Senior Officer, Communications, Design, and Multimedia

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies (NSs). The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by NSs with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.”  IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into four main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Coordination, (ii) Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization, (iii) People and Strategy, and (iv) Legal, Governance Support and Accountability.

IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas.  IFRC also has country cluster delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. 

The Communications Department is part of the Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization Division. There are four teams in the Department, including the Marketing and Advocacy Unit. The Senior Officer reports to the Manager of the Unit and oversees design work.

The Senior Officer coordinates IFRC’s design production and procurement system including digital and printed materials to create innovative products across multiple IFRC platforms.

Lead on development and implementation of IFRC’s brand guidelines

• Develop, implement and manage a design and production system to produce compelling digital and printed products across multiple platforms in line with IFRC communications priorities.
• Advise IFRC and National Societies staff on IFRC’s brand guidelines

• Oversee procurement system and coordinate external suppliers, related financial resources and assess budgeting accordingly.

Design communications and advocacy content and campaigns

• Lead the design, development and prodcution of creative visual solutions and content - across multiple channels including web, events and social media - for IFRC thematic campaigns such as Health, Climate, Migration, and Emergency Response.
• Develop bold design solutions for IFRC publications including reports and pledging conferences materials.
• Produce impactful short A/V reels and still images for online use in coordination with the Social Media team.

Strengthen global communications approach

• Work with regional offices in implementing IFRC’s global visual guidelines to create compelling and cost-effective assets supporting IFRC communications priorities.
• Develop templates and guidance that respond to diverse IFRC’s needs, supporting a coherent professional brand,
• Develop templates and guidance to support a coherent visual identity for National Societies.
• Manage logo licensing and monitor branding use and misuse as appropriate.

Respond to communications opportunities and risks

•  Scan A/V trends and propose relevant design ideas accordingly.
• Respond to humanitarian emergencies through the rapid development of creative A/V assets for different platforms (web, social, email).
• Propose innovative solutions for IFRC packaging.

Contribute to an effective and high performing IFRC team

• Be flexible in your work definition according to needs and priorities and improve team efficiencies and effectiveness within available resources.
• Be a pro-active team member by anticipating needs and fostering a workplace culture that models proactivity, continuous improvement, innovation, high performance and value for money.
• Foster a co-creative environment with colleagues in Geneva, regions and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and an open and cooperative relationship with external actors.
• Be prepared to ensure business continuity over irregular hours where needed.

Required 

• Degree in design, communications, production or related field

Required

• Minimum 7 years of experience in the design and production field at an international level (with experience producing compelling design across print, photo, social, web and video)

Preferred

• 5 years of experience in an international organization or creative agency

Knowledge and Skills

Required

• Solid knowledge in typography and a range of design and A/V production software.
• Working knowledge of multimedia design.
• Working knowledge of mobile design and social media marketing.
• Commitment to constant upskilling in order to keep pace with technology innovations and developments.
• Excellent knowledge of DTP, reprographic and print processes.
• Creative thinking includes the ability to propose innovative design solutions to respond to communications challenges.
• Demonstrated project management and planning skills.
• Ability to work as a productive and positive member of a small, creative team.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred

• Good understanding of HTML, CSS, javascript, and web design standards.

Languages

Required

• Fluently spoken and written English

Preferred

• Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic)

Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability
Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust