Background
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, with 192 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 organisation 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) Programmes and Operations; and (iii) Management Services.
The Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) is the oldest and leading humanitarian organization in Myanmar. It has over 40,000 active volunteers and 600 staff members across its headquarters, field offices and 330 branches. Throughout the country and with the support of the IFRC and Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners, MRCS runs programmes in WASH, first aid, voluntary blood donation, road safety, health, community resilience, disaster response, and other areas.
IFRC Myanmar Country Office is one of the IFRC Country Offices in the Asia Pacific Region. It provides vital technical, financial and logistical support to MRCS while strengthening its participation in regional and global cooperation during emergency and non-emergency times.
Job Purpose
The Senior Communications Officer, under the guidance of the IFRC Myanmar Head of Country Office and with technical supervision and support from the IFRC Asia Pacific Regional Communications Manager based in Kuala Lumpur, will support the MRCS’s Humanitarian Values and Communications (HV & Comms) team and IFRC Country Office programme teams. The Senior Communications Officer will work in close collaboration with other Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners (RCRC partners) in Myanmar and will be a valuable and active member of the IFRC Asia Pacific Communications team. The following are the key responsibilities of the Senior Communications Officer:
• Enhancing effective public communications and international media relations efforts of MRCS and IFRC for both development and humanitarian work.
• Facilitating strengthened relationships with and supporting the capacity-building of MRCS communications team.
• Communication coordination between MRCS, IFRC, PNS and ICRC to ensure a Movement approach to public communications and consistent messaging.
The role may require extensive travel and requires a flexible attitude, team-oriented approach and the ability to deliver quality products under pressure.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
The Senior Communications Officer will support the positioning and profiling of MRCS operations and IFRC’s support to its member National Societies in Myanmar. and globally. The following are the key responsibilities of the Senior Communications Officer.
· The key responsibilities of the Senior Communications Officer are to:
· Develop and implement a communications plan with Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) communications team, that supports programmatic and policy priorities, including emergency communications, and aligns with regional and global communications priorities and initiatives, covering the various aspects of communications including public and media relations, corporate communication, social media and advocacy.
· Work with IFRC and the National Society colleagues to generate relevant and engaging content and products to support the humanitarian operations in Myanmar, including:
o Proactive and reactive international media relations
o Generate a variety of communications content including press releases, social media and other content, photo essays, blogs, still photos with captions and videos
o Produce supportive communications materials on key issues, including key messages, reactive media lines, Q&As as needed
· Act as a focal point with international media and support the spokesperson.
· Identify, brief, prepare and coach other MRCS and IFRC spokespeople.
· Build and maintain relationship with members of international media, key influencers and professional communications networks in Myanmar, and proactively engage with them to ensure that the IFRC and National Society are well-connected, understood and positioned.
· Facilitate requests for visits/ field trips by media, partner National Societies communicators.
· Facilitate the audio-visual needs of the IFRC, member National Societies and the media, including the commissioning of professional photography and video assignments
· Support MRCS in identifying key humanitarian issues to be addressed to public, media and donor audiences on the situation on the ground and the humanitarian response.
· Together with the MRCS and in coordination with ICRC:
o Monitor and analyze trends, perception and acceptance of the Movement’s work to identify and manage communications risks.
o Collect, analyze and transform information from the field into coordinated and consistent messages (supported by the KL and Geneva Communications team).
· Provide guidance, support and advice as required to IFRC and National Society senior management, particularly on potential or emerging reputational risk management issues
· Contribute to Myanmar’s support plan outlining tailor-made support to strengthen National Society’s communications - providing strategic communications advice and learning, skills training, mentoring and facilitation of peer-to-peer exchanges.
· Lead efficient and effective corporate communications, sharing timely, relevant and accurate information and communication materials with the IFRC global team and key partners, ensure coherence, quality and consistency in design and production
· Coordinate the production of communication products as needed to support IFRC/ MRCS advocacy, marketing and fundraising efforts.
· Liaise with communications counterparts from Movement partners to identify communication opportunities for strengthening the Movement’s positioning and public reputation.
· Coordinate and collaborate with the IFRC’s regional and global communications teams.
· Liaise, share information with and collaborate with external organisations including donor agencies, UN agencies, international Government, and non-government agencies.
· Perform other relevant communications duties as required.
Education
· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant area (for example, journalism, mass communications, media studies, social science, or other related field) is required.
Experience
· At least 5 years of experience in communications, journalism, and public relations. The experience should include at least 3 years of experience in non-profit organizations or media outlets in similar role is required.
· Experience managing an organization’s social media account and producing hi-quality social media posts through Facebook and/or twitter in English is required.
· Independent and creative thinker with strong relationship management experience is required.
· Experience in coaching and transferring skills and knowledge to counterparts is required.
Knowledge & Skills
· Good knowledge and understanding of communications and media relations, especially the social media landscape in Myanmar in general and in non-profit sector is required.
· Good professional communication skills, both written and verbal, including attention to detail in written English and Myanmar language is required.
· Ability to adapt style to suit different communications media and audiences is required is required.
· Experience in publications production and working with graphic designers under tight deadlines is required.
· Excellent computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, design and video editing software is required.
· Budget management skills is preferred.
Language
· Advanced level of fluently spoken and written English and Myanmar is required.
· Other languages: Fluency in any ethnic languages in Myanmar is preferred.
Competencies and values
VALUES : Respect for Diversity, Integrity, Professionalism and Accountability.
CORE COMPETENCIES : Communication, Collaboration and Teamwork, Judgement and Decision making, National Society and Customer Relations, Creativity and Innovation, and Building Trust.
MANAGERIAL COMPETENCIES: Managing staff performance and Managing staff development.
FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES: Strategic orientation, Building alliances, Leadership and Empowering others.
How to apply:
How to apply
This position is a National staff position for Myanmar National application only.
Interested candidates should submit their applications with full informative CV and cover letter explaining their suitability for the position, by e-mail to:
*Human Resources
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Red Cross Building | No. 42, Strand Road | Botahtaung Township | Yangon
Email: cherry.aungthein@ifrc.org