Communication Officer for the Central Tracing Agency

Contract

This is a ICRC - Max term contract. More about ICRC - Max term contracts.

Reports to (role)

Central Tracing Agency Bureau (CTA B) Operations Manager

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and, at the same time, promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Purpose

In the role, the post holder will support the Communications and Policy Advisor in developing and executing strategies in the areas of operational communication (families communication, AAP - Accountability for Affected Population), developing speaking lines for the call operators/caseworkers of the CTA Bureau in close coordination with the delegations in Kiev, Moscow (and other delegations/COM services as needed), and other tools to foster timely and effective communication with the families. They will also support the facilitation of the Movement Communication (MOV COM), ensuring alignment of the Family Links Network (FLN) communication effort, and facilitating the promotion of the RFL (Restoring Family Links) services in relation to IAC (International Armed Conflict) in Ukraine in close coordination with the file holders at HQ and field level. The post holder will as well contribute to MDH (Misinformation Disinformation Hate) file upon request. They will be working closely on the previously mentioned files with the com colleagues in delegations, with the MOV COM as well as with other concerned colleagues at HQ level.

Accountabilities & Functional responsibilities

Operational Communication: Supports the Front desk of the CTA Bureau in the definition of the communication lines for the call operators, coordinated with the Kiev and Moscow COM, developing a mechanism of coordination between CCCs (Community Contact Centers) and the Front desk, shaping the guidelines, toolkits and training material for call operators, caseworkers on AAP (in close coordination with AAP). Supports in creating the connection between operational com/com for security and other ongoing projects linked to access, acceptance & security as well as to reputation (MDH, Security Crisis Management Support projects - SCMS).

Movement Communication: Works with the Communication and Policy Advisor and the MOV COM advisors in HQ and Budapest Regional Delegation and other delegations in EURASIA to facilitate RFL COM information exchange, production support, relevant Public Communication (in coordination with Xmedia and other COM HQ) with National Societies. They contributes to defining regional approaches to MOV COM, including guidelines and tools, and ensure their integration in the communication teams´ objectives.

MDH - Misinformation Disinformation Hate: Contributes to shaping and coordinating MDH preparedness and response based on Front Desk feedback, provides input to crisis mechanisms and MDH labs.

Specific tasks

Support for families’ communication

Helps develop the lines for the call operators and case workers in a coordinated and swift manner (in coordination with focal points in the field and HQ)

Helps collect the content (e.g. stories, testimonies, etc.) for the public communication related to IAC in Ukraine.

Collects best practices to be shared with Family Links Network components in charge of Accountability to Affected Populations

Provides evidence/data on progress and impact of this file for reporting and learning purposes

Movement communication

Helps implement the Movement Communication regional approach and RFL Movement Strategy in support to the Communication and Policy Advisor and MOV COM and in coordination with key actors on this file at HQ and field level.

Supports the production of the MOV RFL COM in the region.

When needed, coordinates with the RCC (Regional Call Centers), delegations on MOV COM content generation

Collects best practices

Takes care of the CTA Bureau COM toolbox on Flextranet.

Other tasks:

Supports when needed with drafting key messages and content, including for social media channels, on topics of interest (e.g. info-as-aid, A/V and print production, operational communication, crisis communication).

Contributes to MDH labs in the field and HQ.

Supports with translation, if needed.

Scope & Impact

• Financial responsibilities: oversees the communication/prevention expenditure for the production booklet of the CTA-Bureau and other specific topics.
• Geographic remit: from a CTA-Bureau perspective global ramifications, given the interest in CTA-Bureau activities.
• Strategic dimension in regard to COM pub lines, proactive engagement to prevent perception crisis/bashing, hate speech, etc.

Relationships

• Internally, interacts in the field with the Head(s) of sections and/or Communication or Communication/Prevention Manager, heads of COM departments in the respective delegations and at headquarters, when relevant, with technical reference persons from the Department of Communication and Information Management and the Department of International Law and Policy and Protection, in particular the CTA
• Externally, interacts with diplomatic mission representatives, the respective (national info bureaus) NIB visitors, different NS representatives and the international press

Education and Experience required

Previous work experience (6 years minimum) in communication, either within the ICRC or in complex organizations.

Experience in developing various communication products (print and online), including with external agencies. Experience in audiovisual creation.

Sound field experience with the ICRC or similar organizations, in complex contexts where acceptance, access & security were a challenge, a very strong asset

Experience in translating complex institutional files into concrete plans of action and working tools.

Excellent communication, writing & analytical skills

Excellent English, and Russian language skills. Knowledge of Ukrainian language is desirable.

University degree or equivalent (preferably master's level) in a relevant field such as communications, marketing, or journalism

Very good understanding of the ICRC and the international humanitarian sector in general.

Knowledge and understanding of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, experience with the ICRC or the Movement, an asset.

Additional information

• Type of contract: Fixed term contract
• Length of assignment: until 31.12.2023
• Working rate: 100%
• Starting date: ASAP
• Location: Geneva
• Application deadline: 7 January 2023

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates