Senior Communications Associate

Under the overall supervision of the Head of the Programme Support Unit (PSU), the direct supervision of the Media and Communications Officer in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and in close coordination with the Head of Sub-Office, the incumbent will be based in Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) and will support the production of high-quality communication and media products. These products will help ensure appropriate visibility for the programmes implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), particularly in RMI and across the North Pacific region, in line with IOM brand guidelines and donor requirements. 

IOM currently implements programmes in RMI, FSM, and Palau covering disaster preparedness and response, disaster recovery, community resilience, and migration management.

1. Support the implementation of communication and visibility initiatives primarily in RMI and across FSM and Palau as required, in line with IOM institutional media and communications guidelines, donor requirements, and in close collaboration with the Communications Officer.

2. Liaise with programme managers to support coverage of all programme areas and maintain a smooth workflow between the PSU and respective programme teams.

3. Draft human-interest stories, video scripts, social media captions, and other communications content.

4. Draft press briefing notes, project briefs, information packages, and other visibility materials on activities implemented in RMI as required.

5. Attend major programme and public events, including project kick-off meetings, workshops, and handovers, and draft related visibility content such as social media posts, quote cards, and press releases.

6. Support organization of relevant international day events in close collaboration with programme managers.

7. Support field visits to project sites to gather communications content, including through interviews with community members, community leaders, and government personnel, as needed.

8. Capture photographs and short video clips for subsequent design, production, and dissemination.

9. Prepare visibility materials, including banners, posters, and promotional products, using Canva or other software, while maintaining compliance with IOM visibility guidelines.

10. Monitor local news outlets and share relevant articles with the Communications Officer for further dissemination.

11. Provide high-quality, non-official translation of Marshallese-English documents, as needed.

12. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

EDUCATION

• High school diploma with six years of relevant experience; or 

• Bachelor’s degree in Media, Journalism, Communications or a related field from an accredited academic institution. with four years of relevant experience.

EXPERIENCE

• Strong writing, speaking, editing experience in English required

• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Canva are required. Adobe Software (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Pro) is a plus;

• Knowledge of video editing is a strong advantage;

• Knowledge of social media content management;

• Strong organizational skills and practical experience in handling and prioritizing multiple tasks while working independently;

• Work experience in development or humanitarian environment is desirable;

• Willingness to assume duties and responsibilities in all communications areas, as needed; 

• Ability to design effective communication products, and draft communication messages; 

SKILLS

• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to interact respectfully with migrants from diverse backgrounds, and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of diverse cultural and national backgrounds.

• Strong teamwork skills.

• Ability to deliver assistance in challenging conditions; adaptability and good judgment.

• Good written and verbal communication skills; ability to prepare communication materials, reports, and briefing notes.

• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel), and Canva, and digital communication tools.

• Ability to multi-task under tight timelines.

Languages
IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. 

REQUIRED

Thorough knowledge of English and Marshallese is required.

Competencies

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and 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.