International Disaster Response (IDR) Roster – Communications Roster Candidate

This position supports the National Headquarters (NHQ) International Services Department (ISD) Operations International Disaster Response (OPS-IDR) unit.

The Communications Roster member’s role is to support the development and execution of systems and strategies for emergency communications and capacity development for communications, for sharing and exchanging communications, assets, ideas, learning, skills expertise and resources across the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) global network.

For information regarding International Disaster Response Roster, including application steps and timeline, please click this link: American Red Cross IDR Roster.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting with the gathering and dissemination of accurate and timely information on the situation to IFRC communications team and National Societies, as well as sharing communications materials for wider distribution and use among the Red Cross Red Crescent communications network
• Working with the IFRC global communications team and the host National Society, continuous monitoring of local media and social media channels to stay abreast of critical trends and developments
• Supporting media relations activities by pitching story ideas about Red Cross and Red Crescent operations, arranging media events and requests – including visits to field operations, fielding international media interviews when required, identifying spokespeople in country and sharing their information with media, and ensuring the availability of well briefed spokespeople
• Support with the gathering and development of communications materials for media and external audiences, and supporting officials (National Society and IFRC) in their media engagements
• Supporting with social media engagement by gathering and sharing compelling content for IFRC and National Society channels, tracking trends and rumors, developing social media content and guidance to support IFRC and National Society staff in country
• Supporting host National Society in implementing communications strategies that are targeted and relevant on multiple channels
• Providing communications input and support for major milestones throughout the operation using diverse people centered content
• For the full description of this role by IFRC, click here.

Qualifications

Required:

• Degree in journalism, communications, marketing or international politics
• Minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience in communications or media relations project management or coordination in the humanitarian/development sector
• Proven experience in working directly with refugees and other vulnerable people
• Experience working on international teams with a high level of cultural competency
• Ability to independently deliver a range of compelling communications content from the field including news stories, social media content and AV materials.
• Experience in managing communications issues in complex and delicate situations
• Experience in building and maintaining media relations and contacts
• Experience working effectively with diverse groups
• Strong spoken and written English including proven experience in drafting compelling communications content for a variety of communications channels
• Proficient in design software including Adobe and Canva
• Demonstrated understanding and use of social media for communications and advocacy purposes
• Ability to negotiate with varying partners
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure
• Able to engage in dialogue and listen to other people’s points of view
• Able to find creative solutions to problems
• Skills in using and monitoring social media and digital channels in emergency/sensitive contexts
• Strong experience in coordination and project management
• Motivation and strong commitment to the Red Cross Red Crescent’s Fundamental Principles.
• Knowledge of humanitarian affairs
• Comfort with ambiguity
• Current and valid passport
• Submission of resume
• Submission of 2 work samples
• Willingness to comply with current public health and Red Cross policies.

Preferred:

• Experience in emergency (disaster or crises) contexts or remote coordination of communications support to emergency operations
• Knowledge in emergency communications training, skills development and transfer/ sharing
• Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic)
• At least two years of experience in communications, campaigns, social media
• Experience in multimedia design and website management
• Experience working in an international humanitarian, international development or related field
• Demonstrated understanding and use of social media for communications and advocacy purposes
• Analytical skills

Time Commitment

• IDR Roster Members must be able to commit to deploy at a minimum eight (8) consecutive weeks out of the calendar year.
• In addition to deployment availability, must be available to attend Learning & Development activities either in person or virtual, especially during initial months of becoming an IDR Roster member.
• Engagement opportunities for candidates (ex. training/skills development) will vary by individual.