Senior Communications and Prevention Manager

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and at the same time promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation to ensure a concerted, rational, and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Purpose

Heads of communication are the focal point for all communication activities in the delegation in coordination with the management. They lead on the delegation's communication strategy for better positioning, perception, and acceptance, in the framework of the delegation’s operational priorities. They advise the delegation on operational and public communication issues, opportunities and challenges, and the implementation of the operational, public engagement, and digital strategies. They ensure the provision and establishment of a functional mechanism to ensure balanced communication programs and human resources.

Accountabilities & Functional responsibilities

• Define and implement the communication strategy of the delegation to support operational and positioning objectives. Translate perception, acceptance issues, and visibility expectations into actions.
• Coordinates the production of the delegation’s communication materials. Develops and chips into communication campaigns and tools to raise awareness about humanitarian issues.
• Regularly reviews the efficiency and impact of ICRC's c communication activities and leads all aspects of the monitoring of key issues relating to the perception of the ICRC on traditional and social media.
• Coordinates all mentor, capacity-building, and human-resources-related matters for the team under supervision.
• Supports communication-related training and mentoring for staff of other departments and field sub-structures when needed.
• Supplies collective internal communication efforts and ensures that alliances are maintained and reinforced between the COM department and the rest of the Delegation.
• Establish, strengthen, expand & map the network of contacts with local, regional, and international media outlets and individuals, in liaison with the Regional Public Relations Officer (RPRO), actively promoting the ICRC's mandate and activities, in particular, its operations and help manage its reputation.
• Contributes to the analysis of the political, security, humanitarian, and socio-economic developments and identifies current and potential trends through media monitoring, other sources of information, and contacts with the strive to improve the Delegation’s understanding of the local and regional environment and key players.
• Contributes to widening and strengthening of the ICRC's network of interlocutors, including the media, civil society organizations, Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners, and other entities of relevance to the ICRC.
• Manages the detection, analysis and response to harmful information.
• Ensures that adequate financial and administrative procedures are followed based on the COM budget and ICRC rules and regulations.
• In addition to the tasks listed above, may be asked to perform other tasks not mentioned here, the standard description of the function being the reference framework for this position. May also be requested to occasionally support other departments.

Relationships

• Internally interacts with the Head of Delegation, Head of Program and Prevention, Head of Operations, and other communication staff members; Heads of Department; Regional or Geneva-based communicators.
• Externally interacts with media (senior editors, reporters, correspondents, etc.); freelance writers, photographers, video producers, and other target groups as identified in the functional responsibilities.

Requirements

• Fully aware of the history, mandate, and activities of the ICRC, as well as of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
• University degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as communications, political science, international relations, or journalism.
• Confirmed applied analytical and technical skills in the main fields of communication (strategic com, media relations, digital, publications.
• Digital literacy (proficiency in MS Office); familiarity with digital communication tools.
• IHL knowledge is an asset.
• Understanding and experience in the Red Movement is an asset.
• Proficient in spoken and written English and French. Additional languages used in ICRC communication (Arabic, Spanish, Russian) are a strong asset.
• High level of social and communication skills.
• Confirmed leadership skills of a team of at least five people.
• Solution-oriented mentality, positive attitude in all circumstances.
• Able to build and maintain a harmonious and inclusive work environment as well as a team spirit with their colleagues and superiors.

Professional experience background

• 7-10 years’ minimum of work experience in a field relevant to communication and prevention.
• Humanitarian field experience is required. Red Cross or Red Crescent experience is an asset.
• Experience in managing large teams required, with a confirmed capacity to train and mentor.

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.
• Candidates must possess a driving licence (for manual transmission vehicles).

What we offer

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment with attractive salary and social benefits.
• Institutional onboarding program and opportunities for further in-house training.
• Opportunity to join an ICRC talent pool and be considered for future assignments elsewhere.

Additional information

• Type of role: Fixed-term contract
• Working rate: 100%
• Location: Field Based position based on our need in one of our international delegations.
• Length of assignment: 12 months
• Application deadline: 16th February 2025

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to building an inclusive working environment. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates.

Our Values

• At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this .