VN 031/2026 Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialist

Description

The Online Communications Unit (OCU), the Manila-based branch of the IOM Media and Communications Unit, focuses on several key areas of work. These include bringing expertise and agility to manage the digital environment effectively, ensuring IOM's online presence is a strategic priority, maintaining consistency in online brand representation, guiding and empowering colleagues through web management training, and being dedicated to swift and effective responses to webbased demands, efficiently meeting various web-related needs.

Under the direct supervision of the National Website Content Management Officer and the overall supervision of the Head of the Online Communications Unit (OCU), the successful candidate will be responsible for analyzing data from IOM websites using different SEO and data analytics tools. He or she will take follow up action on SEO recommendations for content effectiveness and website positioning and ranking on search engines.

Responsibilities

1. Participate in the development of a SEO content strategy incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI), Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), based on a thorough keyword research framework that identifies key terms and phrases, keyword competition, and search volume that can drive organic traffic to the IOM global website.
2. Optimize the ranking on search engines of IOM websites, particularly the IOM global website.
3. Implement on-page optimizations by making sure meta tags, headings, and content structure are properly optimized for targeted keywords while adhering to search engine guidelines, including AEO and GEO best practices for structured data and natural language processing.
4. Develop off-page optimization activities such as guest blogging, influencer outreach, and the creation of strategies that will get quality backlinks from reputable websites to improve the IO global website and other IOM websites’ credibility and rankings. 
5. Participate in the development of an audience engagement approach that combines user persona creation, content strategy, social media, and email marketing campaigns (i.e. Mailchimp) that will help align with the interests and preferences of IOM’s target audience.
6. Work closely with Sr. Website Assistant (Production) to continually measure results across organic web channels and adjust approaches to increase engagement and reach. Leads on monthly reporting measuring metrics, ensures digital leadership is abreast of performance, and feeds into internal reports as needed.
7. Share knowledge and provide basic SEO and web standard process guidance to the team.
8. Perform other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

• University degree in Communication, Digital Communications, Digial Marketing, Specialized SEO Training, or a related field from an accredited academic institution, with four (4) years of relevant professional experience; or
• Completed High School Degree from an accredited academic institution, with six (6) years of relevant professional experience.
• Knowledge of and certification in website management is desired.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience in implementing SEO marketing and strategies, ideally with an international organization.
• Experience working in the fields of Digital Marketing, SEO and Online Communication.

SKILLS

• Strong technical skills to conduct website audits, implement on-page and off-page optimization techniques, and troubleshoot technical SEO issues.
• Proficiency in various SEO tools and the ability to analyze data using tools like Google Analytics, and Search Console.
• High level of adaptability and a strong drive for continuous learning in the ever changing SEO landscape that includes algorithm udpates, industry trends, and release of new technologies.
• Ability to provide clear reporta on SEO projects.
• Working knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript development and constraints .
• Proficiency in MS Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

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 Level 2

• 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

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

1. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
2. This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.
3. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies.