A. Context
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) helps people around the world affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence, doing everything we can to protect their dignity and relieve their suffering. We also seek to prevent hardship by promoting and strengthening humanitarian law and championing universal humanitarian principles.
People know they can rely on the ICRC to carry out a range of life-saving activities in conflict zones, including: supplying food, safe drinking water, sanitation and shelter; providing healthcare; and helping to reduce the danger of landmines and unexploded ordnance. We also reunite family members separated by conflict, and visit people who are detained to ensure they are treated properly. The ICRC works closely with communities to understand and meet their most urgent needs, using our experience and expertise to respond quickly, effectively and without taking sides.
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The ICRC’s Delegation in Washington has a Global, Regional and National component. The Delegation has a global reach due to the importance the USG carries in the international arena, it also is part of the Americas region and shares in the priorities of the Regional Strategic Framework. Lastly, the team is directly responsible for a number of files in the US and Canada. With these three main vectors in mind, the Delegation works at influencing a vast variety of stakeholders, from the Executive and Legislative branches of the USG, to think tanks, civil society and the media.
The Delegation also works closely with our Movement partners, the American Red Cross and the Canadian Red Cross.
We are looking for an experienced senior communications manager to join our Washington team and lead on communications in support of our Global, Regional, US and Canadian focused activities., The post holder will be part of and work closely with the Management Team of the Delegation and report directly to the Deputy Head of Delegation.
B. Job description & key responsibilities
Team management
· The Head of Communications sets the vision, direction and purpose for Global, Regional and US/CAN communications within the Washington Regional Delegation as manager of the Communications department.
· He/She is in charge of designing, planning and implementing a communications plan of action for the Washington Regional Delegation covering the three main pillars; Global, regional and US/CAN communication.
o The Global outreach part of the vision, planning and implementation is done in coordination with the NY Delegation and the MEX regional delegation.
· As the line manager for the communications team he/she maintains overall management and oversight of the communications department, which is today formed by two staff covering communications though media as well as digital/creative projects.
· As the head of the team, oversees and approves content for all types of communications acting as the editor for the department.
Within the delegation
· The Head of Communications ensures that communication contributes to the delegation´s objectives as stated in the Planning for Results (PfR)
· Supports the delegation´s acceptance, trust and influence objectives, tracking reputation of the ICRC and the Movement as needed.
· Leads operational communication efforts in line with the delegation´s objectives.
Regional, Global and HQ
· Works closely with the communications head of sector for the Americas region, for overall support and participates at the regional calls/meetings as needed.
· Collaborates with the Americas region on selected themes, strategies, plans and campaigns as needed (e.g. migration, armed violence; Latino media in the U.S.)
· Leads on global campaigns rolled out in the US, working closely with GVA and other global reach delegations, participating in relevant meetings and regular coordination and planning calls.
· Oversees an ongoing, annual global reach COM plan for WAS support to key ICRC leaders above and beyond ad hoc visits (which are managed by the Spokesperson).
· Leads global reach push with HQ and field COMs colleagues to position the organisation as a leading front-line field operator and an expert voice.
· Leads on global reach communications stakeholder mapping, in consultation with HQ.
· Supports the operational priorities of the WAS regional delegation with a strategic approach of communications to influence on key issues (detention, migration, policy priorities)
· Attends HoC meetings relevant to global reach, conferences, GVA meetings as necessary.
Beyond the team/COOP
· Oversight of COM relationships & framework with American and Canadian Red Cross.
C. The successful post holder will have:
· Extensive and proven track record in communications, operating in a senior position as a journalist and/or at a senior level in the communications field.
· International experience working for a humanitarian or similar organization a definite asset.
· University degree in a relevant field.
· In-depth knowledge of working with US political, policy and media institutions.
· Proven ability in strategy development and implementation.
· In depth awareness of digital communications, social media platforms, metrics and analytics
· Good awareness of international geopolitics and trends in modern conflict.
· Experience of working in a complex organisation, demonstrating a high-level of diplomacy when liaising and negotiating with internal and external stakeholders.
· An understanding of the ICRC’s mandate and role within both the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement and the global humanitarian system.
· Able to handle confidential and sensitive information, exercising discretion, maturity and good judgment
· Demonstrable ability to master complex briefs quickly.
· Some knowledge of International Humanitarian Law an advantage.
· Great interpersonal skills.
· Willingness to travel to countries where the ICRC is operational for some short missions.
· Regular missions to GVA as part of extended public communications team
· Fluent in English a must, fluent in Spanish highly valued.
How to apply:
Resident position based in Washington D.C
(Only US Citizen or/and Green Card Holder may apply)
Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to Laure Macabrey at lmacabrey@icrc.org by June 19. Preferred beginning of employment: between July 13 and August