Communication Officer – Media Engagement

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies (NSs). The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by NSs with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.”  IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.

IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas.  IFRC also has country cluster delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. 

Job Purpose

The purpose of the communications officer position is to:

• Support enhanced public communications and media relations efforts of the IFRC in both Arabic and English.
• Enhance IFRC and National Society visibility and public image on key development programmes and during times of emergencies and crises.

The communications officer will work in close collaboration with the regional communications manager and the global communications team, especially HQ in Geneva.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the communications manager, support media engagement and public communication efforts for emergency and crisis operations by drafting key messages and providing accurate and timely information to the media, IFRC global communications team, partner National Societies, and the Red Cross Red Crescent communication network.
• Monitor media coverage and social media of National Societies and IFRC in the MENA region and produce a regular synopsis of relevant materials for distribution internally and to partners.
• Conduct media analysis to identify potential issues, assess public sentiment, and gauge the impact of communication strategies.
• Develop and implement crisis communication plans to effectively manage and mitigate reputational risks, where required.
• Under the guidance of the communications manager, engage with media outlets to pitch stories, press releases, and other relevant content, and manage media requests as necessary.
• Maintain comprehensive contact lists of media professionals in the MENA region. Utilize these lists to highlight the work of the IFRC and National Societies in the region.
• Contribute to producing content for the IFRC’s MENA social media platforms, campaigns, and publications in both English and Arabic languages.
• Undertake other tasks and responsibilities as may be requested by the MENA regional communications manager.
• Be prepared to ensure business continuity over irregular hours where needed.

Duties applicable to all staff

1. Work actively towards the achievement of the Federation Secretariat’s goals.
2. Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles.
3. Perform any other work-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager.

Education

• University degree preferably in communications, journalism, multimedia, or a related field - Required.

Experience

• At least 5+ years of experience working in communications, journalism, and/or public relations - Required.
• At least 3 years of experience working with an international organization or INGO - Preferred.
• least 3 years of experience in an international environment in Crisis Communication, Journalism, and/or Media Relations - Preferred.
• Red Cross Red Crescent experience - Preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

• Native level written Arabic skills - Required.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills - Required.
• Self-supporting in IT - Required.
• Developing Media Monitoring and Analysis reports - Required.
• Demonstrated use of social media for advocacy purposes - Preferred.
• Comfortable working and communicating with several National Societies in a diverse environment - Required.
• Detail-oriented, able to multi-task - Required.
• Fluent spoken and written English - Required.
• Good command of another IFRC official language (Arabic) - Required.

Competencies, Values and Comments

• Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability
• Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust