Law and Policy Outreach Advisor

Contract

This is a ICRC - Open-ended contract. More about ICRC - Open-ended contracts.

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide 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 of the position

The Law and Policy Outreach Unit leads the ICRC’s online and onsite outreach to law and policy circles in support of influencing key actors and decision-makers on international humanitarian law and the policies that shape humanitarian action. It brings together multidisciplinary outreach capacities encompassing the Law and Policy Blog and Podcast, public conferences as well as digital promotion strategies and online platforms. Relying on the expertise and substance developed across ICRC HQ, the unit:

• fosters debates on law and policy matters;
• produces strategic communication tools tailored to legal and policy audiences;
• runs platforms to position the ICRC’s legal and policy content;
• offers solid onsite and online events organization expertise.

Under the supervision of the Head of Unit, the Law and Policy Advisor works with a range of experts at ICRC HQ to develop tailor-made outreach strategies towards key actors and decision-makers, positioning the ICRC on international humanitarian law and the policies that shape humanitarian action. He/she supports experts in extracting and shaping legal and policy content for internal and external audiences and coordinates the Unit’s various outreach capacities and roles in order to ensure impactful positioning.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Advises legal and policy advisors on how to integrate internal and public outreach into the design of their work;
• Defines the form and content of outreach promotion and positioning products and oversees their organization or production;
• Guides and ensures effective coordination between content owners and roles involved in digital marketing and event organization;
• Translates substantive content from publications into outreach messages, including summaries and/or explainer documents;
• Supports field delegations interested in adapting global content for local audiences;
• Keeps abreast of and advises on new outreach methodologies and technologies;
• Maintains an understanding of the internal and external environment (partners and competitors).

Education and experience required

• Advanced university degree in international studies (e.g. international relations, development, political science, humanitarian action, international law);
• 5 years of professional experience in a related field;
• Knowledge and experience of humanitarian action (either academic or professional);
• Professional experience in editing and/or writing;
• Professional experience in digital marketing, media or communications;
• Previous professional experience in developing outreach strategies an advantage;
• ICRC field or HQ experience is required.

Desired profile and skills

• Proven ability to work as part of a team and work in a multicultural environment;
• Proven ability to lead a small team;
• Sense of initiative and ability to work autonomously;
• Proven networking and relation-building skills;
• Ability to translate complex institutional strategies into key messages both for internal and external audiences;
• Strong analytical and organizational skills;
• Available for short missions;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and French.

Additional information

• Location: Geneva
• Type of contract: Long-term assignment
• Duration of assignment: Open-ended
• Grade: C1
• Activity rate: 80%
• Estimated start date: ASAP
• Application deadline: Sunday, the 12th of December 2021

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