Country: Lebanon
Closing date: 11 Apr 2017
Do you want to help save lives and change minds as part of the worlds largest humanitarian network?
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is a global membership organisation comprising National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world. Through 190 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and 17 million volunteers, the IFRC network is present in virtually every community, reaching more than 160 million people every year with life-saving and life-changing support.
The mission of the IFRC is to support National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to prevent and alleviate human suffering and promote human dignity around the world. We do this in line with our fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.
Together, IFRC, National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) from the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
IFRC is served by a Secretariat based in Geneva, with regional and country offices throughout the world.
IFRCs Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) located in Beirut, Lebanon, provides organisational, policy and programmatic support to the 17 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The regional office guides the work of two Country Cluster Support Teams and eight country offices.
The Communications Manager, MENA will develop and coordinate the execution of IFRC's communications strategy across the MENA Region; S/he will position the IFRC as a key humanitarian leader and actor; profile the achievements of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies; help build communications capacity of IFRCs network and highlight proposed solutions to humanitarian challenges.
The Communications Manager pursues the goals outlined in Strategy 2020 in the interests of vulnerable people and communities. S/he is the strategic communications advisor to and a spokesperson for the office of the Regional Director. S/he will shape and contribute to global IFRC communications through active participation in the global communications team, sustained engagement on shared priorities, creative production of compelling content and rapid news-breaking emergency communication.
The Communications Manager oversees and provides technical guidance to and coordination of communication specialists working in the region. S/he works closely with National Societies providing technical support, strategic advice and capacity building support. S/he will contribute towards an IFRC communications working culture that is proactive, creative, and responsive and which aims to be first and best.
Job duties and responsibilities
Develop, coordinate and execute a strategic communication approach and work plan for IFRC in the MENA region that supports programmatic and policy priorities and aligns with global communications priorities and initiatives, integrating effective use of a wide range of communications tools and disciplines, including media relations, corporate communications, digital media, social media and advocacy.
Provide leadership, technical coordination and strategic direction to IFRC staff in the region on communication matters.
Develop and maintain a network amongst National Society communications staff in MENA to create a community of practice, and encourage the transfer of knowledge, skills, expertise and resources.
Collaborate with and leverage support from Movement partners to develop innovative approaches and initiatives that build communications capacity, skills and experience in National Societies and the IFRC network.
Coordinate rapid emergency communications response to emerging humanitarian challenges and emergencies impacting the region. This includes: HR responsibilities - identifying and managing surge support needs including deployment of external service providers; collaboration with communications counterparts in the Movement; outreach to international media; gathering, production and distribution of high-quality communications materials and content that profiles and positions the IFRC; collaboration with colleagues in resource mobilisation to support fundraising efforts.
Coordinate the production and curation of compelling, creative and shareable multimedia content for IFRC communication channels and platforms and external media that profiles and positions the IFRC’s work in Asia Pacific.
Act as IFRC’s regional media spokesperson and lead on media relations in the region, shaping the mainstream news and current affairs agenda through proactive and timely engagement with media outlets and journalists.
Build and sustain a network of key contacts from the international media, professional communications networks and other key influencers in MENA to ensure that the IFRC is recognised as a leading reference on humanitarian issues in the region.
Manage IFRC’s regional social media platforms and online engagement and foster a ‘digital communications culture’ amongst National Societies in the region.
Shape and contribute to global IFRC communications priorities through active participation in the global communications team, content creation for global channels and sustained and coordinated engagement on shared priorities.
Actively advise on and support the rollout of global external and internal communications initiatives and campaigns ensuring the active engagement of National Societies in MENA.
Coordinate leadership communications in support of missions undertaken by the IFRC Secretary-General and IFRC President to the Asia Pacific region.
Act as the strategic communications advisor to IFRC senior management in the region and lead on crisis communications in response to reputational risk issues that may adversely affect the IFRC.
Lead efficient corporate communications and production processes and ensure compliance and coherence with IFRC’s brand identity.
Liaise and collaborate with communications counterparts within the Movement to identify opportunities for strengthening Movement cooperation and collaboration
Ensure that IFRCs fundamental humanitarian principles are reflected in IFRC communications.
Undertake other relevant duties as required
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Duties applicable to all staff**Actively work towards the achievement of the Federation Secretariat’s goals
Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles
Perform any other work related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager Position Requirements
Education Required Preferred
Degree in journalism, communications, international relations or related field
Education
Degree in journalism, communications, international relations or related field -Required
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Experience**7+ years in communications, advocacy and/or journalism including media relations, social media strategy and AV production.
5+ years working in the international humanitarian or development sector or a related field
3+ years managing teams in international environments
A track record in complex issues management and emergency communications.
Knowledge and Skills
Strong knowledge the region including current affairs as they relate to humanitarian challenges in the region
Strong professional and management skills and ability to be both proactive and ready to respond rapidly to changing needs from senior management and technical line management.
Proven track record of coordinating dispersed communications teams
Ability to lead and manage in diverse cultural settings
Strong relationship management skills including ability to rapidly build and extend professional networks
Analytical and strategic thinking
Outstanding written, oral and representational communication skills
Experience as a media spokesperson
Multimedia production, AV and design skills
Social and digital media management skills
Fluent spoken and written Arabic
Strong command of English
How to apply:
For those who are interested in the above-mentioned position, kindly submit your CV with the cover letter to the HR personnel (email mentioned below). Make sure to put the title of the vacancy you are applying to as the subject of your email, otherwise, your application will NOT be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 2 weeks after the ad is closed.