Director of Communications

Job Purpose

Under the supervision of the Under Secretary General, Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization (USG-GHRDD), the Director of Communications will lead the IFRC’s global communication and brand management efforts to position IFRC and National Societies as pre-eminent responders to emergencies and other humanitarian crises, and as key humanitarian and resilience building partners.

The Director of Communications 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 and creative agencies.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Provide vision, strategy, and leadership

• Advise the Senior Management Team on the global positioning of IFRC and on key humanitarian issues.
• Lead the refinement and implementation of the global communications vision of a priority-driven, digital-first and network-driven strategic approach. 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.
• Ensure effective reputational risk management in close coordination with relevant technical counterparts in Geneva and regions.
• Develop integrated communication plans to profile IFRC and its priorities that include the effective and creative use of media relations, digital and social media, celebrities, and publications.
• Ensure that 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 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.
• Provide leadership on internal communications both within IFRC as well as within the network.

Foster and create partnerships

• Oversee the design and implementation of evidence-based, result-oriented 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 ICRC and National Societies, provide strategic communications leadership on Movement-wide communication branding, strategies, and initiatives.
• Work closely with partner counterparts (UN agencies, Multilateral Development Banks, and others) to identify areas for collaboration and communication efforts, and to strengthen the leadership role of IFRC within the wider humanitarian system.

Inspire, lead, and manage the Global Communications 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 IFRC’s brand, ensure effective use of the IFRC logo and oversee a robust editorial process across 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 teamwork and delivers agreed results.
• As a member of the Management Team of the Under Secretary General for GRHDD, actively contribute to the effective running of the Division by sharing resources and capacities, ensuring that agreed plans, budgets, and reporting frameworks are respected, and managing/mitigating financial and institutional risks.
• Collaborate closely with the Partnerships and Resource Development (PRD) Department, the Digital Transformation Department (DTD) and representation offices (Brussels, Addis Ababa, and New York).

Education

• Advanced university degree (master’s level or equivalent) in communications/journalism/public relations or other relevant area of study.

Experience

• At least 10 years of professional experience in communications, advocacy, campaigns, media and public relations or other relevant fields.
• At least 5 years of experience in management or in a humanitarian leadership role.
• Experience in a National Society / Red Cross Red Crescent Movement - (Preferred).

Knowledge, Skills and Language

• Expert knowledge of media relations, digital and social media, content marketing, risk management and campaigns.
• Capacity to work with sensitivity in a multi-cultural, international environment.
• Track record in management of reputational risks.
• Track record in partnership engagement and stakeholder management.
• Strong analytical skills and knowledge of research processes and methodologies. - (Preferred).
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Highly developed diplomatic and negotiation skills.
• Strong management skills to lead, motivate and support teams.
• Fluent spoken and written English.
• Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic) - (Preferred).

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 for this vacancy via IFRC website .