ICRC, Thematic Public Relations Officer

CIM_COM_PR - Resident Position - 100% - Geneva

Purpose of the post

The overall aim of the Public Relations unit is to maximize the acceptance of the ICRC's mission and activities and to strengthen its reputation as a recognized authority on IHL and humanitarian action. The unit helps build trust and secure support for the ICRC among a broad range of stakeholders through public communication. It coordinates the ICRC's relations with media outlets with an international reach.
The post holder works closely with HQ fundraising units, conducting media outreach and providing communication support to further the organization's fundraising strategy. S/he leads and oversees the ICRC's Swiss media outreach (particularly on the German-speaking side), and provides ad hoc media management support to senior leaders. S/he also supports in the management of various media enquiries and in positioning the organization on thematic issues.

Main duties and responsibilities

Based in Geneva, the Thematic Public Relations Officer reports to the Head of PR. S/he:

Leads the development and implementation of communication strategies and plans of action in support of both government and private donor fundraising objectives.
Manages the public communications aspects of senior leader visits to global capitals for fundraising purposes, working closely with host delegations and national societies to organise media engagement. Provides other communication support to senior leaders as required, including setting up media opportunities.
Coordinates the ICRC's media promotion of its fundraising appeals. Conducts targeted media outreach to outlets of relevance for fundraising audiences, pitching and promoting story ideas, personalities and themes to cover.
Drives Swiss media outreach, particularly in the Swiss-German speaking areas, but also in Geneva, enhancing contacts and coverage through proactive networking and pitching.
Manages media promotion for innovation/private sector events such as Global Partnerships for Humanitarian Impact and Innovation.
Works with the Innovation team to promote ICRC's work related to innovative humanitarian action with the media, with a view to reaching new audiences.
Acts as a reference spokesperson during duty weekends; supports other PR staff members in moments of media pressure and as required, handling enquiries, taking interviews etc.
Works in close collaboration with REX/PRIV colleagues and closely with other communication colleagues in terms of monitoring and evaluation impact, and generating ideas and content for thematic campaigns.

Education and experience required

Ÿ University degree in a communications or related field.
Ÿ Prior experience of fundraising environment, or COMs support to fundraising.
Ÿ Good knowledge of issues related to humanitarian action.
Ÿ Extensive track record in communications either in the profit or non-profit sector.
Ÿ Track record of successful public relations management.
Ÿ Knowledge of Swiss media landscape and contacts.
Ÿ Experience with the ICRC and/or RC/RC Movement an asset.

Desired profile and skills

Confirmed experience in developing and implementing communication strategies.
Ÿ Great all-round communicator, with sound media relations skills and a good understanding of digital.
Ÿ Able to produce clean and informative prose in a variety of styles for different audiences. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ÿ High degree of organization, strong priority-setting skills and ability to work on tight deadlines.
Ÿ Able to master complex topics quickly and translate them into simple language and powerful messages.
Ÿ Proven capacity to work in a team.
Ÿ High degree of creativity. Able to work autonomously and independently.
Ÿ Able to build constructive relationships with a range of stakeholders.
Ÿ A good sense of diplomacy and sound negotiation skills
Ÿ Excellent interpersonal skills and a good sense of humour.
Ÿ English and German (required), French a distinct advantage.
Application documents required: Motivation letter and CV

Interested persons fulfilling the above criteria should send their applications (letter of motivation and CV/resume) to the following address: application_hq@icrc.org by Tuesday, 31 January 2017.

In the subject line of your email, please put: ''CIM_COM_PR – Thematic Public Relations Officer - Application".

Only applications sent to this email address will be considered. If you do not receive a reply within one month, then please assume that your application has not been shortlisted.
https://www.icrc.org/en/who-we-are/jobs/opportunity/thematic-public-relations-officer