Communications Advisor (Safer Access Framework, SAF) At Finnish Red Cross

Finnish Red Cross in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross is seeking a Communications Advisor (Safer Access Framework, SAF). The position will be for one year with the possibility to extend, placed in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, with frequent travelling in the region. Starting as soon as possible

Purpose

The Communications Advisor position is a joint effort of the Finnish Red Cross (FRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to facilitate strengthened support in Operational Communications (OpComs) to National Societies operating in sensitive and insecure environments such as protracted crisis and conflicts. The support will be implemented in contexts where there is a need of additional Red Cross Red Crescent Movement resources to develop OpComs and where FRC’s and ICRC’s complementary expertise and mandate can have added value in strengthening the capacity of the National Societies’ staff and volunteer networks to carry out their dissemination work and achieve greater access to and impact for affected people. These efforts follow ICRC operational planning priorities in the targeted countries/contexts for 2023 and are consistent with FRC’s commitment to strengthening the capacities in National Societies to operate in complex and insecure humanitarian settings.

Main Responsibilities

• To lead, in coordination with ICRC Regional Cooperation Coordinator and Regional Communications Coordinator, the roll-out of ICRC’s Operational Communications strengthening support to selected National Societies in West Africa, with a focus on crisis communications (internal and external) and social media management.
• To support and facilitate the National Societies in conducting capacity and needs assessments in Operational Communications, and based on the analysis of the identified needs and priorities, guide the development of an Operational Communications strengthening plan. Ensure this work is aligned to the possibly already existing SAF plans and activities of the National Societies.
• To establish coordination and cooperation mechanisms with the IFRC NSD and communications experts to ensure that the cooperation on communication follows the IFRC priorities and guidelines, specifically the IFRC NS communication capacity building initiative 2020-2021.
• To provide technical support and advice to the National Societies’ leadership and relevant staff in the implementation of the Operational Communications strengthening plan; including developing adequate monitoring and quality control practices, and development and application of contextualized tools.
• To provide on-the-job coaching and training to communication teams of the National Societies in the areas relevant to the Operational Communications strengthening plan.
• To coordinate/liaise with ICRC counterparts, FRC, and other Movement Partners on the mobilisation of additional resources required to support the implementation of the Operational Communications strengthening plan.
• To support coordination with IFRC and other Movement Partners in order to promote coherence in wider communications development support to the National Societies.
• In close coordination with the Communication Counterparts, to contribute actively to the in-country and regional Movement coordination and cooperation within the area of Operational Communications.

Required qualifications and desired skills

Education

• Professional qualifications in Communications, Journalism or similar field
• University Degree in Communications, Journalism or similar field

Experience

• Experience in Communications related capacity building in international context (preferably Red Cross/Red Crescent)
• Profound understanding of strategic communications, the Red Cross/Red Crescent Principles
• At least 5 years of professional experience in Communications (communications specialist, journalism etc.)
• Working experience with Finnish Red Cross/Federation/ICRC

Skills and knowledge

• Knowledge of the Movement and more specifically the ICRC work and structures, especially in the field of communications
• Excellent communication skills
• Project management skills and capacity to plan and facilitate communication trainings and to develop tools, materials and methods.
• Proven skills in financial and narrative reporting o Skills in training and developing staff
• Self-supporting in computers

Languages

• Fluent in written and spoken French and English

Competencies

• National Society relations
• Teamwork
• Results focused and accountability
• Communication
• Professional standards
• Managerial effectiveness

What we offer you

You will be a part of the world’s largest humanitarian organization and multicultural professional team, reaching the most vulnerable people in their local community. We offer you a chance to learn and grow as a professional with some of the best experts on the field.

We offer you a compensation package according to Finnish Red Cross terms of employment for international delegates. Compensation package includes salary based on your job description, accommodation, insurance package, travel and per diems. You will benefit from a comprehensive training package and receive briefings and debriefings prior as well as during and after your mission. Medical check-ups and psychosocial support are included in your assignment.