Senior Executive Communications Advisor

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies. The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of people living in vulnerable situations before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.
IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.

IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. IFRC also has delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional and delegation) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

The Office of the Secretary General (OSG) is responsible for ensuring that the Secretary General is provided with the information and support required to carry out the full range of his activities as executive head of the organization. The OSG facilitates coordination and communication within the Secretariat as well as between the Secretariat and the broader spectrum of IFRC stakeholders.

The position is based in the OSG and reports directly to the Senior Advisor, Executive Office, OSG and works closely with the Director of Communications and the Communications Department.

Job Purpose

The Senior Executive Communications Advisor will lead the creation and execution of executive communications for the Secretary General and will create and manage executive thought leader platforms and strategic communications. The post holder will be responsible for crafting high-level policy messages and documents aimed at positioning the Secretary General at the forefront of the global humanitarian agenda. The incumbent will deliver integrated communications that support the Secretary General’s strategic priorities, organizational strategy, and direction through creative and relevant messaging to stakeholders that creates clarity, confidence and a connection to the organization’s strategy and leadership.

 

The incumbent will be the chief speechwriter for the Secretary General, which requires exceptional knowledge of the organization and IFRC network’s activities, priorities, and organizational architecture. The incumbent will be comfortable supporting and advising the Secretary General. Additionally, s/he will have a demonstrated ability to quickly capture an executive’s voice and think creatively to provide authentic messaging to a wide spectrum of stakeholders in a wide variety of channels. A key requirement of this role is the ability to maintain confidentiality.

 

The position provides strategic and operational communication guidance that demonstrates measurable impact and creates communication materials for the Secretary General. The position will manage internal communications to staff and the IFRC network on behalf of the Secretary General by drafting, writing, editing, and proof-reading all communications. In addition, the position will closely liaise with the Communications Department to manage online communications and social media for the Secretary General.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

The Senior Executive Communications Advisor, has the following duties and responsibilities:

• Ensures the right support is provided to the Secretary General for all his communication requirements and speeches. This requires a close working relationship with the Communications Department as well as with all levels of the organization in Geneva, the Regions and all Delegations, and National Societies.
• Works effectively with the Secretary General to capture his thoughts, voice, and vision and develops effective executive communications that relay those thoughts and messages to key stakeholders.
• Leads, with the Director of Communications, the development and refinement of a comprehensive, strategic executive communications approach that effectively communicates the vision, strategy, and direction of the Secretary General and inspires internal stakeholders to action.
• Serves as the global lead in the development of the Secretary General’s reports (written and oral) to the Governing Board, General Assembly, and other statutory and regional bodies, or official entities.
• Commissions and leads the preparation and approval of all internal staff and network communications on behalf of the Secretary General. The Senior Executive Communications Advisor is responsible for disseminating the Secretary General’s and the organization’s vision to all internally, by preparing notes, emails, and other forms of communications that can be published on internal platforms, for the benefit of all staff and internal stakeholders.
• Provides input and advice on the communication of policies, guidelines, and procedures, including on their enhancement and dissemination.
• Plays a key role in the global collection of research and appropriate data to develop high-quality communications, including annual or biannual flagship reports, that demonstrate operational excellence and thought leadership.
• Works with the Communications Department on the development and preparation of strategic narratives and all forms of high-level communications content for the Secretary General, including speaking engagements, opinion pieces, op eds, and other articles, utilizing research skills and personal knowledge of strategic goals and plans, to demonstrate IFRC’s value proposition.
• Serves as liaison between the Executive Office and the Communications Department, advising on issuance of press releases and portal communications for any major organizational announcements.
• Works with the Communications Department to ensure message alignment, strategy integration and management of social media for the Secretary General, thereby ensuring alignment with global communications and social media strategies.
• Accompanies the Secretary General, upon request, during official missions to provide communications support, including report writing and rapid production of talking points, speeches, and presentations, as needed.

 

Duties applicable to all staff:

• Work actively towards the achievement of the IFRC Secretariat’s goals.
• Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles.
• Perform any other work-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager.

Education

Required

• Advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in journalism, communications, publications, languages or linguistics, international relations, development, social sciences, humanities, or other relevant field of study; or a first level university degree in a relevant field combined with extensive relevant experience.

Preferred

• Additional advanced university degree (doctoral or master's) in a second relevant field of study; or training or certifications in relevant fields.

Experience

Required

• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in speechwriting, journalism, communications, publications, humanitarian action, development, or another relevant field.
• Demonstrated professional experience working in an international or cross-cultural environment in the fields of international relations, humanitarian action, economic and social development, international partnerships, community organization and development, or another relevant field.

Preferred

• Demonstrated professional experience in an organization within the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, or in an international organization or NGO.
• Proven track record in executive communications.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Required

• Outstanding ability to communicate clearly and concisely in spoken and written English.
• Interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective working relations.
• Strategic analysis, systematic planning, and implementation skills.
• Outstanding ability to draft and edit in English in a clear and concise manner.
• Discretion, loyalty, and ability to identify and handle sensitive issues and confidential information.
• Excellent proficiency in design and preparation of state-of-the-art electronic presentations.
• Excellent proficiency with common social media platforms, including web and blog pages, X, LinkedIn, etc.

Preferred

• Good working knowledge of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic).

Competencies, Values and Comments

Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability.

Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National Society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust.

Functional Competencies: Strategic Orientation; Building Alliances; Leadership; Empowering Others.

 

Application Instruction

Please submit your application in English only.