Labour Mobility Communications and Creative Content Specialist (Consultant A)

Nature of the consultancy:

Technical Assistance on Communications and Creative Content to the Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) of the Government of Solomon Islands (Category A Consultancy).

Project Context and Scope

Labour mobility has become a key income and skills pathway for Solomon Islanders, with over 9,000 nationals participating in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) and New Zealand Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) schemes in 2025 alone. As participation grows, so does the need for stronger, more structured reintegration support. A 2023-2024 survey of 500 returned migrants found that returned migrant workers frequently faced limited access to employment, skills utilization, business support and financial services - highlighting the need for structured programmes that translate overseas experience and savings into sustainable livelihoods.

The proposed 12-month pilot project will contribute to improving sustainable economic reintegration outcomes for returned migrant workers in Solomon Islands (objective). The intervention has one outcome: The Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) provides enhanced, gender-sensitive economic reintegration support services to returned migrant workers, to facilitate their sustainable return and reintegration into their communities. This will be achieved through two complementary outputs: A comprehensive findings report on the sustainable reintegration of returned migrant workers, in support of implementing the Labour Mobility Policy and Action Plan 2024-2028, is available to the LMU (Output 1.1); and the LMU has enhanced capacity to deliver gender-sensitive economic reintegration support, particularly skills-building, networking and career opportunities for returned migrant workers (Output 1.2).

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing

From Return to Resilience: Strengthening Economic Reintegration of Returned Migrant Workers in Solomon Islands (RR0593); Labour Mobility Unit (LMU), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) with the Government of Solomon Islands

Tasks to be performed under this contract

The locally recruited Consultant will lead the implementation of Activity 1.2.3 and undertake other related tasks as requested by the Labour Mobility Unit (LMU). The Consultant will support the full process of developing and delivering gender-sensitive information, education and communication (IEC) materials for returning migrant workers, from information gathering and stakeholder consultation through to content development, production, dissemination, monitoring and adaptation.

The Consultant will undertake the following tasks:

1. Gather information and undertake research

Conduct research to identify relevant information, resources, opportunities and good practices that can inform IEC materials for returning migrant workers in Solomon Islands. The IEC materials will primarily focus on economic reintegration, including information that supports returning migrant workers to access employment, develop livelihoods, pursue investment or entrepreneurship opportunities, and strengthen their financial resilience. Where relevant to sustainable reintegration, the materials may also incorporate information on social, psychosocial and other aspects of reintegration, including linkages to relevant services, resources and support available to returning migrant workers.

Information covered by the IEC materials may include, but is not limited to:

• Local employment and potential investment opportunities;

• Skills development, training and other education opportunities;

• CV and cover letter preparation, job search and interview preparation;

• Entrepreneurship, business development and financial literacy;

• Upcoming events and opportunities for returning migrant workers, including activities supported under the project;

• Pre-return counselling and other relevant information; and

• Relevant social, psychosocial and other support services or resources that may contribute to sustainable reintegration.

The Consultant will also research relevant good practices and examples from the Pacific region on engaging returning migrant workers and strengthening economic reintegration outcomes through awareness-raising and information interventions.

2. Consult with stakeholders and target audiences

Consult with relevant stakeholders, LMU and target audiences, as appropriate, to validate information needs, identify key messages and ensure that the proposed IEC materials are relevant, accessible and responsive to the needs of returning migrant workers. The Consultant will communicate relevant findings and recommendations to LMU and incorporate feedback into the development of the materials.

3. Advise on content and communication approaches

Provide technical and expert advice to LMU on the content, format, design, accessibility and communication approach for the IEC materials, including recommendations on appropriate channels and methods for effectively reaching returning migrant workers.

4. Develop and produce IEC materials

Based on the information gathered, research undertaken, stakeholder consultations and agreed communication approach, support LMU in the development and production of high-quality IEC materials. Materials may include printed, digital, audio-visual and other creative communication resources, as appropriate to the target audience and intended purpose.

5. Support dissemination of IEC materials

Support LMU, as required, in the dissemination of completed IEC materials through appropriate channels. These may include printed materials and direct sharing through in-person engagement and email; online platforms, including the Labour Mobility Unit Facebook page and official website channels; radio; and other appropriate and creative communication mediums.

6. Monitor engagement and gather feedback

Track engagement with the IEC materials and gather feedback from target audiences and relevant stakeholders to assess the relevance, accessibility and effectiveness of the materials and dissemination approaches.

7. Recommend adaptations and improvements

Based on monitoring, feedback and lessons learned, provide timely recommendations to LMU on adaptations or adjustments to the IEC materials, content or dissemination approaches. Findings and feedback will be used to inform subsequent material development, production and dissemination.

8. Handover and knowledge sharing

Ensure that all materials, content, templates and relevant resources developed under the assignment are provided to LMU for ongoing use, adaptation and dissemination. The Consultant will also share relevant knowledge, findings and lessons learned with LMU to support continued development and dissemination of reintegration information beyond the assignment.

9. Other related support

Provide other related technical assistance and support as reasonably required by the LMU and IOM Project Manager, within the scope of the assignment.

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

• Complete all activities by no later than 31 July 2027

• Document and share with LMU and IOM relevant best practices and lessons learned on engaging returning migrant workers through gender-sensitive and inclusive IEC materials.

• Consult relevant stakeholders and target audiences and provide technical support to LMU in the development and production of at least 10 IEC materials, primarily focused on improving economic reintegration outcomes for return migrant workers

• Disseminate IEC materials through appropriate channels and engage at least 100 returning migrant workers

• Monitor engagement, collect feedback and provide recommendations to inform adaptation and improvement of IEC materials

• Handover all final materials, templates and source files to LMU and provide a final summary report of activities, results and lessons learned to LMU and IOM.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• University degree or equivalent qualification in Graphic Design, Communications, Media, Marketing, Journalism, or another relevant creative or communications field; relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience in graphic design, content writing and development of professional IEC and communication materials, including print, digital, audio-visual and social media content.
• Proficiency in relevant creative and digital applications, including Adobe Creative Suite (e.g. Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and/or Premiere Pro), video editing software and other digital content creation tools.

Skills

• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues, government counterparts, stakeholders and target audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively, work independently with limited supervision, adapt outputs in response to feedback and changing requirements, and manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively
• Strong organizational and file-management skills, including maintaining well-organized records of materials, source files and other project resources. Experience working with government, international organizations or development partners, particularly in the Pacific, would be an advantage.

Languages

• Fluency in English language is required.

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

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Travel required

• No

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, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies - behavioural indicators

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Notes

IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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