Lead, Media Relations and Crisis Communications Team

Organizational Context

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 three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.

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 IFRC Communications Department is part of the Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization Division, which is composed of four teams: (i) Strategic Communications and Internal Engagement Unit; (ii) Digital Communications and Content Unit; (iii) Marketing and Advocacy Unit; and (iv) Media Relations and Crisis Communications Team. The Lead of the Media Relations and Crisis Communications Team reports directly to the Director of the Communications Department and collaborates with Managers and Leads across the global communications team, including in Geneva, at regional and
representative offices of the IFRC.

Job Purpose

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Director of the IFRC Communications Department, the Lead of the Media Relations and Crisis Communications Team will oversee a dynamic team dedicated to managing media relations and effectively communicating during crisis on behalf of IFRC. As a first contact for the media, the Team Lead will oversee fielding of all queries from the global press corps and serve as a spokesperson for the organization.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Media Relations:
• Serve as the first point of contact for media inquiries, including overseeing the management of the [email protected] email account.
• Develop and maintain strong relations with the international press corps in Geneva to enhance IFRC’s reputation and media presence.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of mailing lists and distribution of relevant public information materials to the journalists.
• Ensure regular participation in the biweekly press briefings at the United Nations Palais des Nations and oversee and arrange for media interviews.
• Oversee the organization of regular weekly Twitter Spaces to provide updates from across the IFRC network.
• Provide guidance to Red Cross and Red Crescent communicators around the world on best practices and media opportunities.

Media Strategy and Capacity Building:
• Develop and lead the implementation of a media strategy, in line with the global communications strategy to shape organization’s reputation and image.
• Develop media guidelines regarding workflows and approval processes, and templates for press releases and media advisories, FAQs, key messages, and reactive lines.
• Together with the team, develop and provide media training for IFRC leadership and senior management.

Crisis Communications:
• Develop crisis communication plans to effectively manage communications during emergencies.
• Lead crisis communications efforts during emergencies, develop proactive messaging to effectively address reputational risks, ensuring timely and accurate responses.
• Serve as the official spokesperson for the IFRC, representing the organization in media interactions.

Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)

Team Leadership and Coordination:
• Oversee the work of the Media Relations and Crisis Communications Team, ensuring effective coordination, collaboration and alignment with organizational goals and priorities.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to team members for professional growth and development.
• Foster teamwork and communication among staff in the team, and across the global communications team.
• Coordinate the production of press releases, media advisories, key messages and reactive lines in collaboration with regional teams, substantive experts, legal advisors, and senior leadership, as needed

Education

Required

• Advanced University degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field.

Experience

Required

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in media relations and outreach in an international environment, with at least 2 years in a managerial or leadership role.
• Experience in managing diverse teams.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis communications, including reputational risk
  management.
• Experience in the humanitarian sector

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Knowledge and Skills

Required

• Proven record of drafting and editing press releases, media advisories, developing key messages and reactive lines.
• Results oriented, demand driven and entrepreneurial individual.
• Outstanding networking, representational and communication skills, an ability to be proactive and persuasive.
• Ability to work in a multicultural, multilingual, and multidisciplinary environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• High degree of discretion, tact, and sensitivity in dealing with internal and external clients and stakeholders in politically and culturally sensitive issues.
• Proven good judgment and ability to work with complete integrity and confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to influence.

Languages

Required

• Fluent spoken and written English

Preferred

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

Competencies, Values and Comments

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.
Functional competencies: Strategic orientation; Building alliances; Leadership; Empowering others.
Managerial competencies: Managing staff performance, Managing staff development.