Public Relations Delegate

Communications & PR

Overview

Lead public communication activities in the delegation to enhance media engagement.

You have:

• University degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as communications, political science, international relations, or journalism
• Fluent (minimum C1 level) in English
• Professional level (Minimum B2) in an additional language used in ICRC communication (French Arabic, Spanish, Russian) is mandatory
• High level of social and communication skills, experience in digital communications
• 5 years of experience in a field relevant to communication, with at least 2-3 years in media relations or content generation (inside or outside the ICRC)
• Excellent public communication skills and sound knowledge of the media environment
• Prior management experience as an asset
• Candidates must be in good health and will have to do a medical check-up prior to departure in the field
• Candidates must possess a driving license (for manual transmission vehicles)
• Candidates must be prepared to accept unaccompanied postings for at least the first 24 months

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 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 advise and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Purpose

The Public Relations delegate is the focal point for all public communication activities in the delegation, in coordination with the management and the Communication or Communication/Prevention Manager. They lead in defining the delegation’s messages and content-generation planning to improve and handle the delegation’s profile in the media and through public channels. They advise the delegation on public communication issues, opportunities, and challenges and give to implementing the public engagement and digital strategies.

Accountabilities & Functional responsibilities

• Develops and implements the delegation's public communication plan in coordination with the Communication or Communication/Prevention Manager and ensures it is implemented in the field sub-structures. Gives to the sections on public communication objectives in the ICRC's annual planning and reporting documents
• Develops strategies for promoting the ICRC’s activities to the media and maintains regular contacts with editors and correspondents. Acts as a spokesperson.
• Plans, coordinates and leads media events and field trips; leads on identifying ideal news moments and opportunities.
• Drafts news releases and updates press lines in coordination with the Communication or Communication/Prevention Manager and the regional or headquarters-based Public Relations Officer.
• Coordinates the production of the delegation's public communication materials. Develops and contributes to communication campaigns and tools to raise awareness about humanitarian issues.
• Plans to produce and publish content for digital platforms managed by the delegation. Works with the regional communication centers and relevant units at headquarters to generate content for global platforms using a network of photographers, audiovisual specialists, and writers.
• Builds the public communication capacity of the National Red Cross/Red Crescent Society and ensures smooth coordination of public communication with all components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, especially during crises and joint Movement response.
• Provides mentor and mentorship on public communication to staff in field structures and other departments.

Relationships

• Internally, interacts with the Communication or Communication/Prevention Manager and other communication staff members, including at field structures; heads of department and heads of field structure, and the Head of Delegation; regional or headquarters-based Public Relations Officers; headquarters Digital Officer.
• Externally, interacts with media (senior editors, reporters, correspondents, etc.); freelance writers, photographers, video producers, and public relations officers in other humanitarian organizations.

Requirements

• University degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as communications, political science, international relations, or journalism
• Fluent (minimum C1 level) in English.
• Professional level (Minimum B2) in an additional language used in ICRC communication (French Arabic, Spanish, Russian) is mandatory.
• High level of social and communication skills, experience in digital communications.
• Solution-oriented approach, positive attitude in all circumstances. Ability to integrate within a diverse team and to work in remote locations.

Professional Experience required

• At least 5 years of work experience in a field relevant to communication, with at least 2–3 years in media relations or content generation (inside or outside the ICRC).
• Excellent public communication skills and sound knowledge of the media environment
• Prior management experience as an asset

Our operational & field constraints

• In line with the principle of neutrality, the ICRC does not assign personnel to a country of which they are nationals
• Candidates must be in good health and will have to do a medical check-up prior to departure in the field
• Candidates must possess a driving license (for manual transmission vehicles)
• Candidates must be prepared to accept unaccompanied postings (i.e. no spouse, partner, children or dependents) for at least the first 24 months

Additional information

• Type of role: Open-ended contract
• Working rate: 100%
• Location: Field-based position based on our need in one of our international delegations.
• Length of assignment: 12 months
• Application deadline: 01/08/2022

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

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 4 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: careers.icrc.org