Consultant Communication Officer

The Communication Consultant will develop and implement communication, visibility and public information activities to support IOM Madagascar’s project. The role involves managing communications content, media engagement, digital outreach, and advocacy initiatives to enhance IOM's visibility and promote accurate migration narratives.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the implementation of CO’s external communications strategies related to the project 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.
• 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.
• Supervise and manage the CO’s Communications staff to ensure content is of the highest quality, aligned with IOM’s brand guidelines and consistent with the Organization’s strategic communications priorities.
• Supervise all external communications content produced by the CO, including stories, blogs, video and social media content; 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.
• 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.
• Manage the CO’s online presence, including through its social media accounts and website to increase the impact of CO’s digital outreach.
• Draft media key messages, Statements, talking points and other relevant background documents for IOM’s use.
• 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.
• Undertake duty travel to take photographs and video footage and gather material for multi-media content showcasing IOM field activities. Ensure that Media and Communications content is clear and concise, and that digital informed consent is secured.
• Ensure that there is appropriate gender, diversity and inclusion awareness in all IOM external communications.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or, University degree in one of the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience as a writer, editor and content producer/manager in Journalism and/or public information roles, preferably in the Region.
• 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 communications.
• Experience in working in UN or other International organizations.
• 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.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds.
• Malagasy, French and English are required languages.
• Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
• Travel to other provinces of Madagascar to document field level activities might be required.

Skills

• Journalism
• Content Writing
• Editing
• Digital Communications
• Social Media Management
• Corporate Writing
• Donor Visibility
• Media Liaison
• Humanitarian Communication
• Graphic Design
• Adobe Programs
• Photography
• Videography
• Gender Awareness
• Public Information Management
• Communication Strategy
• Field Reporting
• Bilingual Communication

Languages

Malagasy, French, English