The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian and development network, with millions of volunteers in 190 member National Societies. We are guided by Strategy 2020 – our collective plan of action to tackle the major humanitarian and development challenges of the present decade.

Job Purpose

The Senior Communications Officer REACH will develop a communication strategy (that includes a plan of action on operationalizing the visibility component, aligned to the objectives of the REACH program) as well as a full communications pack for use for visibility on the program (common narrative, factsheet, talking points, Q&A etc.)

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop a 5-year Communication Strategy for the 12 Countries implementing the REACH Program. This will include a strategic plan that is consistent and aligns with National Societies priorities/strategic plan, relevant in-country government priorities, IFRC Strategy 2030 and the contextual analysis.
• Develop a communication plan that includes the implementation launch, shows target audience, consistency and branding, channels to be used (including digital and social media channels) and products to be produced.
• Support National Societies in the development of country-level communications plans for the REACH Initiative in the respective countries, including supporting National Societies in identifying local content creators, and maximizing on local communication events/channels. This would include visits to the respective cluster offices to complete this component
• Develop a full communications pack which will include but not be limited to templates and assets, and prepare an operational budget for Communication activities including those to be used for mid and end year reporting, case studies etc.
• Ensure marking of key calendar events and standard audio-visual material documenting the successes of the program
• Focus on the communication and advocacy to government through National Societies who are auxiliary to the public authorities of their countries enabling REACH program implementation.
• Responsible for publishing of Communications Strategy and communications plan.

Requirements

Education

• University degree in journalism, communications, marketing or international policies.

Experience

• At least 5 years of experience working as journalist/press officer and/or Communications officer(Required)
• Previous experience with RCRC Communications and/or UN, humanitarian organizations(Required)
• Knowledge and experience working with the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement(Preferred)
• Demonstrated capacity to work both independently and as part of a multi-discipline, multi-national team.(Required)
• Excellent writing and presentation skills in English, with relevant writing samples of products produced in previous consultancies or assignments.(Required)
• Experience in managing communications issues in complex and delicate situations(Required)
• Experience in building and maintaining media relations and contacts(Required)
• Experience in emergency response(Required)
• Experience in health-related communications(Preferred)

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

• Ability to work in a cross-cultural and cross functional environment(Required)
• Ability to work with tight deadlines and handle multiple tasks(Required)
• Must have computer working knowledge(Required)
• Excellent communication and reporting skills(Required)
• Good interpersonal skills an essential part of the job. (Required)
• IFRC Emergency Communications training(Preferred)
• Basic Delegate Training Course or IMPACT. FACT, ERU or RDRT Training or equivalent experience(Preferred)
• Red Cross and Red Crescent experience(Preferred)
• Fluently spoken and written English(Required)
• Good command of French is an added advantage(preferred)