Communications Manager

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a neutral, independent organisation ensuring humanitarian protection and assistance for people affected by armed conflict and other violence. The regional delegation for the UK and Ireland builds support for the ICRC’s global operations and furthers understanding of international humanitarian law (IHL).

We are looking for a multi-skilled, energetic and creative communications manager to join our busy London office. The ideal post holder will be able to produce compelling copy, handle media enquiries and shape our social media content. They will work closely with colleagues in the small London communications team and within the wider global network to effectively profile the work of the ICRC to audiences in the UK & Ireland and beyond. The communications team works very closely with our colleagues in operations, humanitarian diplomacy, legal and fundraising, as well as our Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners the British Red Cross and the Irish Red Cross. 

About the role - Job description and key responsibilities

Produce engaging multimedia content that showcases the work of the regional delegation, its operational priorities and highlights the ICRC’s global activities.

• Able to master complex topics quickly and translate them into powerful messages using simple language.
• Develop the ICRC UK and Ireland voice on social media in line with the delegation’s influencing objectives and position the ICRC on key humanitarian issues in the UK.
• Support our daily engagement with UK media outlets. This includes managing challenging media requests efficiently, drafting key messaging and replies, triaging interviews and liaising with colleagues around the world to ensure our response is appropriate and effective.
• Produce, support and manage communications plans to profile senior leadership during visits to the UK and Ireland and for key events, regularly injecting our thinking into public discourse on humanitarian issues.
• Provide regular communications support for UK and Ireland-focused activities, managing strategy, refreshing messaging and supporting fundraising efforts when required.
• Work closely with our communication colleagues from the British Red Cross and Irish Red Cross to liaise on timely and accurate Red Cross Red Crescent Movement content and messaging.
• Manage relationships with digital colleagues at HQ and other ICRC sites, including collaboration on social media content, strategy and scheduling.
• Produce weekly media monitoring and environment scanning reports and updates.
• Help manage our stock of communication products and design new print materials.
• Ability to work as a photographer and/or videographer at key events.
• Provide relevant social media training and guidance for colleagues and support to our head of delegation and other teams.  

Person specification (qualifications, skills & experience required)

• Excellent writing skills, with an ability to draft strong news releases, first-person pieces, media pitches and social media posts.
• Experience of working in a complex organisation, demonstrating a high-level of diplomacy when liaising and negotiating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Good knowledge of issues related to humanitarian action.
• A strong interest in international affairs.
• Knowledge of the media landscapes in the UK, Ireland and beyond, with a good contacts book.
• Self-starter able to work both independently and within a small team.
• Sound experience of developing and implementing communication strategies.
• High degree of organisation and ability to work towards tight deadlines.
• Resilient and tenacious, able to handle setbacks and push for strong communications outcomes.
• Experience in building solid relationships with journalists, providing on and off record guidance with the ability to set up media visits overseas.
• Solid understanding of the harms caused by misinformation and disinformation both in conflict settings and in relevant media and diplomatic hubs such as London.
• Confident using social media platforms and social listening tools, content management systems and video, photography and audio editing software.
• University degree in a relevant field preferred.

We currently operate on a hybrid office/homework basis, and there is an option to work from home for part of the week.