Do not be left out ! ICRC is hiring a Head of Communications for 2024

Application deadline: 17 March 2024

Duty Station : Geneva , Switzerland

Background About ICRC

The International Committee of the Red Cross is a humanitarian organization based in Geneva, Switzerland, and is a three-time Nobel Prize Laureate. The organization has played an instrumental role in the development of rules of war and promoting humanitarian norms. 10 Job opportunities are on offer at ICRC . Apply today before the deadlines.

Brief Information , context and purpose of the Position

The Head of the Communication Division ensures strategic and organizational alignment in external and internal communications.

They support the Director of Mobilization, Movement and Partnerships (MMP) in setting the communication vision and direction for the ICRC, in line with the institutional strategy. They are accountable for the design and execution of the communication strategy. By leading ICRC’s global and regional communication teams and guaranteeing effective collaboration across métiers, they ensure that communication is used strategically in ICRC’s everyday response at all levels, to build trust in the organization, facilitate its action, and mobilize political, diplomatic, and financial support. They manage public exposure and leverage the global information environment in the pursuit of organizational ambitions.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Leads the implementation of a wide range of multi-faceted communication strategies aimed at enabling ICRC’s operations, influencing better respect for International Humanitarian Law (IHL), and mobilizing support for the ICRC and its Movement partners. 
• Ensures a clear and consistent voice is built and amplified across public channels to strengthen awareness of ICRC’s distinct identity and mandate. 
• Steers impactful global and regional public engagement and other communication strategies that foster strong recognition of ICRC’s role, principles, and mandate, and position the organization as a thought leader and reference organization on IHL and humanitarian action in situations of armed conflict and violence. 
• Ensures the development and implementation of influence strategies that support and complement ICRC’s diplomatic, policy, and protection dialogue. 
• Ensures effective and timely communication response (external and internal) to major operational and reputational crises, including if/when triggered by misinformation, disinformation, and other forms of harmful speech. 
• Steers strategic engagement with the media to ensure accurate reporting on ICRC’s activities, mandate, principles, and approach, as well as to advance ICRC’s thought leadership and influence key debates. 
• In coordination with the Head of Resource Mobilization, steers the implementation of ICRC’s fundraising communications vision, aiming at driving audiences and supporters to think of the ICRC as their partner of choice; ensures the delivery of effective fundraising communications in key emergencies. 
• In coordination with the Head of Movement Cooperation, guides a strategic dialogue with Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement partners on matters related to communication policies, strategies, and campaigns at global and regional levels, and in situations of major operational and reputational crises. 
• Enables internal communication and staff engagement on institutional priorities, developments, and main transformation workstreams, in support of and coordination with relevant departments. 
• Makes sure that communication policies and strategies provide the necessary guidance and direction to communications teams and across the organization; ensures that staff can act as disciplined ICRC ambassadors, amplifying external messaging and upholding ICRC’s core values and principles coherently.

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• Guides the development of in-house capacities, working environment, and mindsets needed to deliver on ICRC’s communication ambitions – through career planning and learning and development of the communication network worldwide, and enhanced strategic communication knowledge and capacities of senior leaders and operational managers.
• Develops the vision and future orientations of the communication expertise, function, and set-up, in coordination with relevant métiers within MMP and beyond.
• Leads and oversees the day-to-day running of the Communication Division at headquarters and teams across regional and global hubs.
• Organizes and supervises the Division’s annual planning cycle at headquarters and in regional and global hubs, including objective setting and budget management; is accountable for the Division’s reporting on and analysis/evaluation of communication activities.
• Supports the Director to ensure synergies and alignment within MMP teams and managers, effective collaboration with other departments, and smooth interaction with the Governance.

Relationships

Internally, regularly interacts with the Directorate and senior managers at headquarters (Heads of Divisions, Regional Directors) and in delegations (Heads of Delegations); interacts with the President, Vice-President, and Assembly members when needed; second the Director of Mobilization, Movement, and Partnerships when needed.

Externally, interacts with a wide range of stakeholders and audiences including senior leaders within the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, other humanitarian organizations, and the media industry.

Education and experience required

Only applicants with below qualities will be retained in the selection process:

• Substantial experience leading a communication function within the ICRC, The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement or within the Humanitarian sector.  
• Master’s degree or advanced academic education in communication, public relations, or relevant field.
• Excellent spoken and written English and French. Additional languages will be strong assets.

Desired profile and skills

• 15+ years of demonstrated experience in strategic communications for large and global organizations (including in leadership positions).
• Experience and track record in developing, delivering, and measuring communications strategies and plans.
• Strong understanding of ICRC operational challenges, institutional policies and organizational processes.
• Solid understanding of the humanitarian sector and Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement.
• Proven collaborative leadership skills and confirmed experience in managing large and global teams.
• Highly developed communication, influence, and negotiation skills.
• Significant international experience and multicultural exposure.
• Ability to work under very tight deadlines and high internal and external pressure.
• Professional or academic training in leadership and management.

Additional information

• Location: Geneva
• Type of contract: Open-ended (6 years)
• Grade: D2
• Activity rate:100%
• Estimated start date: 1 June 2024
• Application deadline: 17 March 2024

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

How to apply

Ready to apply?

You will need to upload your resume and a cover letter as well as copies of your diplomas and certifications, valid license to practice, passport and driving license.