Communications Manager

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

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 (NSs). The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by NSs 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 vulnerable people 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 country cluster delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

Details / requirements:

Job description

Job Title
Communications Manager
Classification Level
Grade 8
Organizational Unit / Delegation
IFRC Nepal Country Delegation, Kathmandu 
Immediate Supervisor’s Title
Head of Delegation
Technical Manager’s Title (if applicable)
Communication Manager, Asia Pacific Regional Office
Second Line Manger’s Title (if applicable)
Programme Coordinator
Number of Direct Reports (if applicable)
None
Number of Indirect Reports (if applicable)
None

Organizational context (where the job is located in the Organization)

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian network, reaching 150 million people each year through its 191-member National Societies. The Organization acts before, during, and after disasters, crises and health emergencies in order to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people. Our work is guided by seven fundamental principles (humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality), policies and by Strategy 2030, which voices our collective vision and determination to move forward in tackling the major challenges that confront humanity in the coming decade. The IFRC Secretariat has a decentralized structure: five regional delegations (each with several country cluster delegations and country delegations reporting to it) covering the globe and responsible for frontline delivery through National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, backed by the Secretariat HQ based in Geneva.

The IFRC is currently present in Nepal through a Country Delegation (CD) - first established in 1965 with a presence through regional representation at times), providing support to Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) programmes and capacity building. The longer-term mission of the Nepal Delegation is to facilitate organisational growth, technical capacities, partnerships, and resource mobilization that enable Nepal Red Cross Society to deliver on its humanitarian mandate in the country through the provision of technical support, advocacy, representation and coordination functions, in accordance with Strategy 2030 and Unified Plans. The Country Delegation also provides integration services to seven IFRC members with presence in Nepal, leveraging its Status Agreement with the Nepali authorities to engage with the Government of Nepal, the diplomatic community, development partners as well as other key stakeholders. 

The Communication Manager will lead the IFRC Country Delegation on internal and external Communications in country in coordination with all Red Cross Red Crescent members and alignment with IFRC Regional Communications to ensure that the overall communication is functional across the IFRC Network in Nepal (NRCS, IFRC and its membership) while meeting global standards of the IFRC Principles with visibility, branding, innovation and alignment to the highest quality.  This position is based in Kathmandu with regular field visits to programme/operation implementation districts. 

This role requires an energetic, highly experienced, dedicated and detail-oriented person who can manage multiple tasks with pro-activeness and coordination. He/She should be a team player with willingness to learn and ability of manage multiple tasks while adapting to shifting priorities.  

Job purpose

The Communications Manager as a part of the IFRC team leads all internal and external communications efforts of the Country Delegation. This is done under the overall strategic guidance of the Head of Delegation in Nepal. The role will also ensure the collective footprint of the IFRC Network is well-represented through constant engagement with NRCS and the IFRC membership in the country.  Principle-centred, qualitative and timely outputs are expected.

The Communications Manager will ensure alignment with global best practices in communication as well as donor requirements, and partner priorities. The Communications Manager will work closely with counterparts in NRCS as well as IFRC members present in Nepal together with other key stakeholders to ensure that high-level and leading-edge communication materials (both audio and visual) related to the operations and programme that the IFRC network is supporting NRCS to implement are prepared and disseminated.

Depending on skillset, he/she will be responsible for qualitative and timely communication content with communication tasks including but not limited to: writing and editing, photo and video production and editing, generating social media content, graphic design, media relation, event coordination and other communication support tasks as assigned by the line manager. 

Job duties and responsibilities

1/ Strategic Communications

  • Under the overall direction of the HOD, work as part of the Country Team to design and support the annual strategy and work plan of the IFRC Country Delegation Communications as well as the IFRC Global Communications strategy.
  • Coordinate with the Country Delegation team, NRCS team, IFRC members/network in Nepal as well as the IFRC Asia Pacific regional team to ensure that the consistency of IFRC image is maintained.
  • Ensure a high-value strategic approach to Communications in the country.
  • Collaborate with the Humanitarian Diplomacy unit in APRO and keep abreast of the relevant issues that may have an impact on the operations in Nepal.
  • Ensure that the content produced for Nepal has an in-depth lens and tackles larger issues targeted for specific audiences such as embassies, donor societies, and government.

2/ Production of high-level internal and external communication products to depict IFRC-wide engagement in Nepal 

  • Coordinate with and provide technical support to the PMER in finalizing external reports such as annual reports and others and disseminate key reports among the identified audiences.
  • Coordinate with communication team members in Nepal Red Cross and IFRC network on a harmonized manner.
  • Lead the development of media communications materials, op-eds, press releases, exposure stories, key messages, briefings, and talking points in support of the IFRC-wide visibility and advocacy.
  • Coordinate the mobilization of photo/video consultants to field activities across the IFRC membership to increase the visibility of NRCS/IFRC programming including post-production and dissemination on social media and other relevant platforms
  • Support line manager in preparing for and organizing public speaking engagements with the preparation of background materials and speaking points.

3/ Media (incl. social media) engagement

  • Work together with the IFRC CD team, NRCS communication and the regional team in developing press release/media advisory writing, editing, distribution, and media outreach.
  • Together with NRCS, identify media opportunities in print media features, radio and television programs, and keeping the pool of contacts for further collaboration
  • Prepare and disseminate press releases and media advisories including reactive lines in timely manner. 
  • Actively promote the work of NRCS/IFRC through social media platforms in close coordination with NRCS Communications Department as well as the IFRC regional communications team. High quality with experienced and creative copy writing skills in line with Red Cross and Red Crescent Principles will be needed.

4/ NRCS capacity enhancement in the field of communications

  • As applicable, mentor the NRCS communication team in relevant field of communication (social media, website, exposure stories, media engagement, etc.). 
  • Ensure all IFRC communications activities including the IFRC members in Nepal are well-coordinated with NRCS while also contributing to the enhancement of their capacities. 
  • Together with NRCS, help compiling and updating the national media contact lists (including international media based in Nepal).

5/ Other

  • Undertake field missions to support local communications as relevant.
  • Support Unified Planning process as required.
  • Other relevant tasks that can be assigned by the line manager.

Duties applicable to all staff

1.Work towards the achievement of the IFRC goals through effective managerial and lateral relationship and teamwork 
2Produce timely communication contents based on defined IFRC tools and templates following the branding guideline
3.Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross/Red Crescent principles
4.Perform other work-related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the line manager.

Position Requirements

EducationRequiredPreferred
Master’s degree in communication, Journalism, Media Studies, digital media, or any other media-related field.  
x
ExperienceRequiredPreferred
7-10 years of proven track quality experience in Communication for a humanitarian or development organization
x
Demonstrated experience in social media account management
x
Knowledge of all Microsoft Office applications
x
Demonstrated skills in editing and digital shooting 

x
Possesses creative and analytical skills
x
Experience working for the Red Cross/Red Crescent will be an added advantage

x
Knowledge and SkillsRequiredPreferred
Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and achieve results through collaboration
x
Demonstrated ability to adapt and work effectively in dynamic and demanding operational environments and sometimes under pressure
x
Excellent written/verbal communication skills
x
Flexibility, motivation, honesty, reliability, and cultural awareness
x
Excellent facilitation skills
x
LanguagesRequiredPreferred
Excellent oral and written English and Nepali
x
Other relevant language – Nepali 

x

Overview

Category Development and Project, Development / NGO
Openings 1
Position Type Full Time
Experience Please check details
Education Please check details
Posted Date 17 Apr, 2024
Apply Before 01 May, 2024
City Kathmandu