Hungary: Communications Senior Officer

Background

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, with 190 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 or “the Federation”) is the World’s largest volunteer-based humanitarian network. The Federation is a membership organization established by and comprised of its member National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Along with National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Federation 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 Federation is served by a Secretariat based in Geneva, with regional and country offices throughout the world. The Secretariat is led by the IFRC Secretary General and provides the central capacity of the International Federation to serve, connect, and represent National Societies. The Secretariat’s focus includes providing support to the IFRC governance mechanisms; setting norms and standards; providing guidance; ensuring consistency; coordination and accountability for performance; knowledge sharing; promoting collaboration within and respect for the RCRC Movement; and expanding engagement with partners. The Secretariat’s headquarters is organized in three main business groups: (i) Partnerships, including Movement and Membership; (ii) Programs and Operations; and (iii) Management. The Secretariat has five regional offices, as follows: Americas (Panama City); Africa (Nairobi); Asia/Pacific (Kuala Lumpur); Europe (Budapest); Middle East and North Africa (Beirut). The position is located in the Communication Unit of the Regional Office for Europe.

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Communications Manager, Europe the incumbent will be responsible for:

• Facilitating strengthened relationships with National Society communication teams.
• Supporting enhanced public communications and media relations efforts of the IFRC in English.
• Enhancing IFRC and National Society visibility and public image on key programmes and during times of emergencies and crises.
• Facilitating internal communications and information sharing across the Europe region.
• The Communication Officer will work in close collaboration with technical colleagues and head of country and multi-country cluster leads.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent shall:

• In collaboration with the communication manager, maintain relationship with National Society communication focal points in the Europe region, and draft relevant content including news articles, profiles, and social posts in English, to illustrate their humanitarian work.
• Publish content on the IFRC’s web platforms.
• Support the production of web materials designed to illustrate our work and to expand our social reach.
• In collaboration with country and multi-country cluster offices, draft and distribute timely information updates on activities of National Societies and the IFRC, particularly in times of emergency crisis.
• Monitor media coverage of National Societies and IFRC in the Europe region in collaboration with global communications team in the Secretariat, and produce a regular synopsis of relevant materials for distribution internally and to partners. Under guidance of the communication manager, manage media requests as necessary.
• In collaboration with relevant technical colleagues, facilitate the sharing of knowledge through the IFRC’s knowledge management platforms, including FedNet. Ensure that resource materials, including AV materials are efficiently filed and available for later use.
• Maintain comprehensive lists of partners (internal/external), media, and professional contacts (e.g. AV professionals, etc.) in the Europe region. Utilize these lists to highlight the work of the IFRC and National Societies in the region.
• Alongside the Communications Manager, develop a media outreach strategy and actively engage with journalists (regionally and internationally).
• Assist in the development and delivery of communications capacity building and training initiatives for National Societies in the region.
• Undertake other tasks and responsibilities as may be reasonably requested by the Communication Manager.

Education:

• University degree (or equivalent relevant experience) preferably in communications, journalism, new media or a related field. Web management (or equivalent relevant experience) is preferred.
• Training courses: campaigns/advocacy and AV products is preferred.

Experience

Required:

• At least 5 years of experience of working in communications, journalism, public relations, writer.
• At least 3 years of experience working with an international organization or company. Proven experience of developing and executing crisis communications plans and planning for, responding to and mitigating reputational risk.
• Experience in coaching and transferring skills and knowledge to counterparts.

Preferred:

• Red Cross Red Crescent experience.
• At least 3 years of experience in an international environment in communications, journalism or international cooperation. Experience of developing digital communications strategies.

Knowledge, skills and languages

Required:

• Excellent English writing skills.
• An advanced knowledge of design and production software (Adobe CC).
• Demonstrated use of social media for advocacy purposes. Proven experience of developing and managing communications campaigns. Comfortable working and communicating with number of National Societies in a diverse environment. Self-supporting in IT.
• Detail-oriented, able to multi-task.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of video editing and production.
• Proven experience with content management systems and website update.

Languages:

• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Good command of any additional IFRC language preferably Russian is preferred.

Competencies and values

Communication Collaboration and Teamwork Judgement and Decision Making National Society and Customer Relations Creativity and Innovation Building Trust Comments

This is a national staff position open to Hungarian nationals and others who are legally eligible to work in Hungary. Candidates must be able to provide proof of their eligibility to work in Hungary.

The Federation is an equal opportunity employer.

Please apply on the organisation's website: : Click Here