Consultant, Communications and Design - IFRC Solferino Academy

The IFRC Solferino Academy aims to challenge and inspire the way people work, think, act and connect. It supports the IFRC network in transforming to be more fit for future and capable of thriving through the complex and dynamic changes occurring throughout the world in order to more effectively meet humanitarian and development challenges.

We do this in alignment with the transformation priorities of the IFRC Strategy 2030 and the IFRC Agenda for Renewal. The Academy is composed of three pillars: Leadership, a Think Tank and Innovation. While each of these areas is presented as distinct components, in reality all Solferino Academy initiatives address each of these three areas and are deeply interconnected. Our three areas of focus are;

We help leaders transform for the future

We support leadership in all its forms to develop the capabilities and insights needed to lead transformation, adaptation and to build systems and cultures for change.

We are a Think Tank for the IFRC Network 

We provide platforms for new thinking and approaches where National Societies can learn from others and strengthen their own strategies and transformation processes.

We catalyse and promote Innovation

We develop initiatives that help promote innovation and the enabling environments necessary for it to thrive in our network.

The Global Communications and Design Consultant will work within the Solferino Academy initiative and is remote-based.

The position is approximately 4 days per week until the last week of August, with a strong likelihood of extension dependent on funding, and it is home-based.

The consultant will lead in designing visual style and execution of a range of products to help attract engagement throughout the network for all Solferino Academy initiatives. The intention is to develop highly engaging communication products that support the various change agendas being promoted through the IFRC and Solferino Academy. National Societies are the primary target group of these activities and communications initiatives should inspire the need for innovation, change and new approaches as well as supporting learning objectives of some of the content.

There will be a need to edit and publish videos, or design animations products for videos.  The work also requires a number of web and digital based tools to help provide channels for stakeholders of the IFRC network to contribute to our initiatives, as well as some creative communications tools to help with driving broader engagement.

The role also has a specific deliverable to assist in developing communication products for the World Disasters Report (WDR), specifically on Mis, Dis and Harmful Information (MDH). This will include working with the wider team to design creative communications products to help in the delivery of the objectives of the report and designing the overall publication of the report which will need to have both physical and digital versions.

This is a consultancy to support the IFRC Solferino Academy teams to deliver high quality results in our communications for change efforts.

In collaboration with the IFRC Solferino Academy team, in particular communications colleagues and content leads;

• Design all visual design and branding needs for products that the Solferino Academy requires in particular to facilitate the engagement of diverse communities into dialogue.
• Contribute to designing creative digital strategies that will cut through to reach a large number of people in all countries of the world.
• Build videos and if required edit the video contributions of others to represent brand consistency and professional designs that faithfully represent the voices of the network.
• Design the report format, visual design, and manage all elements of formatting, lay out and production of the report for both physical and digital versions.
• Manage the solferinoacademy.com website including to build web-based pages, surveys, platforms and others where content can be conveyed and solicited from the network.
• Identify, manage and help source additional digital platforms as needed.
• Assist with moderating and updating various Solferino Academy social media channels and produce / encourage engaging content, ensuring quality also in user-generated posts.
• Work closely with communications teams (Solferino Academy, IFRC, National Societies, external partners) to ensure all appropriate communications products are developed and disseminated in a timely fashion.
• Attend various project team meetings as requested.
• Assist with drafting documents, reports, letters, and other project-related collateral where required.

Reporting to:

Innovation Lead (Head of Solferino Academy) but working closely with a range of teams in the NSDS department and the wider IFRC Secretariat if required.

Time period:

From 1 July to 29 September - 53 days equivalent.

Required

• Some experience with event design and particularly visual elements.

Required

• Ability to convert complex information into simple and compelling visual storytelling.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and design packages (or similar), and knowledge of emerging visual design tools.
• Web design and strong development proficiency with Word Press.
• Expertise with digital and social media communications and digital platform engagement.
• Expertise with a range of digital tools that enable registration and content engagement from the network.
• Expertise with report design, formatting and publishing to highly professional standards.
• Expertise with video editing, production and design, including narrative storytelling.
• Expertise in graphic/visual design, marketing, knowledge management and/or internal communications strategies.
• Highly developed graphic concept creation.
• Highly familiar with the Red Cross and Red Crescent network and with the Solferino Academy and its approaches to campaigning, communicating, events and branding.
• Excellent written and oral communication, organizational and presentation skills in English, proficiency in one other IFRC language (written and spoken French, Spanish or Arabic) is essential also.
• Proactive attitude to problem solving. “Can do attitude” required.
• Highly creative, dynamic and flexible and willingness to experiment with new approaches.
• Knowledge of and ability to keep up with trends and practices in digital communications.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and function as a supportive member of a multi-functional team.
• A university degree or other study in communications and multimedia is preferable, but not essential, practical experience, creativity and passion is highly valued.

Application Instruction

Please submit your application in English only.