National Communication Officer (Media and External Relations)

• Advanced University degree in Communications, Journalism, International Relations, Public Affairs, or a related field.
  
• 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.
  

A. Media Relations and Strategic Media Engagement

• Coordinate the implementation of IOM Nigeria’s overall media relations strategy across television, radio, print, and digital media.
  
• Contribute to positioning IOM Nigeria in the news through identifying media opportunities to present stories, opinion pieces, interviews, data releases, and field-based reporting.
  
• Build, maintain, and strengthen high-quality professional relationships with journalists, editors, producers, and media owners at national and regional levels.
  

B. Content Coordination for Media Use

• Work closely with programme teams to identify strong stories, data points, and human-interest angles emerging from the field.
  
• Support the technical translation of programmes reports, assessments, and evaluations into media-friendly narratives.
  
• Coordinate the flow of field content, including quotes, case studies, photos, and videos, for use in media engagement.
  

C. Media Preparation and Messaging Support

• Participate in the drafting of key messages, talking points, and briefing notes for the Chief of Mission and senior management in preparation for media engagements.
  
• Compile anticipated questions and answers, reactive lines, and crisis communication inputs as required.
  
• Provide information and technical inputs to senior management on media risks, opportunities, and reputational considerations.
  

D. Strategic Partnerships and External Relations

• Support the identification and engagement of media partnerships that contribute to IOM Nigeria’s visibility, credibility, and advocacy reach.
  
• Maintain working-level contacts with journalist unions, guilds of editors, press associations, and media training institutions.
  
• Explore partnerships with media and relevant CSOs to further the mandate of IOM in Nigeria.
  

E. Celebrity Engagement and Advocacy

• Identify and suggest opportunities for engagement with celebrities, influencers, and public figures, including Nollywood, Kannywood, musicians, and cultural icons.
  
• Assist in the development of celebrity engagement strategies that are culturally sensitive, linguistically appropriate, and regionally balanced between North and South.
  
• Support the identification and nurturing of IOM champions and advocates who can credibly amplify IOM’s mandate and messages.
  

F. Coordination, Planning, and Reporting

• Contribute to the preparation and implementation of an annual media and external relations plan aligned with IOM Nigeria’s strategic priorities.
  
• Under the supervision of the Chief of Communication, coordinate closely with the Communications team, programme sections, and senior management to ensure coherence and impact.
  
• Liaise with the Regional Office and Headquarters on media issues, guidance, and approvals as required.