Officer, Communications at International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Head of Cluster, the communications officer will be responsible for:

• Establishing and implementing an cohesive and effective approach to public communications and media relations in East Africa in relation to Hunger Crisis, Emergencies and Epidemics.
• Gathering and producing content that illustrates humanitarian needs and Red Cross and Red Crescent response in Eastern Africa.
• Facilitating enhanced public communications and media relations efforts of the IFRC/National Societies related to key programmes Hunger Crisis, Emergencies and Epidemics.
• Supporting East Africa National Societies to enhance their communication capacity.
• The communication officer will be under the technical guidance of region’s Communications Manager, based in Nairobi.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

General

• Under the direction of the HoCC and guidance from regional communication manager, define communication priorities, develop a communications plan, advise on public communications around Hunger Crisis, Emergencies and Epidemics and their impacts.
• For Hunger Crisis, Emergencies and Epidemics response and other operations or advocacy opportunity, develop a brief workplan (including objectives, audiences, tools and deliverables) that will be implemented.

Content gathering/production

• Identify story and advocacy angles and develop people-centred and community-focused stories and products. Support the production of materials designed to illustrate our work and to expand our social reach
• Gather audio-visual materials, either directly or from National Societies, that illustrate humanitarian challenges and Red Cross and Red Crescent action, including in response to emergencies and crises. Ensure materials are appropriately filed and shared.
• Develop key messages, reactive lines, press statements, social media products, etc. as required, including for emergencies and crises.
• Ensure continuous visibility of Red Cross and Red Crescent actions on social media in regards current Hunger Crisis, Emergencies and Epidemics focus and activities of NS in Eastern Africa.

Media relations

• Act as media liaison, identifying and supporting spokespeople (technical colleagues and National Societies). Pitch stories and secure interviews with key media outlets
• Monitor news and provide a news digest on a daily/weekly basis. Identify any issues that affect the organization’s reputation.
• Maintain an up-to-date media contact list.
• Track media mentions and social media analytics, in order to measure reach and success of proactive media relations.

National Society support

• Enhance the capacities and action of National Societies’ communications focal points through training, engagement and collaboration.
• Work closely with National Society communication colleagues to ensure humanitarian challenges and responses are well profiled.
• Assist in the development and delivery of communications capacity building, training and mentoring initiatives for National Societies.

Education

• University degree in journalism or communications, or closely related field. Required
• Proven experience in external relations. Preferred
• Training courses: campaigns/advocacy and AV production. Preferred

Experience

• Minimum of five years’ experience in communications, advocacy and/or media relations, or journalism. Required
• Minimum five years’ experience working in the international humanitarian or development sector or a related field. Required
• Experience in coaching and transferring skills and knowledge to counterparts. Required
• Proven experience of developing and executing crisis communications plans and planning for, responding to and mitigating reputational risk. Required
• Strong Red Cross Red Crescent experience. Preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

• Excellent English writing skills. Required
• Proficient in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, outlook, windows. etc). Required
• Excellent presentation skills. Required
• Demonstrated understanding and use of social media for communications and advocacy purposes. Required
• Skilled at photography and videography. Required
• Proficient in the use of photo and video editing software. Preferred
• Experienced in setting and management of budgets. Preferred
• Fluently spoken and written English. Required
• Working knowledge of French. Preferred