Organizational Context

The Senior Officer, Communications, under the direction of the Head of Country Office in Romania and regional and global communications teams, will provide support in implementing IFRC communications publicly in Romania, the cluster, and the Europe and Central Asia region, in close coordination with the National Societies and Movement partners.

The role will be responsible for implementing quality communications approaches based on key priorities that highlight the humanitarian situation, needs on the ground and Red Cross Red Crescent operations. The officer will support the National Societies in Romania and the cluster in key priority areas of capacity-strengthening and cooperation in communications.

Job Purpose

The Senior Officer, Communications is responsible for supporting the communications efforts of the of the IFRC country office in Romania, the cluster delegation, Romanian Red Cross and other National Societies in the cluster through:

• Developing and implementing an annual communication plan for the cluster, based on the regional and global priorities, aiming for a structured and strategic approach across the different contexts.
• Conducting a mapping of communication qualifications and competencies of the NSs in the cluster.
• Recommending and implementing interventions to address the identified needs and challenges of the NSs communications counter parts in the cluster.
• Supporting leadership communication (Head of CCD, Heads of Country Offices etc.) on their social media channels.
• Contributing to IFRC’s efficient communication and engagement with external stakeholders and (potential) donors in Romania and other countries in the cluster, such as international organizations, national authorities, embassies, private companies etc.
• Updating external facing key messages and public statements for use by IFRC staff, the National Societies and the wider movement communications network.
• Generating diverse people-centred content for a variety of communication and public engagement/influencing approaches, including field trips and visits to collect stories when needed.
• Strengthening and working closely with National Societies’ communication counterparts to improve and implement their communications (including linking them to major events, learning opportunities and peer-to-peer exchanges).
• Contributing to visibility of the IFRC and National Societies and in local and international media.
• Ensuring strong social media engagement through proposing and producing content for IFRC through the major themes/priorities in the region to further disseminate in the IFRC network.
• Where needed, contribute to the IFRC’s positioning, donor reporting and resource mobilization efforts through creation of tailored audio-visual materials, in close collaboration with PMER colleagues within the cluster.
• Supporting the management of reputational issues through monitoring, advising on and responding to local developments and issues with reputational consequences.
• Supporting additional communications needs as required.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Additionally, they will support the IFRC Regional office for Europe through:

• Updating external facing key messages and public statements for use by IFRC staff, the National Societies and the wider movement communications network.
• Generating diverse people-centred content for a variety of communication and public engagement/influencing approaches, including field trips and visits to collect stories when needed.
• Strengthening and working closely with National Societies’ communication counterparts to improve and implement their communications (including linking them to major events, learning opportunities and peer-to-peer exchanges).
• Contributing to visibility of the IFRC and National Societies and in local and international media.
• Ensuring strong social media engagement through proposing and producing content for IFRC through the major themes/priorities in the region to further disseminate in the IFRC network.
• Working with the regional communications team in positioning National Societies and their engagement in major public campaigns and for the rest of the IFRC network.
• Where needed, contribute to the IFRC’s positioning, donor reporting and resource mobilization efforts through creation of tailored audio-visual materials, in close collaboration with PMER colleagues within the cluster.
• Supporting the management of reputational issues through monitoring, advising on and responding to local developments and issues with reputational consequences.
• Supporting additional communications needs as required.

Coordination, representation, relationships, and reporting

• Support the communication coordination efforts across National Societies, Partner National Societies and the IFRC.
• Work closely with global and regional colleagues to ensure there is consistency and coordination between efforts at regional and global level.
• Support the coordination of communication with external partners within the cluster, including UN agencies, other NGOs, national authorities and international stakeholders such as embassies.

Education

• Undergraduate from a program in one of the following communications/journalism/public relations/community engagement / community development, social and behaviour change communication, sociology, anthropology, health education, or relevant work experience (required)

Experience

• At least 5 years of experience working as journalist/press officer and/or communications and designing and implementing CEA approaches, including community feedback mechanisms, tools for communicating with communities (radio, social media, social mobilization) and participatory planning processes. (required)
• Experience in managing communications issues in complex and delicate situations. (required)
• Experience in working with the media. (required)
• Experience in managing social media tools and multimedia storytelling. (required)
• Experience in planning and implementing targeted and appropriate behaviour change or risk communication approaches and activities. (preferred)
• Experience of designing and delivering trainings and building staff and volunteer capacity. (preferred)
• Experience of planning and implementing CEA approaches within and emergency response. (required)
• Experience of designing and implementing assessments, community consultations, research and/or focus groups discussions. (required)
• Experience of working with the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement or with another humanitarian or international organization an added advantage. (preferred)

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

• Knowledge of humanitarian affairs and Red Cross Red Crescent principles. (preferred)
• Able to analyse and identify areas for improvements in programmes, operations through the integration of CEA approaches and activities. (required)
• Strong advocacy and negotiation skills, able to convince colleagues at all levels on the importance of integrating CEA within ways of working. (preferred)
• English writing skills including proven experience in drafting people-centred communications content for a variety of communications channels. (preferred)
• Demonstrated understanding and use of social media for communications and advocacy purposes. (required)
• Self-supporting in web and social media tools. (required)
• Basic AV skills. (required)
• Good knowledge of gender and diversity issues. (required)
• Basic graphic design skills. (preferred)
• Fluent spoken and written English. (required)
• Fluently spoken and written Romanian and/or Ukrainian. (required)

Competencies, Values and Comments

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

Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; Creativity and innovation; Building trusting, collaborative, and respectful working environments.