Public Communications Managers

Permanent position

Contracts may be offered for a period of up to 3 years.

(Male or Female) - Full time – Geneva

Purpose of the post

The ICRC’s public communication division in Geneva is looking to recruit highly skilled communications experts working in a motivated, dynamic team within the ICRC’s public relations unit in Geneva.

The unit’s overall aim is to maximize the ICRC's reputation and brand, positioning the ICRC as a leading global humanitarian organization and an authority on international humanitarian law. The unit is at the forefront of the ICRC’s efforts to build support for its work, with the ultimate aim of improving its ability to help people in need. It coordinates the ICRC’s relations with media outlets with an international reach.

Reporting to the head of public relations, the communications manager will work with country delegations and headquarters units/regions to devise and implement creative communication and media outreach strategies and projects on the ICRC’s humanitarian operations and its priority thematic issues. S/he will help develop compelling messages and content, enhancing the ICRC’s external positioning and online engagement.

· Provides professional communication advice on communication issues, opportunities and challenges

· Contributes to the development and promotion of powerful public communications products and messages

· Help develop and drive the implementation of contextualized, multidisciplinary and creative communication strategies and projects

· Manages communications in situations of crisis

· Acts as a spokesperson. Proactively handles media relations and develops a strong media network

· Attends and participates in events of relevance, representing the ICRC and its positions

· Helps develop stronger relationships and synergies with communication departments of Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies

· Provides coaching and guidance to communicators in country delegations through field visits and other means

· Identifies and promotes communications best practice within the ICRC

· Helps develop skills and abilities of field communication staff by actively contributing to training workshops

Profile requirements

· Proven track record in the field of communications. Experience with the ICRC or the wider International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement will be a definite added value, but not essential, as will be operational field experience for a humanitarian organization.

· Strong humanitarian motivation. Genuine interest and belief in the ICRC’s mission to protect and assist victims of armed conflicts and other situations of violence.

· A proven ability in strategy development and implementation, excellent oral and written communication skills to internal and external audiences.

· Excellent writing skills; ability to draft compelling material in different formats and for different media/uses.

· Strong understanding of online media and ability to adapt material to its demands.

· Able to work autonomously and independently with the ability to work under pressure and to handle confidential and sensitive information.

· Able to develop individual working relationships with journalists in print and online media as a platform for proactive ICRC messaging; defining a strategy for systematic media engagement and establishing contacts and links with media outlets; active communication of ICRC positions on a wide variety of issues including through interviews

· Ability to engage with, influence and gain the trust of a wide range of contacts and stakeholders (internal and external).

· Languages: excellent spoken and written English is essential, ideally along with at least one more: French, Arabic and Russian are priority languages. German is an asset.

· Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work well in a sometimes fast-paced and stressful environment. A joy of working with others is essential, as is an excellent sense of humour.

· Flexibility and ability to carry out short field assignments at short notice.

HOW TO APPLY:

If this post interests you and you meet the requirements set out above, please send your application by the 31st of January 2015, toapplication_hq@icrc.org mentioning “CIM/COM/PR – Application – Public Communications Manager” in the subject of your message.

Only applications via this e-mail will be considered for this campaign. If you don’t receive a reply to your application within one month, please consider that your file has not been shortlisted.