Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental, non-governmental, private sector and community partners to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all.
In Cameroon, IOM implements a broad portfolio of programmes related to migration governance, humanitarian response, stabilization, displacement tracking, climate mobility, return and reintegration, health, protection, labour migration, border management, and community resilience. Effective communication, stakeholder engagement, and public visibility are essential to strengthening institutional credibility, fostering public understanding, promoting accountability, and ensuring support from government counterparts, donors, beneficiaries, media, and the general public.
Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and the direct supervision of the National Project Officer (Outreach and Visibility), and in close coordination with programme managers, technical units, regional offices, headquarters, government counterparts, media institutions, and implementing partners, the Communication Associate will support the planning and implementation of public relations, media engagement, institutional visibility, stakeholder outreach, and communication activities aimed at enhancing/maintaining the visibility, reputation, and strategic positioning of IOM Cameroon.
Responsibilities
- Assist in coordinating and implementing a communications strategy for Cameroon to position IOM as a leading migration agency with donors, partners, media agencies and the public in Cameroon, and to highlight the positive aspects of ethnic diversity in the country.
- In close coordination with the regional office and West and Central Africa Communication Officer, write, edit, and produce timely public information materials for monthly press briefings, the global and country websites, social media, newsletters, and other media channels.
- Support the development and dissemination of appropriate communications and media materials for Cameroonian society and existing and new migrants.
- Create content including blog entries, press notes, video scripts, and newsletters in line with the IOM Cameroon communications strategy.
- Provide internally coordinated guidance and lines to take (key messages) to colleagues in the office regarding ongoing media requests and interview opportunities, when necessary.
- Liaise with media counterparts in governmental and non-governmental agencies.
- Participate in the national UN Communications Group and relevant inter-agency media and communication working groups to encourage information flow across agencies and develop complementary media strategies.
- Monitor social media platforms and document relevant questions, conversations, and trends.
- Follow local media, including radio, television, and print media, to identify information, perceptions, and misinformation among the media and their audiences.
- Produce regular feedback reports for humanitarian partners to improve their understanding of concerns and questions related to migration.
- Set up Monitoring and Evaluation activities to assess the impact, reach, and quality of communication activities in ongoing project(s).
- Collaborate with the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for donor reporting.
- Perform any other duties as may be assigned.
Qualifications
Education
- High School diploma with six years of relevant experience; or
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Advertising, International Affairs, Information Management, Social Sciences, Political Sciences, or a related field, with four years of relevant professional experience.
Experience
- Prior experience working in social welfare work is an advantage.
- Previous experience with NGOs, local organizations, or local governments is an advantage.
- Experience communicating with legal representatives is an advantage.
- Ability to use own initiative and work under pressure with minimum supervision.
- Excellent computer skills, including Word, Excel, and Internet applications; IT skills are a distinct advantage.
- Knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server 2012 and SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), and experience using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and Business Intelligence Development Studio (BIDS).
- Excellent data analysis, visualization, and presentation skills.
- Self-motivated and results-driven.