1. Context

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 has been present in the Western Balkans since the early 1990s. The sub-region, coordinated by the Country Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina, hosts a population of over 19 million people. In the Western Balkans, the organization focuses on the strategic priorities of resilience, mobility and governance, refining and tailoring them further to national priorities. Building on projects implemented at the national level, IOM facilitates the development and implementation of sub-regional programmes and promotes common and coordinated strategies, heedful of national specificities and development agendas.

IOM works closely with partners in the Western Balkans on the entire spectrum of migration management. This includes technical support and capacity development to strengthen migration governance in line with national priorities and international best practices. IOM programmes in the region focus on harmonizing approach to strengthen management of full-spectrum of returns and enhance regional cooperation on border management whilst emphasizing protection and assistance to vulnerable migrants. With the focus on facilitating development and implementation of programmes with a strong regional dimension, it is envisaged to harmonize communication approaches through a coherent strategy and implementation plan.

The objective of the Consultancy will be to develop communications and visibility strategy and implementation plan on IOM Return, Readmission and Reintegration and Immigration and Border Management programming in the Western Balkans.

2.     Scope of the assignment

The assignment includes reviewing existing communication practices on relevant IOM programming in the Western Balkans, conducting an analysis on strategic needs and providing recommendations and guidelines for public and digital communication.

The key outputs of the assignment:

1. Finalization of needs analysis on communications and branding in coordination with IOM Western Balkans management, programme and communication teams;

• Develop a communications strategy to improve visibility, enhance media engagement and presence and build support of stakeholders on IOM programming on return, readmission, reintegration and immigration and border management;
• Finalize implementation plan for the developed communications strategy, including required resources and description of roles and responsibilities for staff involved;
• Develop communications toolkit, including standard templates for different audiences, in line with IOM and donors’ standards for branding and visibility, and provide training to staff on the use of the toolkit;
• Provide recommendations for effective media outreach and social media strategy with approaches for specific audiences.

All duties and responsibilities will be carried out in strict adherence to IOM policies and guidelines, including those related to confidentiality and data protection.

3.     Timeframe of the Consultancy

The expected timeframe of the consultancy is until 31 December 2022.

4.     Required Qualifications and Experience 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 the above fields with at least seven years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Substantial experience in working on strategic communications with internal and external counterparts;
• Experience in developing communication strategies and implementation plans;
• Experience in conducting needs analysis
• Experience in working with national institutions and international organizations including IOM, other UN agencies or international organizations is an advantage;
• Previous experience in or knowledge of the Western Balkans region is an asset.

Skills

• Solid understanding of the migratory context, current topics and related discourse in the Western Balkans, including the IOM projects and activities
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and organizational capacity

• Strong interpersonal, writing, editing and communications skills
• Strong knowledge of digital communication tools

Languages

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

For this consultancy, fluency in English is required (oral and written).

5.     Confidentiality Arrangements

Contracted consultant or individual members of a consultancy organization are not permitted to use any of the gathered data, reported findings, contributions to the draft and final reports to further their personal research.

6.     Location and time of the Consultancy

Services are home based. If travel is required, IOM will cover the costs of transportation and daily allowance.

7.     How to Apply

Applications should be sent via email to: bihvacancies@iom.int with the email subject” Communications Consultant”.

The application should be in English and include:

1. Motivation letter
   1. Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English

Application deadline: 31 May 2022.

Posting period: 14 May 2022 – 31 May 2022.

ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED