Position Title : Head of Internal Communications
Duty Station : Geneva, Switzerland
Classification : Professional Staff, Grade P4
Type of Appointment : Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible
Closing Date : 21 October 2024
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. External female candidates:
3. Candidate 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 of IOM and
female candidates.
Context:
Under the direct supervision of the Director of Media and Communications in Geneva, the Head
of Internal Communications Officer is responsible for developing and managing internal
communication processes across the Organization. This role focuses on creating clear
communication channels, ensuring consistent messaging, and enhancing information flow
between Headquarters (HQ), Global Offices (GO), Regional Offices (ROs), and Country Offices
(COs). The position is essential in fostering a cohesive communication strategy that aligns with
the Organization’s strategic objectives and supports operational efficiency.
Guided by the Organization’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity, the Head Internal
Communications Officer will establish protocols and standards for internal communication,
ensuring that messaging is clear, consistent, and accessible across all levels. They will work

closely with the Director of Media and Communications and regional focal points to streamline
communication processes, reduce information overload, and support the overall strategic
alignment of internal communications with organizational goals.
Core Functions / Responsibilities:
Internal Communication Strategy and Planning
1. Develop and implement an internal communication strategy that aligns with the
Organization’s mission, values, and strategic objectives.
2. Work closely with HQ, ROs, and COs to ensure that internal communication efforts are
cohesive and consistent across all levels.
3. Establish and maintain standardized communications structures and protocols, messaging
templates, and best practices with regard to ensure consistency in internal communications.
4. Oversee the creation and dissemination of internal communication materials, including
newsletters, intranet content, and internal announcements.
Communication Process Management
5. Evaluate and manage the internal communication channels, including emails, newsletters,
and instant messaging platforms, ensuring that they are effectively utilized to support
information sharing. This could include creating a more user-friendly intranet page and
leveraging tools like Share Point for organizing and sharing resources.
6. Establish new structures to coordinate with internal communication focal points at the HQ and
regional levels to streamline communication pathways and enhance the efficiency of information
dissemination.
7. Ensure the organization of regular town halls, monthly newsletters, and bi-monthly meetings
with focal points to ensure transparency and engagement in coordination.
8. Implement clear feedback loops to ensure that communication is two-way and that staff at all
levels can contribute to organizational conversations.
Training and Capacity Building
9. Provide training and support to staff across the Organization on effective internal
communication practices, including the use of digital tools and platforms, enhancing multilingual
capabilities and ensuring accessibility for all IOM staff (e.g. sign-language, braille, etc.)
10. Develop FAQs, best practices, and guidelines to support internal communication efforts at
HQ, ROs, and COs.
Crisis Communication and Internal Campaigns.
11. Develop and manage an internal crisis communication plan, ensuring that critical information
is disseminated quickly and effectively during emergencies.
12. Serve as a point of contact for internal communications during crises, coordinating with
relevant departments to ensure clear and consistent messaging.
13. Design timely and creative internal campaigns where required.

Monitoring and Evaluation
14. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of internal communications through multiple
feedback mechanisms including staff surveys, surveys, polls, suggestion boxes, 360° feedback,
and participation rates in communication activities.
15. Regularly review internal communication processes and make recommendations for
improvements based on feedback and best practices.
16. Utilize metrics such as staff participation rates and feedback to assess the impact and
efficiency of communication efforts.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
Education

• Master’s degree in Journalism, Communications 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.

Experience

• Experience in internal communications in a large organization.
• Experience developing institutional strategic documents.
• Experience in dealing with diverse counterparts from government and/or UN agencies and civil

society and think-tank an advantage.

• Experience in the field of migration issues, including operational and field experience, an

advantage. Skills

• Excellent skills in writing for a diverse range of platforms and publications; and
• Knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the

Organization. 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 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.
Notes
1 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 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.

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 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 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.
How to apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via PRISM, IOM e-Recruitment
system, by 21 October 2024 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.
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 08.10.2024 to 21.10.2024
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 2024 601 Head of Internal Communications (P4) Geneva, Switzerland (59194659)
Released
Posting: Posting NC59194660 (59194660) Released