Communication Manager 1 – International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an impartial, neutral, and independent organization with the exclusively humanitarian mission to protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal violence and to provide them with assistance. It also endeavors to prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening International Humanitarian Law and universal humanitarian principles. The ICRC’s Regional Delegation in Nairobi co-ordinates the institution’s humanitarian activities in Kenya, Tanzania, and Djibouti.

Overall Responsibility

Communication Manager 1 is the focal point for all public communication activities in the delegation, in coordination with the management and the Communication/Prevention Coordinator. They lead in defining the delegation’s messages and content-generation planning in order to enhance and manage the delegation’s profile in the media and through public channels. The incumbent advises the delegation on public communication issues, opportunities and challenges and contributes to implementing the public engagement and digital strategies. In addition, they develop the delegation’s strategy on proximity communication. By engaging key stakeholders, the position holder help facilitate access to people in need and increase security for ICRC operations.

Tasks and responsibilities

PUBLIC COMMUNICATION

• Develops and implements the delegation’s public communication plan in coordination with the Communication/Prevention (COM/PREV) Coordinator and ensures it is implemented in the missions and other field structures.
• Contributes to the sections on public communication objectives in the ICRC’s annual planning, monitoring and reporting documents.
• Develops strategies for promoting ICRC’s activities to the media and maintains regular contacts with relevant stakeholders.
• Develops innovative ways of communicating.
• Organizes and manages media events, training and field trips when required
• Drafts news releases and updates press lines in coordination with the COM/PREV Coordinator and the Regional Spokesperson.
• Develops and contributes to communication campaigns and tools to raise awareness about humanitarian issues
• Regularly reviews the effectiveness and impact of ICRC public communication activities, working closely with the COM/PREV Coordinator.
• Oversees the production of the delegation’s public communication materials.
• Develops and contributes to the organization of different public events (press conferences, campaigns, expositions etc.)
• Provides coaching and guidance on public communication to staff in other departments and in the Missions.
• Coordinates the local production of ICRC publications and promotional items, through collecting content (text, images), inputs and specifications form different departments, working closely on the layout and design with the Nairobi Regional Communication Centre (RCC), and managing any local external service providers with the Logistics Department (printers etc.)

OPERATIONAL COMMUNICATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY TO AFFECTED POPULATION

• Contributes to defining communication and, where relevant, prevention objectives, strategies and plans of action for the geographic area or program covered, in line with the field sub structures priorities and/ or the delegation’s communications/ prevention strategy.
• With minimum supervision, implements relevant activities and develops tools for Operational Communication and Community engagement.
• Working closely with other Communication officers, designs programs to build the capacity of National Society communication teams and supports them in their planning and budgeting process.
• Assesses the impact of Operational Communication activities by monitoring the acceptance and perception of the ICRC amongst selected leaders and organizations that are key to facilitating ICRC’s aims and action.

INFORMATION ANALYSIS

• Identifies and monitors a variety of public sources relevant for the ICRC on issues related to Delegation operational objectives and the ICRC institutional goals and reputation.
• Alerts management at an early stage on issues and risks that can potentially impact ICRC operations, security and/or reputation.
• Adds value to the information by connecting the dots between events, linking the information with the wider political, economic and social situation, bridging it with internal knowledge.
• Analyses public sources and perceptions in the field to detect reputation issues concerning the ICRC and the International Red Cross/ Red Crescent Movement and provides written reports to the COM/PREV Coordinator.
• Reports efficiently and succinctly on the selected information by providing contextualized information analysis with actionable recommendations.
• Responsible for the development of the Misinformation, Disinformation and Hate Speech file in the delegation, liaising with relevant Departments as well as the Regional Communication Centre and Trend, reputation, analysis and knowledge.
• Responds to ad hoc thematic requests with in-depth research on specialized sources and tailor-made reports.
• Formulates recommendations based on solid insights and analysis, to mitigate risks and seize opportunities regarding media and digital relations.

Minimum Requirements and competencies

• University degree or postgraduate studies in communication, information science, international relations or equivalent field.
• Minimum 5-6 years professional experience in a similar field.
• Experience in an international organization or NGO is an asset.
• Confirmed experience in project management, including strategic planning and budget management.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English and Kiswahili (Knowledge of French is an asset),
• Advanced computer skills (Word, Excel, Power Point), with experience in ERPs.
• Precise, rigorous with high sense of confidentiality and integrity.
• Able to work efficiently under pressure with minimum supervision.
• Independent with sense of responsibility and initiative.
• Strong team leadership skills and supervision experience.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• High organizational and analytical skills.