Overview
The National Communication Officer, Media and External Relations, plays a critical role in shaping IOM Nigeria’s public narrative, strengthening its relationships with national, regional, and international media, building strategic partnerships, and supporting advocacy efforts.
Tasks Summary
- Coordinate the implementation of IOM Nigeria’s overall media relations strategy.
- Contribute to positioning IOM Nigeria in the news through identifying media opportunities.
- Build, maintain, and strengthen professional relationships with journalists, editors, producers, and media owners.
- Ensure timely, accurate, and consistent flow of information to the media.
- Coordinate media interviews for the Chief of Mission and other senior staff.
- Work closely with programme teams to identify strong stories, data points, and human-interest angles.
- Support the technical translation of programmes reports into media-friendly narratives.
- Participate in the drafting of key messages, talking points, and briefing notes.
- Compile anticipated questions and answers, reactive lines, and crisis communication inputs.
- Support the identification and engagement of media partnerships.
- Maintain working-level contacts with journalist unions, guilds of editors, press associations, and media training institutions.
- Identify and suggest opportunities for engagement with celebrities, influencers, and public figures.
- Assist in the development of celebrity engagement strategies.
- Support the identification and nurturing of IOM champions and advocates.
- Contribute to the preparation and implementation of an annual media and external relations plan.
- Coordinate closely with the Communications team, programme sections, and senior management.
- Liaise with the Regional Office and Headquarters on media issues.
- Monitor media coverage and provide regular analytical reports.
- Document lessons learned and good practices.
- Contribute to the preparation and implementation of a comprehensive donor visibility and communication strategy.
- Support the development and maintenance of a donor visibility work plan and oversight matrix.
- Draft donor-specific visibility plans.
- Implement approved donor visibility plans.
- Monitor compliance with donor visibility requirements.
Experience Requirements
- Minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience in media relations, journalism, strategic communications, or external relations.
- Demonstrated experience managing high-level media engagement and working with senior leadership.
- Strong understanding of the Nigerian media landscape, including regional, linguistic, and cultural dynamics.
- Proven ability to develop strategic partnerships and manage complex stakeholder relationships.
- Experience working in humanitarian, development, or international organizations is an asset.
Qualification Requirements
• Advanced University degree in Communications, Journalism, International Relations, Public Affairs, or a related field.
