Speechwriter and Communication Adviser

Contract

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

Reports to (role)

Senior Communications Adviser to the President

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.

Context

The Office of the President provides policy, planning and communications support to the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross for governance and executive functions, as chair of the Assembly, chief diplomat and chief spokesperson.

Purpose of the position

Working with the Senior Communications Adviser, the role is responsible for drafting speeches and social media content for the President to raise awareness of the humanitarian needs of populations, to promote IHL, humanitarian diplomacy, and financial resource mobilization.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Drafts compelling speeches, articles and talking points for the president. This involves researching and drafting texts designed to persuade high-level audiences.
• Manages and creates strong content for the president’s social media accounts such as Twitter and Linkedin.
• Ensures consistency of messages and promotion of communications through ICRC publications and digital platforms and external outlets.
• Produces other communications as needed.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with colleagues across the organisation to support speechwriting development.
• Works with the Senior Communications Adviser and Chief of Staff to ensure effective internal communications by the President.
• Maintains a strong knowledge of ICRC work and humanitarian issues.

Relationships

Internally, interacts with:

• President and Vice-President
• Colleagues in Communications and across units and divisions, as well as in the field

Externally, interacts with:

• Various media
• Various event organizers

Education and experience required

Professional with demonstrated experience in producing compelling, high-quality writing.

Profile and skills:

• Excellent writing, editing and analytical skills, with adaptability across channels and audiences;
• Ability to translate complex abstract ideas into clear messages;
• Strategic thinker with proven ability to develop thoughtful and impactful communication material for diverse audiences;
• Capacity to work independently under pressure with tight deadlines, working quickly to produce a high volume of materials;
• Highly motivated with strong interpersonal and communication skills and the capacity to work effectively in a small team and together with a range of stakeholders.

Desired profiles and skills

• Track-record in writing and editing including the development of speeches and articles and in creating engaging social media content.
• A minimum of five years of confirmed experience in strategic communications or international relations;
• Solid understanding of humanitarian issues;
• Master’s degree or equivalent in social sciences, journalism or equivalent experience;
• Experience in digital and social media, events and media relations.
• Fluency in English, French is an asset. Speeches will be drafted primarily in English.

Additional information

• Location: Geneva, Switzerland
• Type of contract: Open-ended
• Activity rate: 100%
• Estimated start date: November 2022
• Recruiter: Diara Niang
• Application deadline: 7th of October 2022

Are you ready to explore the next chapter of your career? Apply now!

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

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.