Background:
Over the past 90 years, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has developed unparalleled expertise in responding to emergencies and helping uprooted communities to rebuild. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. The IRC responds to the worldโs worst humanitarian crises and is on the ground in more than 40 countries providing emergency relief, relocating refugees and rebuilding lives.
The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those served. The IRC is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable.
The IRC in Europe:
IRC Belgium leads on the IRC's engagement with the EU institutions. We aim to shape EU humanitarian, development and migration policies in ways that improve the lives of people affected by conflict and disaster, and ensure that EU funding is targeted effectively.
IRC Belgium is part of a strong and flourishing European network, working closely with our offices in Germany, Italy, Greece, Poland, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine and the UK, and beyond.
Scope of work:
The IRC is seeking a Digital Communications Intern to elevate its profile in Brussels and among our EU stakeholders.
The role will focus on increasing brand awareness and digital engagement with our target audiences in Brussels, which is essential to achieving our advocacy goals and improving outcomes for people caught in crisis. This role is particularly important in the aftermath of the European elections, as the IRC seeks to put its priority issues on the agenda for the coming years.
The post of Digital Intern reports jointly to the Communications Manager in Brussels and the Senior Director of Digital Engagement in New York, collaborating closely with advocacy, policy and communications teams across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategy and campaigns:
Devise and implement a content strategy to grow the IRCโs digital presence in the EU and support the achievement of our EU advocacy objectives. Develop creative strategies for EU digital campaigns, and adapt global strategies for our channels where necessary. Stay on top of social media trends in the Brussels space and identify creative ways to engage our EU stakeholders. Identify and engage with influencers and partners to optimise digital engagement. Support with our Google Ads grant and paid advertising. Lead on analytics for the IRCโs EU digital channels, using data to inform strategies, and maintain reports for monthly KPIs.Content creation and management:
Work closely with colleagues to identify newsworthy moments relating to our work and brand through which to drive forward our advocacy agenda. Support global IRC moments and campaigns via EU channels. Contribute to management of the IRC EU website - creating, maintaining and optimising website content, and adapting features from other IRC markets. Drafting and posting content on EU digital channels in line with our EU donor visibility obligations. Produce and adapt compelling visual and graphic content, including video, images and infographics. Produce social media packs to share with peer organisations to amplify our key messages. Ensure all EU online content aligns with IRCโs brand guidelines and maintains high standards of quality and consistency, with an appropriate tone of voice.Advice and collaboration:
Collaborate with EU country teams to highlight their programmes and national advocacy work. Participate in events to collect photos, videos and sound clips. Update IRC EU colleagues on evolving digital trends, and new IRC content as it is produced.Person specification:
Very strong English writing, editing and proofreading skills, with the ability to produce engaging and accessible copy for a range of channels Knowledge of key debates in Brussels and Europe on asylum, development and humanitarian issues Experience of or strong willingness to learn how to anaylse digital campaigns, use Google Analytics, and understand SEO, including how Googleโs algorithm ranks pages Good organisational and time management skills, and ability to work to deadlines to deliver high quality content Self-starter who is able to make a success of new initiatives and work, while collaborating with colleagues across the globe Strong communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to establish good working relationships with global colleagues Experience in graphic design and video editing, with the ability to use Canva, and to support with filming when necessary Degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent experience in communications or digital marketingDesirable:
Experience of working with a creative agency and/or charitable organisation in a similar role Experience of using Drupal or similar content management systems (CMS) Willingness to work flexibly across time zones