Communications advisor and spokesperson

Communications advisor and spokesperson

18 months full time position
(only US citizens or Green card holders may apply)

Job purpose

• To increase awareness of and support for the International Committee of the Red Cross's (ICRC) goals in terms of policy, operations, and public positioning towards the United Nations (UN) (Permanent Missions, Secretariat,) and in relation to this with other key stakeholders through outreach to UN accredited media and other influential traditional / social media.
• The focus of the position relates to the communication objectives of ICRC/NYC as Observer Mission to the United Nations; however the position is also intended to engage New York-based stakeholders to support communication objectives for the US -including ICRC global communication objectives beyond the UN- of the ICRC Washington delegation. The share of these support tasks beyond the UN is estimated at 20% of the position and are closely coordinated with ICRC Washington.
• To develop and implement a communication strategy in support of the NYC's delegation policy priorities and diplomatic work and of institutional public-facing campaigns thereby improving ICRC visibility on key topics.
• He/she acts as Spokesperson for the ICRC/NYC delegation.

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Develop and implement existing communication strategy for improving awareness of ICRC's operations and positions with key media covering the UN, civil society, UN Permanent Missions and other external stakeholders in NYC, using a full range of communications tools and techniques.
• Develop networking and relationship management strategy: Networking with UN Correspondents and other key stakeholders in order to position and shape ICRC on key thematic. Include – blogs, social media activists, policy media, specialized media, diplomatic publications, UN internal media, etc. In coordination with the ICRC's regional delegation for the US and Canada. Pitch content, interviews, major campaigns, etc. In support of ICRC Washington, liaise with non-UN media, while broadening and diversifying the ICRC's network of journalistic contacts in NYC. Network with key NYC-based journalists writing on humanitarian issues.
• Devise and deliver a program of well-profiled events (in collaboration with file-holders) that highlight humanitarian policy challenges. The post holder guides programming, delivers selected events and directs the communications output from each event.
• Internal Coordination to establish plans of action and outreach activities: Specifically with HQ in Geneva, ICRC Washington and other delegations as well as the Federation NYC (if relevant). Create a stronger link between policy and operations through networking with communicators in operational delegations. Close collaboration with HQ in Geneva to provide speaking points and other expert-level support to facilitate ICRC representation in NY.
• Position and Shape public diplomatic policy agenda by: (1) Help prepare and organize media around VIP visits (2) Drafting and writing pieces for external blogs, policy think tanks, and editorials in newspapers. (3) Increased push to place ICRC Delegation staff and visitors into Panels. (4) Facilitate or provide interviews to traditional and non-traditional media outlets (5) Seek ways that the Delegation can promote ICRC policy objectives in NYC through events and or other policy forums (6) Representation by conducting general/thematic disseminations for external audiences
• Drafting of public content material for the Delegation such as: Supervision of press releases and interviews following major events, contributions to the ICRC Law and Policy Blog and Intercross, the blog of the Regional Delegation for the US and Canada.
• Environmental Scanning and Analysis: Conduct regular analysis of the UN communication ecosystem, the whole UN environment and key influential people related to ICRC policy priorities (which includes the permanent missions, bloggers, observers, etc.) to help define an engagement strategy and to shape the internal debate. Help to set up an environmental scanning system that responds to the operational/strategic needs of the delegation and GVA. Set up a system to anticipate risks and seize opportunities for communication
• Targeted use of ICRC publications and communication items.
• Manage and develop the Twitter account of the delegation and increase digital footprint of ICRC NY

Internal support functions

• Support for Delegation event organization/ management
• Information management: (1) Consolidate, maintain & manage a list of common external contacts for ICRC NY that the Delegation can proactively use to manage as a coordinated communication tool. (2) Oversee the re-organization and good management of the delegation library.
• Relay of ICRC operational updates, key field activities and other relevant ICRC news to specific target audiences.
• Lead communication aspects for the Delegation's external events and key internal visits from ICRC President and other senior staff including organization of media briefing/interviews and planning of press conferences during important events

Required skills and experience

• Extensive and proven track record in a senior position in the communications operation of an (international) organization or non-profit; interest in humanitarian issues and diplomacy. (Knowledge of /familiarity with the RC/RC Movement an asset).
• Strong recent experience and in-depth knowledge of working with NYC media and policy institutions.
• Good awareness of international geopolitics, trends in modern conflict and the UN system.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and demonstrable analytical and research skills.
• College/University Degree at Master's level is desirable (Graduate level in Journalism/International Relations/Affairs, International Law, Political Affairs/Science or similar) or equivalent experience/training.
• Strong reporting skills (oral and written).
• Able to handle confidential and sensitive information, exercising discretion, maturity and good judgment.
• Exceptional organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work both autonomously, independently, as part of a team and under pressure.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Fluent in English. French an asset. (other UN official languages also an asset).

Desired beginning of assignment: Negotiable June/July 2017

Further information about this post may be obtained by contacting phspoerri@icrc.org 

Applications (resume and cover letter) should be submitted to darrummbrungs@icrc.org no later than 21 April 2017