Senior Media Relations Manager at International Rescue Committee (IRC)

BACKGROUND

Over the past 80 years, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has developed unparalleled expertise in responding to emergencies and helping uprooted communities to rebuild. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster.

The IRC is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief, relocating refugees and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster. Through over 20 regional offices in cities across the United States, the IRC also helps refugees resettle in the US and become self-sufficient.

The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. The IRC is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable.

IRC in Europe

The International Rescue Committee in Europe supports the organization’s global activities, helps diversify the global donor base and advocates on behalf of the people it serves via-a-via European policy-makers. Led by an SVP based in Brussels, IRC in Europe consists of entities in Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK. IRC has expanded considerably in Europe over the last three years, both in response to the organization’s role as a thought leader on refugee issues in a global context, and its technical expertise in adaptive programs, economic programs, protection, education in emergencies, health and gender-based violence. Since 2015, IRC has also established a Resettlement, Asylum and Integration program across Europe, including Greece, Italy, Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina, which leads on program delivery and support in European countries.

The Purpose of the Role

This role works directly with the office of the Senior Vice President IRC Europe and IRC’s external relations team in Brussels and the Global Public Affairs & Communications team to plan and implement executive and policy communications for IRC in Europe, in line with strategic objectives of the IRC. The role will be responsible for establishing IRC’s communications presence in France and collaborate closely with other IRC Communication teams across Europe.

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Scope and Authority

Authority:

· The role has access to the SVP Europe budget.

· The role holder has authority to brief journalists with agreed IRC messaging, as well as proactively pursue media opportunities.

Key Working Relationships

Reports to the SVP of Europe and Senior Director Global Policy & Executive Communications

· Close collaboration with ED IRC Belgium

· Partners with key internal stakeholders including Global Policy & Advocacy, Awards Management Unit, and other teams globally

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

· Plan and implement executive communications for SVP Europe aligned to IRC strategic objectives and building and protecting IRC’s profile and reputation.

· Works directly with the IRC Brussels Communications Team;

o Supports and provides technical direction as agreed by ED of Belgium and Senior Director Global Policy & Executive Communications

o Aligns comms agenda setting, content and messaging between the Brussels and SVP Europe offices as is required and in agreement with the SVP of Europe, ED of Belgium and Senior Director Global Policy & Executive Communications

· Responsible for identifying and proactively delivering new opportunities to promote the IRC’s impact and influence in France

· Works in close collaboration with existing IRC Europe communications leads (UK, Germany, Sweden, Greece) on executive communications of the SVP Europe.

· Seek strategic media opportunities by writing, editing, commissioning and disseminating messaging for multi-channel use, press-releases, op-eds, statements and other content to secure coverage

· Manages executive communications social media with the SVP Europe

· Build relationships with key journalists and editors to help drive media coverage.

· Work closely with EU Digital Engagement colleagues to ensure coordinated and topical messaging across our media outreach and digital channels.

· Build expertise on current and potential issues in the humanitarian NGO arena via research and monitoring of national media and competitors and in liaison with global colleagues.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

Skills and, Knowledge

· Strong potential to build extensive networks and contacts with key European media.

· Excellent writing, editing, interviewing and proofreading skills: adept at writing clean, engaging copy under deadline pressure for a range of channels.

· Strong communication and interpersonal skills: ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and manage working relationships diplomatically.

· Strong interview skills to create case studies of beneficiaries and colleagues.

· Proven self-starter.

· Solid organisational and time management skills: ability to prioritise work, yet multi-task in a fast-paced work setting.

· Proactive approach to problem solving.

· Knowledge of international affairs, particularly of conflict and complex humanitarian crises, and of humanitarian issues.

· Knowledge of key debates in Europe around international development and aid.

· Flexibility as regards working hours, as the need arises.

· Willingness to travel occasionally to conflict areas.

· Fluency in English and French, spoken and written.

Candidates must have the right to work in the EU.

IRC in Europe is committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination for all applicants and employees.