ICRC is hiring a Public Relations Officer.
Deputy Head of Delegation / Head of Public Relations
Job description
Public Relations Officer in Africa leads in devising and implementing proactive media outreach strategies for the ICRC’s humanitarian operations in the region and thematic issues, with a particular focus on francophone settings and media. S/he coordinates messages and drives media plans in order to enhance and manage the ICRC´s public profile. S/he contributes to implementing its public engagement and digital strategies.
Your Accountabilities & Functional responsibilities at ICRC
Acts as a spokesperson, providing information on the ICRC’s activities and humanitarian concerns.
S/he is the main francophone spokesperson for the region.
Works with other communication staff based in Dakar to map, prioritize and build media contacts.
Supports the key delegations when necessary, including through country visits.
Drafts speaking points, news releases, defensive lines and other products for traditional media, and contributes to digital content.
Supports (or leads) the global media management of crises, working with the operational region and digital communication team at headquarters and regional communication staff and global reach delegations in the field.
Provides (or organizes) interviews, quotes and briefings for journalists on operations and issues of concern, ensuring that the ICRC´s public position is known and understood.
Pitches story ideas, content and interviews, and engages with key media to develop longer-term content partnerships (either directly or with global reach delegations).
Works with the digital communication team at headquarters and regional communication centres to develop media/digital campaigns around key thematic issues and contexts.
Sets up and manages communication opportunities for senior ICRC leaders to profile operations (e.g. during field visits to operational delegations).
Ensures smooth coordination of public communication issues with all International Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement components, especially during crises and joint Movement response.
People management responsibilities : No
Certifications / Education required
University degree in a relevant discipline such as political science, international relations, journalism, communication management or public relations.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in French. Very good working knowledge of English.
Languages spoken in Africa as well as Arabic,
German, Russian and/or Spanish an asset.
Computer skills (competence in MS Office and other software); familiarity with digital communication tools.
Professional Experience required
Minimum 8 years’ work experience in media relations and content generation (inside or outside the ICRC), at least 2 years in Africa.
ICRC experience an asset.
Excellent public communication skills and sound knowledge of the media environment in French-speaking Africa.
Proven capacity to work in a stressful environment and to tight deadlines.
