working knowledge of other IOM official languages is an advantage.IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish.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.
15. Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.Core Competencies – behavioural indicators (Level 2)
16. Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.