Closing date: 27 Dec 2015
Background
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, with 189 member National Societies. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, our work is guided by seven fundamental principles; humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.
Organizational Context
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest volunteer-based humanitarian network. The IFRC is a membership organization for its 189 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Along with National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The overall aim of the IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies 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.” It works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises. The IFRC’s headquarters is based in Geneva, with regional and country offices throughout the world. The IFRC is led by the Secretary General, and its headquarters is organized in three main business groups: (i) Partnerships, including Movement and Membership; (ii) Programmes and Operations; and (iii) Management Services. The Director of Communication reports directly to the Under Secretary General, Partnerships. The position is located in Geneva.
Job Purpose
Under the guidance of the Under Secretary General, Partnerships the Director of Communication will lead the IFRC’s global communication and brand management efforts to position the IFRC and National Societies as pre-eminent responders to natural disasters and other humanitarian crises, and as key humanitarian and resilience building partners.
The Director of Communication will provide strategic leadership and vision at a global level, oversee the management of the global communications team, and build and expand partnerships with key internal and external Communication stakeholders, including National Societies, international organizations, media partners, creative agencies, etc.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Provide vision, strategy and leadership
- Advise the senior management team on the global positioning of the IFRC and on key humanitarian issues.
- Lead the development and implementation of a global communications strategy. Working with senior management, other partners across the organization and with National Societies, establish clear communication priorities, provide guidance on the implementation of the strategy, and maximize communication, advocacy and resource mobilization efforts.
- Develop integrated communication plans to profile the IFRC and its priorities that include the effective and creative use of media relations, digital and social media, celebrities and publications.
- Ensure that the IFRC is at the cutting edge in its use of new and emerging digital platforms, and in its development and marketing of content that builds a strong and engaging narrative for the IFRC.
- Serve as a senior spokesperson, and oversee a systematic and creative approach to media relations, including with the press corps in Geneva, and around the world.
- Ensure effective reputational risk management in close coordination with relevant technical counterparts in Geneva and regions.
Foster and create partnerships
- Oversee the design and implementation of evidence-based, result-orientated and cutting-edge targeted communication and advocacy campaigns in coordination with National Societies.
- Foster global understanding of humanitarian issues by establishing partnerships with international media, marketing and advertising firms, universities and other partners.
- In collaboration with the ICRC and National Societies, provide strategic leadership on Movement-wide communication branding, strategies and initiatives.
- Work closely with counterparts from UN agencies and major international humanitarian organizations to identify areas for joint collaboration and communication efforts, and to strengthen the leadership role of the IFRC within the wider humanitarian system.
Inspire and manage the Global Communication Team
- As head of the global communications team, provide strategic guidance, global standards and effective support to communications colleagues in regions, country offices and Geneva.
- Manage the IFRC’s brand, ensure effective use of the IFRC logo and oversee a robust editorial process across the IFRC, including for publications and messaging.
- Support and advise leadership communication efforts and internal engagement in close collaboration with the Office of the Secretary General and the senior management team.
- Organize and manage the communication department’s internal structure and supervise its working in a way that elevates staff performance and team-work and delivers agreed results.
- As a member of the Management Team of the Under Secretary General for Partnerships, actively contribute to the effective running of the Partnerships Division by sharing resources and capacities, ensuring that agreed plans, budgets, and reporting frameworks are respected, and managing/mitigating financial and institutional risks.
Education
Advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in communications/journalism/public relations or other relevant area of study is required. Experience
Required:
15 years’ experience in communications, advocacy, campaigns, media and public relations or other relevant fields.
10 years’ experience in management of other leadership role.
Preferred:
Experience in a National Society/Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.
Knowledge, skills and languages
Required:
Knowledge of media relations, digital and social media, content marketing, risk management and campaigns.
Capacity to work with sensitivity in a multi-cultural environment.
Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
Highly developed diplomatic and negotiation skills.
Strong management skills to lead, motivate and support teams.
Preferred:
Strong analytic skills and knowledge of research processes and methodologies.
Languages (all required):
Fluent spoken and written English.
Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic).
Competencies and values
Core competencies: Communication, Collaboration & Teamwork, Judgement & Decision Making, National Society & Customer Relations, Creativity & Innovation, Building Trust
Managerial competencies: Managing Performance, Managing Staff Development
Functional competencies: Strategic Orientation, Building Alliances, Leadership, Empowering Others
Comments
Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Federation is an equal opportunity employer.
How to apply:
Please apply on the organization's website: http://www.ifrc.org/en/who-we-are/working-with-us/current-vacancies/job-description/?id=2412