What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works around the world to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies while promoting respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate derives essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and their International Federation to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence.

The ICRC is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil union status, race, colour or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

Joining the ICRC delegation in Colombia is a unique opportunity to work in a rewarding international humanitarian environment, within multicultural and diverse teams and to benefit from exceptional learning and development opportunities and a competitive salary.

Purpose

Communication or Communication/Prevention Manager 2 is the focal point for all matters related to communication. S/he is responsible for setting and implementing priorities, objectives, and strategies. S/he directs the orientation, planning, monitoring and evaluation of the delegation’s communication and supervises and provides technical support to all staff involved in them. S/he contributes to building and implementing an approach in which communication  are integrated into other ICRC programmes (e.g. protection, assistance, cooperation).

Mission

The head of communications provides the Delegation with the expertise and means to analyse perceptions and communication needs; he/she proposes, implements, updates and evaluates communication strategies at local, national or international/global levels. The objective is to ensure the necessary understanding and support of the ICRC and its humanitarian action, as well as knowledge and respect of international humanitarian law (IHL), facilitating access to the victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and the support of those who determine their fate.

His/her activities range from strategy development, to the production of communication tools (AV, print publications, online content), media and public relations targeting various relevant audiences in Colombia and abroad.

Position within the structure

The head of communications reports to the Head of Programs and Prevention and is the immediate superior of the four staff in his/her unit. He/she has functional oversight on all staff involved in communication activities in Colombia including COM staff in the field in coordination with the heads of sub-delegation/office.

Relationships

• Internally, interacts  with delegation management, other programme managers/coordinators, and heads of field sub-structures; at headquarters, with the Communication Head of Sector, Prevention Adviser and specialist colleagues from other units within the Department of Communication and Information Management (CIM) and the Department of International Law and Policy; within the region, with regional advisers supporting the delegation and, when relevant, communication/prevention counterparts in other delegations closely affected or influenced by the same context.
• Externally, interacts with key members of national authorities, the UN, , media, NGOs and other civil society representatives.

General Duties

• Understands and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
• Understands and adheres to the ICRC Code of Conduct
• Understands the roles of the components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
• Respects and observes staff regulations and security rules at all times
• Represents the ICRC in a professional manner at all times
• Develops and maintains a pleasant and conducive working environment with colleagues and line managers
• Performs all duties with the highest level of confidentiality in the interest of the employees and the ICRC
• May be asked to perform tasks not covered in this job description and to provide support to other departments when necessary

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Sets the strategic orientation of the delegation’s communication, in cooperation with management, field offices and other departments (annual planning process/Planning for Results). With support from the corresponding teams at headquarters and regional specialists, formulates related guidelines, approaches and programmes.
• Oversees implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes related to communication, which may include: operational communication; community engagement; building National Red Cross/Red Crescent Society communication  capacity and joint International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement communication; public communication; digital communication; ; information analysis/environment scanning; .
• Responsible for the public positioning of the institution, ensuring a strategic and multidimensional contribution to positive perception from a wide range of audiences, from communities to journalists.
• Contributes to the delegation’s analysis of political, security, military, humanitarian and other developments related to ICRC reputation/perception management and capacity to operate. Defines, in consultation with the delegation management team, the delegation's overall desired identity and key messages. Periodically reviews its external position on issues related to its humanitarian mandate.
• Develops networks relevant to specific humanitarian concerns, acceptance of the ICRC's mission, strategic objectives and activities and improving its access to people in need. Supports development of the delegation’s broader network of contacts in line with  operational objectives.
• Represents the ICRC to diverse audiences in line with the delegation’s objectives.
• Acts as spokesperson for the media when needed.
• Supervises the development and production of internal and external communication tools/products/publications, including for digital platforms.
• Advises management on internal communication issues when required.
• Is in charge of all  human-resources-related matters for the team under supervision.
• Supports communication-related training and coaching for staff of other departments and field sub-structures when needed.
• In charge of the Communication budget and its correct implementation.
• In charge fo drafting the communication budget.

People Management Responsibilities

• Understands and supervises the Performance Management & Development (PMD) activities for employees under their supervision
• Makes sure that deadlines for the PMD cycle are met
• Engages in ongoing and continuous feedback and support, particularly for employees under their supervision, but also other staff members
• Organizes regular meetings within their team to ensure optimal coordination of the work and proper flow of information
• Ensures that job descriptions for employees under their supervision are up to date; seeks feedback and support from the HR Department if needed
• Plans and coordinates the annual leave of the employees under their supervision ensuring continuity of the operations throughout the year and making sure that there are no outstanding holiday balances at the end of the year
• Coordinates and supports the employees under their supervision in their personal development by coaching and advising them on internal and external training and development possibilities

Background and experience required

• Experience in developing and implementing communication strategies (including operational, public and digital communication) aimed at passing key messages to a broad range of stakeholders.
• Experience in developing creative communication approaches and tools, including oral, print, audio-visual, and online/social media tools.
• Experience in programme management, including budget planning, monitoring and reporting.
• 8 to 12 years of work in public relations, communication, public affairs or media relations, preferably in the non-profit sector.
• Experience in managing a team.
• Experience in public speaking (e.g. spokesperson).
• Master degree in communication, journalism, or in social/political sciences, international public law or another field combined with work experience in communication.
• Former experience in a NGO/International Organization or Governmental agency.
• Experience in coaching colleagues.
• International exposure gained through relevant studies or postings abroad
• Knowledge of the ICRC or RCRC Movement.

Profile and Skills

• Excellent written and oral Spanish and English.
• French language an asset.
• Strongly motivated by humanitarian work.
• Ability to analyse and write with rigour, precision and clarity.
• Strong ability to motivate, persuade and influence others.
• Tenacity, sense of responsibility, autonomy and initiative.
• Sound knowledge of the political, social and humanitarian environment of Colombia, as well as Colombian affairs abroad of interest to the ICRC (esp. Andean region and United States).
• Flexibility and ability to work to tight deadlines and under stress.
• Good speaking and representation skills.

What we offer?

Location: Bogotá

• Type of contract: Open ended contract (according to Colombian labor legislation)
• Legal benefits: Health, pension, ARL and compensation fund affiliations
• Benefits: support for eyeglasses assistance every two years, recognition of medical expenses not covered by the EPS, mental health and wellnes support
• Possibility of flexible hours
• Salary is established according to the ICRC salary table.
• Benefits in academic studies, languages ​​and professional development.
• Activity rate: 100%
• International savings financed by the organization, 11.5% of the monthly salary.
• 20 working days of vacation
• Start Contract: as soon as possible.