Senior Officer, Communications and Media Relations

Organizational Context The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies. The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises. IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services. IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. IFRC also has country cluster delegation and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat. IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. The Communications Department is headed by a Director, who has direct line management responsibilities over the managers of the following units: (i) Strategic Communications and Internal Engagement Unit; (ii) Digital Communications and Content Unit; (iii) Marketing and Advocacy Unit; and (iv) Media Relations and Crisis Communications Team. The Director also has technical management responsibilities over the Communication Managers in each of the five regions. The Senior Communications Officer, Media Relations position reports to the Lead, Media Relations and Crisis Communications Team at IFRC Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

Job Purpose

The Senior Communications Officer, Media Relations promotes the IFRC’s mission and raises its profile through print, broadcast, and digital media outlets. This role supports strategic media planning and carries out day-to-day media relations efforts.

The Senior Communications Officer, Media Relations looks for opportunities to include a Red Cross Red Crescent angle into the daily news cycle and works with colleagues across departments and geographies to communicate complex humanitarian
issues.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop media and advocacy strategies related to global emergencies, special projects to articulate IFRC priorities and ensure advocacy objectives are achieved.
• Identify and pitch stories, spokespersons, and visuals to global media outlets to boost the visibility of humanitarian work around the world.
• Handle incoming media inquiries, communicate information to media and manage media interviews related to IFRC’s work.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key media outlets - including print, broadcast, and digital - to ensure communication channels are open.
• Create and review press releases, talking points, pitches, media statements, reactive messaging, FAQs, op-eds, and other written content ensuring consistency of brand and voice.
• Participate in the biweekly press briefings at the United Nations Palais des Nations.
• Organise regular weekly X Spaces to provide updates from across the IFRC network.
• Serve as a spokesperson on specific topics on behalf of the IFRC in international media outlets and on global platforms.
• Advise Red Cross and Red Crescent communicators around the world on best practices and media opportunities.
• Build and maintain media pitch lists. Master relationship management database and create processes for IFRC’s communicators around the world to use the database effectively.
• Work with both the other teams in the Department to identify opportunities for digital collaborations and media partnerships and engage with member national societies.
• Scan for communications opportunities and risks to stay abreast of current operating environment and provide advice about responding and positioning.
• Support IFRC’s crisis communications management when needed.
• Identify emerging audiences and monitor external trends to inspire action and mobilize funds, volunteers, and visibility.
• Track analytics of coverage and meet goals related to key performance indicators.
• Ensure IFRC’s communications approach reflects the organization’s values and its position as the world’s largest humanitarian network.

Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)

Contribute to an effective, high performing IFRC team:
• Be flexible in your work definition according to needs and priorities and improve team efficiencies and effectiveness within available resources.
• Be a pro-active team member by anticipating needs and fostering a workplace culture that models proactivity, continuous improvement, innovation, high performance and value for money.
• Foster a co-creative environment with colleagues in Geneva, regions and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and an open and cooperative relationship with external actors.

Education

Required

Preferred

Experience

Required

Preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Knowledge and Skills

Required

Language

Required

Preferred

Competencies, Values and Comments

Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability
Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust