Senior Officer, Communications

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 the IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies to prevent and alleviate human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.”  The 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, together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of the 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 is 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, the 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.

This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya. The Senior Communications Officer will report to the Regional Communications Manager – Africa with a matrix reporting line to the Regional Operations Manager.

Job Purpose

The Senior Communications Officer, under the direction of the Regional Communications Manager – Africa, and as part of IFRC’s global communications team, will coordinate communications and media activities ensuring that timely information is provided to Movement partners and the media. They will also be responsible for coordinating communications resources on the ground ensuring that regular and quality communications materials are produced and distributed to highlight the humanitarian situation, needs on the ground and Red Cross Red Crescent operations.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

1. Communications strategy development and execution

• Develop and implement integrated communications strategies and campaigns aligned with IFRC’s strategic priorities and global objectives.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams, National Societies, and external partners to ensure consistency and alignment in messaging.
• Identify and leverage key moments, trends, and opportunities to maximize IFRC’s impact.

 

2. Content Development and Management

• Gather and disseminate accurate, compelling, and timely information on humanitarian operations to IFRC global communications teams and National Societies.
• Oversee the production of high-quality communications and campaign materials, including press releases, op-eds, videos, infographics, and social media content, ensuring alignment with IFRC’s brand guidelines.
• Capture and edit audio-visual materials guided by IFRC’s ethical and editorial standards, ensuring proper documentation of all materials.
• Develop and share engaging narrative content tailored for diverse audiences and communication channels.

 

3. Stakeholder Engagement

• Foster strong relationships with National Societies, media outlets, and other partners to amplify IFRC’s impact and reach.
• Support high-level visits and media-related requests, including coordinating press events and managing spokespersons.
• Represent IFRC in external forums and events, positioning the organization as a leading humanitarian actor.
• Support National Societies in planning and implementing targeted communication strategies to enhance visibility and fundraising efforts.

 

4. Media Relations

• Proactively engage with local and international media, pitch story ideas, coordinate interviews, and facilitate media visits to field operations.
• Monitor local media and social media to stay abreast of developments and trends, using feedback from affected communities to inform communications.
• Respond to media requests promptly, particularly regarding audio-visual content and urgent humanitarian updates.

 

5. Monitoring and Evaluation

• Track and analyze campaign performance metrics, preparing regular reports and actionable insights.
• Use data to refine strategies and optimize communications and campaign effectiveness.
• Document best practices and lessons learned to enhance future campaign planning and execution.

 

6. Crisis and Reputational Risk Management

• Anticipate, identify, and address potential reputational risks, working with regional and global communications teams to implement appropriate responses.

• Ensure the safety of IFRC and National Society staff and volunteers in media engagements and maintain ethical standards in all communications.

 

Duties Applicable to all staff

• Actively work towards the achievement of the Federation 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

• University degree in journalism, communications, marketing or international policies. Required.
• IFRC Emergency Communications training. Preferred.
• Basic Delegated Training Course or IMPACT. FACT, ERU or RDRT Training or equivalent experience. Preferred.

Experience

• At least 5 years of experience working as a journalist/press officer and/or Communications officer. Required.
• Ability to independently deliver a range of compelling communications content from the field including news stories, social media content and AV materials. Required.
• Experience in managing communication issues in complex and delicate situations. Required.
• Experience in building and maintaining media relations and contacts. Required.
• Experience in emergency response. Required.
• Red Cross and Red Crescent experience. Required.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

• Knowledge of humanitarian affairs. Required.
• Strong spoken and written English including proven experience in drafting compelling communications content for a variety of communications channels. Required.
• Self-supporting in IT. Required.
• Demonstrated understanding and use of social media for communications and advocacy purposes. Required.
• Comfortable working and communicating with National Societies in a diverse environment. Required.
• Ability to negotiate with varying partners. Required.
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure. Required.
• Analytical skills. Required.
• Fluently spoken and written English. Required.
• Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic) or Russian. Preferred.

Competencies, Values and Comments

• Core Competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust.
• Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability.
• Functional competencies: Strategic orientation; Building alliances; Leadership; Empowering others.