Communications Officer

Organizational context (where the job is located in the Organization)   The IFRC MENA Zone office represents 18 National Societies in Middle East and North Africa. The Communications Officer plays a key role in supporting the Communications Senior Officer to reach the Red the IFRC MENA Zone advocacy objectives, including developing and managing the implementation of its communication strategy; public positioning and messaging; build the capacity of the membership; producing high quality effective communications materials for dissemination to specific audiences; responding to stakeholders’ communications and media requests.  Job Purpose                            The purpose of this position is to support enhanced external and internal communications and media relations efforts to improve humanitarian impact, with a particular focus on the emergency operations and collection and distribution of knowledge with MENA National Societies. The major objectives of this position are:   To support the strategic communications needs of the IFRC Zone office in MENA. To enhance Red Cross Red Crescent visibility and public image on key development programmes and during times of disasters and emergencies. To  contribute to internal communications and information sharing tools and capacity across the MENA Zone.  Job duties and responsibilities   Support the Senior Communications Officer in collecting and writing humanitarian articles, newsletter content and other substantive information and marketing materials. Help ensure a regular flow and high quality of humanitarian information from and to MENA National Societies and from the Zone Office to key stakeholders, particularly during emergencies. With the guidance of the Zone Communications Senior Officer, co-ordinate, upload and promote high quality web content, ensuring a strong and regular online presence of the MENA National Societies. Contribute to the production of the MENA Zone newsletter on a regular basis, including collecting news from National Societies, editing content and supporting the design. Help manage and update MENA Zone FedNet page and ensure knowledge sharing of latest resources with National Societies. Conduct when needed field missions to collect stories and audiovisual materials in support of the promotion of the IFRC and National Societies’ humanitarian programmes. Contribute to a strong engagement of MENA Zone in global campaigns such as, May 8th World Red Cross Red Crescent Day, World Humanitarian Day, and other important events. Establish and maintain comprehensive rosters and resource lists of media, audio visual and other professional contacts in MENA Contribute to designing and implementing communications campaigns with a specific focus on online and new media engagement strategies and support a dynamic social media presence in coordination with the Zone Communications Coordinator and the Secretariat. Manage and update database of National Societies’ focal points, and international correspondents contacts; and ensure MENA photo library is constantly archived and updated on cumulus site. Assist in the development and delivery of communications and knowledge sharing capacity building and training initiatives across the MENA Zone. Support and contribute to disseminating talking points, press lines, Op-eds, to internal and external audiences. Support media relations by managing distribution lists and supporting the production and distribution of documents intended for media; monitor media releases and summarize as required. Help in ensuring quality assurance on adherence to the visual identity of the IFRC in the design and production needs of the MENA Zone office. Support in organizing communications related regional events and conferences led by the Zone. Undertake other tasks and responsibilities as may be reasonably requested by the Senior Communications Officer.  Duties applicable to all staff 1. Actively work towards the achievement of the Federation Secretariat’s goals 2. Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles 3. Perform any other work related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager  Position Requirements Education   Required Preferred University degree (or equivalent relevant experience) preferably in communications, journalism, new media or a related field. X   Web management (or equivalent relevant experience).   X Training courses: campaigns/advocacy and AV products   X Experience Required  Preferred At least 3 years of experience of working in communications, journalism, public relations, writer. X   Strong Red Cross Red Crescent experience   X At least 3 years of experience in an international environment in communications, journalism or international cooperation.   X Experience in coaching and transferring skills and knowledge to counterparts X   Knowledge and Skills Required  Preferred Excellent Writing Skills X   An advanced knowledge of Photoshop and In Design   X Good computer skills (Windows, spreadsheets, word processing) X   Proven experience with content management systems and developing and updating websites   X Demonstrated use of social media for advocacy purposes   X Comfortable working and communicating with number of National Societies in a diverse environment X   Detail-oriented, able to multi-task X   Languages Required  Preferred Fluently spoken and written Arabic and English X   Good command of any additional IFRC language preferably French   X       Competencies (to be filled in by HR)     National Societies Relations Results focus and accountability Communications Team work Professionalism