Communication Officer

Job content

Requisition ID: 18603

Region: Europe (HQ)

Contract type: Max term contract

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 of the position

The post holder will support the Head of Operational & Movement Communications in developing and executing strategies in the areas of operational communication and crisis communication, developing guidelines, action plans, operating procedures, and tools. They will also support the definition of the regional approach to Movement Communication, setting objectives and roles and responsibilities in close coordination with the file holders at HQ and field level. The post holder will as well contribute to creating evaluation/impact measurement mechanisms for the Operational Communications/Com for Security. They will be working closely on the previously mentioned files with the com colleagues in delegations, with the COM HoSs as well as with other concerned colleagues at HQ level.

Main Duties And Responsibilities Part 1

• Operational communication
• Helps develop a model for Operational Communication 2.0;
• Helps build a network of OpCom focal points in delegations for learning and exchange;
• Coordinates research on new areas of interest and new challenges for ICRC´s operational communication (MDH, lack of physical proximity, decreasing humanitarian access, proliferation of NSAGs, etc);
• Helps define a model of Op communications by region, identifying roles and responsibilities across levels;
• Develops tools of relevance for delegations;
• Collects best practices;
• Takes care of the Op communications dedicated page in the COM toolbox;
• Provides evidence/data on the progress and impact of this file for reporting and learning purposes (QR, APM/PFR).
• Crisis communication
• Supports in revising workflows at HQ level;
• Supports in drafting frameworks and guidelines for crisis communications on different institutional thematic;
• Provides communication input to institutional crisis frameworks when needed;
• Supports in creating a network of crisis COM experts in the delegations for training /learning purposes;
• Supports developing training modules and tools on crisis communications for ICRC staff as well as for NSs;
  
  

Main duties and responsibilities part 2

• Crisis communication
• Develops guides for COM teams on crisis communications (Dos & Don’ts, steps to follow during a crisis, setting up communication crisis teams, creating coordination mechanisms, etc);
• Works closely with the file holder, SCMS, PROT and other concerned teams on connecting crisis communications to projects/initiatives taking place across the house and ensuring COM is integrated since planning phases;
• Supports file holder and SCMS during training done by SCMS on crisis management, to present the parts linked to crisis communications or handling media during a crisis;
• When needed, replaces the Head of Operational & Movement communication in the different platforms’ meetings linked to crisis communication (Safety & Security working group, Staff Casualty Core Group, SCMS coordination meeting, Rapid Deployment Working Group, etc).
• Movement communication
• Helps implement the Movement Communication regional approach in support of the Head of Operation and Movt COM and in coordination with key actors on this file at HQ and field level;
• Supports the production of the MOV COM toolkit;
• When needed, coordinates with the RCC on MOV COM content generation;
• Collects best practices;
• Takes care of the Movement communications dedicated page in the COM toolbox.
  
  

Relationships

• Internally: interacts with operational regions and other departments at headquarters, and regional communication centers and delegations in the field.
• Externally: interacts with Movement partners as well as with external stakeholders working on similar thematics.
  
  

Education And Skills Required

• University degree or equivalent (preferably master’s level) in a relevant field such as communications, marketing or journalism;
• Excellent English language skills;
• French is highly valued;
• Knowledge of Spanish or Arabic is a plus;
• Computer proficiency.
  
  

Professional Experience Required

• Previous work experience (6 years minimum) in communication, either within the ICRC or in complex organizations with geographically dispersed staff;
• Minimum 3 years of field experience with the ICRC or similar organizations, in complex contexts where acceptance, access & security was a challenge;
• Experience in translating complex institutional files into concrete plans of action and working tools;
• Excellent communication, writing & analytical skills;
• Experience in developing various communication products (print and online), including with external agencies;
• Experience in training and e-learning, highly valued;
• Very good understanding of the ICRC and the international humanitarian sector in general;
• Knowledge and understanding of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, experience with the Movement, an asset.
  
  

Additional information

• Location: Geneva
• Type of contract: Maximum duration contract
• Duration of contract: 12 months
• Grade: B3
• Activity rate: 100%
• Estimated start date: ASAP
• Application deadline: Wednesday, the 23rd of February 2022
  
  

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.