Regional Public Relations Officer & Spokesperson for Africa at International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

Role description

The Regional Public Relations Officer plays a key role in devising and implementing proactive media outreach strategies for the ICRC’s humanitarian operations and thematic issues in Africa. The post holder coordinates messages and drives media plans in order to enhance and manage ICRC's public profile in the region, in both English-speaking regional media as well as global media. S/he contributes to the implementation of the regional and global Public Engagement and Digital Strategies, and generates content for global and regional platforms, in accordance with priorities identified within the CIM_COM division and in close liaison with concerned delegations. Based in Nairobi, the post holder is the Chief English-speaking spokesperson in the region, and is in charge of developing relations with regional and international media based there. With nearly half of the ICRC’s operations in Africa, the regional PRO leads on outreach and public communication support for its priority delegations (such as South Sudan and Somalia) and others in the Horn, East and Southern Africa, and works closely with other PROs to help maximize public communication opportunities on other themes and countries. The post holder supports the regional coordination during crisis situations, as needed, liaising closely with the Federation zone

Main responsibilities

• Acts as an ICRC spokesperson (including during crises). Maintains and develops relations with regional/global media based in Nairobi and in other media hubs or strategic delegations in the region, to ensure quality coverage of key humanitarian issues, and enhance or manage ICRC’s public regional profile.
• Proposes and produces compelling written and AV content to help position priority issues and themes externally and achieve ICRC’s regional objectives (as outlined in ICRC’s Regional Strategic Framework & regional Communication profile). Pitches / follows up on placing these and other ICRC material related to Africa.
• Drafts speaking points, news releases, narratives, defensive lines and other products for traditional media as well as contributes to digital content. Provides guidance/editing to delegations to improve text products.
• Provides strategic support and guidance to delegations on public communication issues, opportunities and challenges. This includes following humanitarian developments in key delegations closely, helping teams seize relevant media opportunities in a timely manner and in line with operational priorities.
• Deploys within Africa (up to 30% of the time) and supports delegations in times of crisis.
• Works closely with PR and digital teams in Geneva and Regional Communication Centres, to ensure the production of newsworthy and impactful content, as well as media/digital campaigns around key thematic issues and contexts (e.g. displacement, disability, sexual violence, detention).
• Leads the organization and follow-up of regional media trips, events and workshops (including accompanying global media to the field where necessary), and manages communication opportunities for senior leaders to profile ICRC operations.
• Movement liaison: acts as the main coordination focal point with the Federation zone communication manager on public communications issues. Ensures smooth coordination with different components, especially during crises.

Desired profile and skills

• Bachelor degree level
• 8 years of professional experience, including 5 in media relations and/or content generation. Experience with RC/RC Movement and/or with a humanitarian organization is an advantage.
• Fluent in English. French an advantage
• Confirmed experience in developing and implementing public communication strategies or campaigns in Africa
• Substantial experience of writing articles, press releases, briefs, feature stories, etc. Good understanding of media environment and news gathering process. Track record of publications is an asset.
• Track record of successful public relations management
• Excellent public communication and negotiation skills (oral and written), and sound knowledge of media environment
• Strong analytical skills and ability to translate complex issues into media-friendly documents
• High degree of organization, strong priority-setting skills, proven capacity to work in a stressful environment and follow tight deadlines
• Proven capacity to work in a team
• Willing to accept unaccompanied posting (i.e. no spouse, partner, children or dependents) for the first 24 months of assignment

Our operational and 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: https://www.icrc.org/en/document/icrc-medical-standards-departure-mission
• Driving license for manual transmission vehicles, and ability to drive such vehicles independently in unfamiliar terrain
• Readiness to travel frequently (up to 30% of the time) to different ICRC operations in the region, including to volatile environments in which ICRC’s main operations are based

What we offer

• Rewarding work in the humanitarian field
• A tailored integration program
• Opportunities for further in-house development and career growth
• Generous social benefits