Communication Consultant

Introduction Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move. IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration Project Context and Scope The reputation, visibility, financial positioning, and credibility of the IOM Burundi mission have been reinforced through a structured and strategic communication approach, previously led by a Media and Communications Officer within the Project Development and Support Unit (PDSU). However, critical internal capacity gaps persist at a time when effective risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) are essential, particularly in the context of Ebola preparedness and the need to support early detection, prevention, and response efforts in the coming months. In this context, the PDSU seeks to engage a consultant, to be based within the unit, to ensure continuity, coherence, and technical quality of media and communications interventions. The consultant will play a key role in supporting communication activities related to Ebola preparedness, with a focus on strengthening public awareness, promoting preventive behaviors, and ensuring the timely dissemination of accurate, evidence-based information. The selected candidate will be responsible for developing, managing, coordinating, and implementing communication, public information, and media strategies that contribute to an effective public health response, while promoting accurate narratives on migration and Ebola preparedness among the media, United Nations partners, key stakeholders, and the general public. NOTE : This position is open to Nationals only. Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing Project Development and Support Unit in coordination with different programme units specifically the Migration health Unit. Tasks to be performed under this contract 1. Communication Planning and Compliance Develop communication plans for activities, particularly for IOM’s public health interventions such as Ebola preparedness and response activities, ensuring alignment with programme objectives, public health priorities, and donor visibility requirements. Provide guidance to project managers to ensure compliance with IOM and donor visibility requirements, especially preparedness and other public health interventions. 2. Content Development and Documentation Photograph events related to IOM interventions, including Ebola preparedness and response activities (e.g., trainings, PoE screenings, community outreach, coordination meetings), ensuring systematic documentation and archiving in line with IOM standards Conduct interviews and develop human-interest stories highlighting impacts of IOM’s activities. Coordinate the review of speeches, talking points, public information materials, and other communication products to ensure the inclusion of accurate and validated public messaging. Contribute to the development of the mission's communication tools, including newsletters, social media platforms, websites, and information sheets, specifically ensuring regular coverage of Ebola preparedness and other public health priorities. 3. Media Relations and Public Information Coordinate the review and release of local, regional, and international press materials, ensuring timely dissemination and media engagement. Disseminate information on IOM’s interventions, through multiple communication channels (social media, radio, television, and other media) in coordination with the PDSU. Support the preparation and implementation of public health-related events and campaigns, including media engagement activities, as measured by the number of events supported and media outputs generated. 4. Visibility and Awareness Materials Design and coordinate the production of visibility materials (banners, roll-ups, t-shirts, brochures, and other communication products) to support field activities and raise awareness of Ebola preparedness interventions, as measured by the number and type of materials produced and deployed. 5. Partnerships, Coordination, and Strategic Positioning Liaise with project managers, programme staff, senior management, and the PDSU to enhance the visibility and strategic communication, ensuring coherent and consistent messaging across programme outputs. Liaise with UN partners and support joint communication initiatives, campaigns, and international observances to showcase public health efforts and strengthen inter-agency visibility. Liaise with project managers, programme staff, senior management, and the PDSU to enhance the visibility and strategic communication, ensuring coherent and consistent messaging across programme outputs. Liaise with UN partners and support joint communication initiatives, campaigns, and international observances to showcase public health efforts and strengthen inter-agency visibility Performance indicators for the evaluation of results Timely delivery of all assigned communication products and activities. Quality of communication materials in accordance with IOM standards. Compliance with donor and IOM visibility requirements. Effective coordination with programme units and relevant stakeholders. Contribution to increased visibility of IOM Burundi's Ebola preparedness and public health interventions. Timely and accurate dissemination of public information and media products. Maintenance of an organized archive of communication materials and outputs. Required Qualifications and Experience Education Master’s degree in Political or Social Science, International Relations, Global Communications, International Development, Journalism, Social Sciences, or a related field; Experience Familiarity with a multitude of international development and humanitarian areas of intervention; Work experience in technical writing, editing, outreach and communication in English and French; Familiarity with international organizations; Familiarity with migration-related issues, and demonstratable knowledge of Burundi’s context advantageous. Skills Knowledge of graphic design, web, social media and video production Languages For this consultancy, fluency in French and English is required (oral and written) Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments. Required Competencies IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link . Competencies will be assessed during the selection process. 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, respect