📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: National Programme Officer (Media & Communications)
🔹 Company: International Organization for Migration (IOM)
🔹 Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: International Affairs
🔹 Date Posted: May 18, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Assisting in managing media and communications work in IOM Sri Lanka and the Maldives
- Ensuring compliance with IOM policies and standards
- Collaborating with the National Research and Partnerships Officer
- Working under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in media and communications, with experience in managing and coordinating media activities in a professional setting.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Assist in managing the media and communications work in IOM Sri Lanka and the Maldives
✅ Ensure compliance with IOM policies and standards
✅ Collaborate with the National Research and Partnerships Officer
✅ Work under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission
✅ Perform other duties as assigned
ASSUMPTION: The role may involve working on multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to manage time effectively.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Master's degree in Communications, Journalism, International Relations, or a related field from an accredited academic institution
Experience: 2-5 years of relevant professional experience in media, communications, or a related field
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in media and communications
- Strong writing and editing skills in English
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and in a team
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working in the humanitarian or international development sector
- Fluency in local languages (Sinhala, Tamil)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the humanitarian sector or fluency in local languages may have an advantage in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The salary range for this position is not provided. However, based on industry standards for a similar role in Sri Lanka, the estimated salary range is LKR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000 per annum.
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Retirement plan
- Generous leave entitlements
- Professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time position with standard office hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: International Affairs - IOM is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration, committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society.
Company Size: IOM has over 10,000 employees worldwide, providing a large and diverse work environment.
Founded: IOM was established in 1951, with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
Company Description:
- IOM works with its partners in the international community to assist in meeting the growing operational challenges of migration
- IOM advances understanding of migration issues and encourages social and economic development through migration
- IOM upholds the well-being and human rights of migrants
Company Specialties:
- Migration
- Refugee assistance
- Humanitarian aid
- Development
- Human rights
Company Website: http://www.iom.int
ASSUMPTION: IOM's extensive experience and global presence provide a unique opportunity for candidates to contribute to international migration efforts.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the professional level, requiring relevant experience and a master's degree.
Reporting Structure: The National Programme Officer reports directly to the National Research and Partnerships Officer and works under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position based in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to work on diverse migration-related projects
- Opportunities for professional development and training
- Possibility to advance within the organization or explore international assignments
ASSUMPTION: IOM's global presence and diverse projects offer numerous growth opportunities for the right candidate.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: IOM Sri Lanka has an office in Colombo, with a professional and multicultural work environment.
Office Location(s): Colombo, Sri Lanka
Geographic Context:
- Colombo is the commercial capital and largest city in Sri Lanka
- The city offers a mix of modern and traditional Sri Lankan culture
- Colombo has a tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from 26-32°C (79-90°F)
Work Schedule: Standard office hours, Monday-Friday, with occasional evening or weekend work as required.
ASSUMPTION: Colombo provides a vibrant and dynamic work environment, with a mix of modern and traditional Sri Lankan culture.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or video interview with the hiring manager
- Background and reference checks
- Job offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Relevant experience in media and communications
- Strong writing and editing skills
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Organizational skills and attention to detail
- Cultural fit with IOM's mission and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and skills
- Prepare a strong cover letter demonstrating your understanding of the role and IOM's mission
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with media and communications in the humanitarian or international development sector
ATS Keywords: Media, Communications, Journalism, International Relations, Migration, Humanitarian Aid, Development, Human Rights, IOM
ASSUMPTION: IOM's application process is competitive, and candidates should highlight their relevant experience and skills to increase their chances of success.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn)
- Content management systems (CMS)
- Design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
ASSUMPTION: The required tools and technologies may vary depending on the specific projects and tasks assigned to the National Programme Officer.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Respect
- Integrity
- Professionalism
- Excellence
- Accountability
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and flexible
- Results-driven and proactive
- Culturally sensitive and inclusive
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you share IOM's commitment to the well-being and human rights of migrants?
- Are you comfortable working in a multicultural and diverse environment?
- Do you have strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders?
ASSUMPTION: IOM values diversity and encourages applications from qualified candidates who are passionate about migration and committed to the organization's mission.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, with multiple projects and deadlines
- Navigating cultural and linguistic differences in a multicultural work environment
- Adapting to IOM's unique organizational culture and structure
- Managing work-life balance, with occasional evening or weekend work as required
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to IOM's mission and values.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to similar roles in international organizations, this position offers a unique opportunity to work on migration-related projects with a global impact
- IOM's extensive experience and global presence provide a strong platform for professional development and growth
- This role may offer more responsibility and autonomy than similar positions in smaller organizations, given IOM's size and global reach
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their career goals and personal preferences when comparing this role to similar positions in other organizations.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a media strategy for IOM Sri Lanka and the Maldives
- Managing IOM's social media presence and engaging with stakeholders online
- Coordinating media events and press conferences to raise awareness of migration issues
- Preparing press releases, statements, and other media materials in English and local languages
ASSUMPTION: The specific projects assigned to the National Programme Officer may vary depending on IOM's priorities and the needs of its programs.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and how this role fits within the organization?
- What are the most pressing media and communications challenges facing IOM Sri Lanka and the Maldives?
- How does IOM support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does IOM ensure the well-being and work-life balance of its employees?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and informed questions during the interview process demonstrates a candidate's interest in the role and commitment to IOM's mission.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant experience and skills in media and communications
- Prepare a strong cover letter demonstrating your understanding of the role and IOM's mission
- Follow up with the hiring manager after submitting your application, expressing your interest in the role and asking any questions you may have
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
