Country: Switzerland
Closing date: 23 Sep 2018
What we do
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and at the same time promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.
Purpose
The overall aim of the Public Relations unit is to maximize the acceptance of the ICRC's mission and activities and to strengthen its reputation as a recognized authority on humanitarian action and law. The unit works with other communications units to help build trust and secure support for the ICRC among a broad range of stakeholders through public communication. It leads the ICRC’s relations with media outlets with an international reach and coordinates across ICRC’s various communications units to ensure coherence and impact of communication efforts.
As PRO for humanitarian policy, the post holder works to make ICRC positions on priority thematic and policy issues better known and accessible to a wider audience. S/he seeks out opportunities to drive engagement and visibility around these issues by developing and implementing integrated media and digital communication plans, in close liaison with the Digital Unit. S/he provides communication support to the Policy Unit, including the definition and promotion of messages to more niche audiences.
Main responsibilities
Based in Geneva, the PRO for humanitarian policy reports to the Head of PR. S/he:
Leads ICRC’s communications work on priority thematic and policy topics, developing creative communication strategies targeting the general public and developing and promoting powerful public messages.
Searches out and implements opportunities to promote ICRC positions on thematic and policy topics to audiences including:
- Creative design and project management of communication tools and products to promote thematic and policy issues, particularly using digital channels
- Acts as a spokesperson on thematic and policy issues required, managing media enquiries.
- Researches and identifies opportunities for proactive media coverage on thematic and policy issues, including story pitching, expert interview, media trips, media partnerships.
- Working with external creative, PR and ad agencies to develop specialised products and campaigns.
- Works closely with other communication colleagues in terms of monitoring and evaluation impact, and generating ideas and content for thematic campaigns.
Liaises with units across ICRC (including legal, policy, operations, management) and builds an excellent internal network to identify communication opportunities and material on thematic and policy topics, including:
- Commissioning material from field delegations
- Working with specialist units to develop public-facing messages and positions, and provide communication advice to management in those teams
- Working across various HQ communication units including digital, campaigns, marketing and internal communications teams.
- Advice and support to ICRC leadership communications
.
Leads planning and content development (global and regional) for ICRC’s noteworthy dates (relevant to the thematic and policy issues), including leading development of quarterly and yearly planning tools and reporting to communications management.
Actively conducts outreach and cultivate relationships with key media and other influencers relevant to thematic and policy issues to generate interest, support and coverage of the issues.
Provides communication support and advice to Policy teams related to audience and message development, positioning, promotion/launch of report and policy products, and profile building of policy experts among policy and technical audiences.
Acts as a reference spokesperson during duty weekends; supports other PR staff members in crisis situations and as required.
People management responsibilities
Yes - 1 associate (trainee)
Scope & Impact
- Geographical remit: global level
- Strategic impact: leads the ICRC's communications work on priority thematic and policy topics, positioning the ICRC. Global impact of public communication is high.
Relationships
- Internally, interacts widely across the ICRC within communications and other departments, divisions and units at headquarters and with delegations in the field.
- Externally, interacts primarily with media, PR and creative agencies, humanitarian actors and RCRC Movement members
Education and experience required
- Typically 10 years overall professional experience.
- University degree in a communications or related field.
- 4 to 8 years´ work experience in media relations and content generation (inside or outside the ICRC).
- Good knowledge of issues related to conflicts, IHL and humanitarian action.
- Extensive track record in communications ideally within the humanitarian or non-profit sector.
- Substantial experience of drafting compelling public communication material for different audiences.
- Experience of working in roles across multiple teams/units/locations
- Track record of successful public relations management (including e.g. media relations, digital communication, stakeholder engagement, fundraising)
Desired profile and skills
- Confirmed experience in developing and implementing communication strategies.
- Great all-round communicator, with sound digital and media relations skills.
- Able to produce clean and informative prose in a variety of styles for different audiences. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Able to master complex topics quickly and translate them into simple language and powerful messages.
- Excellent project management skills including a high degree of organization, strong priority-setting skills and ability to work on tight deadlines
- Excellent public communication skills and sound knowledge of media environment.
- Proven capacity to work in a stressful environment and follow tight deadlines.
- Experience with the ICRC and/or RC/RC Movement an asset.
Personal Skills
- Proven capacity to work in a team.
- High degree of creativity. Able to work autonomously and independently.
- Able to build constructive relationships with technical file holders.
- A good sense of diplomacy and sound negotiation skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills and a good sense of humour.
- Fluent English. French and other languages an asset.
Additional information
- Location : Geneva
- Type of contract : Open-ended
- Activity rate : 100%
- Length of assignment : 4 years, extendable
- Estimated start date : ASAP
- Application deadline : 23.09.2018
How to apply:
To apply, please visit:https://bit.ly/2on7i3H