Applications are invited for qualified candidates for the position of Communications Officer at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
- Duty Station: Abuja
- Country: NIGERIA
- Duration: 6 Months
- Category of Staff: National Staff
- Vacancy No: IFRC04042
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with 192 member National Societies. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, their work is guided by seven fundamental principles; humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.
Job Purpose
Reporting to the Health and Care Delegate, the Communication Officer will:
– Be responsible for supporting West Coast Cluster National Societies to enhance their visibility and empower them to amplify the voice of the most vulnerable to influence policy and resource allocation
– The role will also support National Societies to develop deeper, more diverse and innovative strategic partnerships which could lead to multiyear thematic funding
– Be in charge of developing regular and quality communication materials related to the Nigeria operation
– Support the National Society and the IFRC in communicating during emergencies
– The position holder will report technically to the Communications Manager, Africa Region based in NairobiJob Duties and Responsibilities
The Communication Officer is responsible for:
Develop, coordinate and implement communication plans for West Coast Cluster Office that support programmatic and policy priorities and aligns with regional communications priorities and initiatives:
- For each emergency operation or advocacy opportunity, develop a brief but clear communication plan highlighting the communication objectives, the audiences, tools and deliverabales, among other items.
- Evaluate the success rate of every communication plan through media monitoring and social media analytics.
Strengthen the network of National Societies’ communications focal points in the cluster:
- Conduct a mapping of qualifications and competencies in communication in the sub-region
- Recommend and implement strategic interventions to address the identified needs and challenges
- Update the database of communications focal points and ensure a continuous engagement through online platforms, telephone and where possible through face to face meetings
Write stories profiling the achievements of National Societies, with a focus on the impact on individual lives:
- Increase the frequency of stories published on the organizational social media and other online platforms
- Improve the quality of storytelling: focussing on people-centered stories
- Use evidence-based approach to showcase the impact of the work on National Societies and IFRC
Support emergency communication and work on the implementation of the emergency communication rapid deployment mechanism:
- In collaboration with the regional and global teams, identify and propose proactive and timely media opportunities, aimed positioning IFRC as a leading humanitarian actor.
- Establish quick contact with the National Societies affected by disasters, in order to ensure speedy communications, online and in the media, with the ultimate goal of being ahead of other humanitarian organizations. Write stories and interviews during emergencies and provide basic audio-visual material
- Draft communication packs with key material (facts and figures, key messages, press releases etc)
- Liaise with Africa regional DREF officer(s) and regional communications manager to identify DREFs to provide visibility to; follow up with affected National Society for visibility materials
Media monitoring:
- Monitor news and provide a news digest on a daily basis
- Identify any issues that affect the organization’s reputation
- Maintain and update the media directory
- Stay in touch with a relevant regional media house
- Pitch stories and secure interviews from key media outlets
- Maintain a database of photographers
Operate as a member of IFRC’s Regional Communications Team to advance corporate communications priorities and support a coordinated corporate approach to communications.
- Join regular regional communication editorial meetings, in order to discuss potential stories in the cluster, which have an international appeal.
Join online collaboration and editorial platforms for exchange about topics related to communications, as well as for information and content sharing.Education
- Relevant University degree in journalism, communications, marketing or international policies
Experience
- Minimum of three years’ experience in communications, advocacy and/or media relations, or journalism. Minimum three years’ experience working in the international humanitarian or development sector or a related field in a developing country
- Proficiency in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, outlook, windows. etc)
- Proficiency in the usage of video editing and photo editing softwares
- Experience in managing communications issues in complex and delicate situations
- Experience in building media contacts, good presentation skills
- Experience in emergency response and federation systems
- RC/RC experience
Knowledge, skills and languages
- Self-supporting in computers
- Knowledge of social media and related trends
- Knowledge of humanitarian affairs
- Ability to negotiate with varying partners
- Ability to multi task and work under pressure
- Good analytical skills
- Good knowledge of the operational context and area
- Flexibility and ability to travel in the operation’s areas
Competencies and values
- High degree of integrity, discretion, and personal conduct
- Flexible and adaptable to changing working conditions
- Self-motivated, with good judgment and initiative
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Good interpersonal skills
- Sensitivity to diversity
- Good level of attention to detail
- Pleasant personality
How to Apply
Application Deadline: 9th June 2020
