ICRC MOVEMENT COMMUNICATION ADVISER – NEAR AND MIDDLE EAST (NAME)

Who we are

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is a global humanitarian network of 80 million people that helps those facing disaster, conflict and health and social problems. It consists of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. To find out more about ICRC mission and its activities visit www.icrc.org

Purpose

The ICRC works closely with the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federations to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence.

The Beirut-based Movement Communication Coordinator is the ICRC resource person for the coordination and implementation of the Movement-wide communication strategy for Near and Middle East (NAME), specializing in Syria, Iraq, Israel and the Occupied Territories, Yemen, Libya (other major crises which may develop) as well as to help improve Movement communication initiatives more generally in the region.

Our team works on the regional scope within North Africa and the Middle East. You will strategically contribute to delivering communication objectives at country and regional levels.

Main responsibilities

As part of the Strategic Communication team, but working closely with both the Movement division and Public Communication, the Advisor plays a key role in coordinating, facilitating and leading Movement Communication between the ICRC and Movement partners in the Near and Middle East region. Based in Beirut, with important proximity to the IFRC NAME Regional Office and regional representatives of Partner National Societies (PNS), the Advisor takes the lead on communication relating to Movement-wide campaigns and public-facing events with NAME Movement dimensions.

Other main duties:

• Improves opportunities to present the Movement to different audiences focusing on Syria and Yemen, including the communication with the One Movement voice. Coordinates with any National Societies, including PNS wishing to collaborate in the NAME context.
• Monitors and addresses issues relating to reputational risks and supports Movement members in managing their reputation by countering and responding to negative and/or inaccurate reporting proactively and reactively.
• Advises and supports delegations in Movement communications (joint communication; National Society capacity building, particularly the communication aspects of the Safer Access Framework; training sessions).
• Supports country or regional delegations (Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Yemen, Iran, Libya and Egypt if necessary) in planned and reactive communications activities, to ensure more coordinated and impactful public communications.
• Acts as the regional focal point for PNS in communications related to Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya and other priority contexts. Serves as the first and main point of contact for PNS for public communications queries or mission requests in NAME delegations.
• Manages information flows in direct collaboration with the Regional NAME Public Relations Officer (PRO). This includes working with PNS present in Lebanon and liaising with the Federation’s NAME region communications representatives.
• Supports the Regional NAME PRO to position the ICRC and the Movement with international and regional media, regarding Movement communication.

Relationships

Internally, builds relationships with the Communications colleagues at the field and HQ levels. Directly coordinates with the ICRC Communication Beirut team and the Regional Cairo Production Centre (RCC). Liaises closely with the Regional Communications Adviser based in Amman, notably regarding Movement Com capacity strengthening and training.

Externally, interacts with National Society Communication Officers and other Movement partners (IFRC and PNS), as well as with other organizations especially in the field of community engagement.

Certifications / Education required

• University degree or equivalent (preferably Master’s level) in a relevant field such as communications, political science, international relations or journalism.
• Fluent spoken and written English. Arabic and French are an asset.
• Digital literacy (proficiency in MS Office and other software); very good familiarity with online and social media communication tools as well as feedback mechanisms.

Professional Experience required

• At least 4 years’ field experience working in communications focusing on public communication and/or crisis communication.
• Experience in handling communications issues in complex and delicate situations with multiple coordination layers.
• Experience in building relationships with Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners.
• Experience in terms of Red Cross Red Crescent Movement coordination.
• Confirmed capacity to represent the ICRC.

Reports to (role)

Deputy Regional Director of Movement Affairs / Head of Movement and Operational Communication.

Additional information

• Starting date: 06/12/2021
• Location: Beirut (BEY)
• Job level: C1
• Length of assignment: 24 months
• Type of position: Mobile
• Application deadline: 31/08/2021

Our operational & field constraints

• In line with the principle of neutrality, the ICRC does not assign personnel to a country of which they are nationals
• Candidates must be in good health and will have to do a medical check-up prior to departure in the field
• Candidates must possess a driving license (for manual transmission vehicles)
• Candidates must be prepared to accept unaccompanied postings (i.e. no spouse, partner, children or dependents) for at least the first 24 months

What we offer

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment with attractive salary and social benefits
• Institutional onboarding programme and other opportunities for further in-house training
• Opportunity to join an ICRC talent pool and be considered for future assignments elsewhere
• One return trip to the employee’s contractual domicile accompanied by family members
• Maternity and adoption leave of four months and paternity leave of ten days