Job Description

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and, at the same time, promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Purpose

The Communication Officer 2 contributes to designing, planning and implementing communication projects and activities in coordination with the Head of Office in Biu and the Communication Coordinator in Abuja. S/he contributes to representing the ICRC externally and building the necessary understanding and acceptance of and support for the ICRC among key stakeholders and communities.

Accountabilities & functional responsibilities

• In consultation with the Head of Office and the Communication Coordinator, contributes to defining communication/prevention objectives, strategies and plans of action for the Biu Office, in line with the field sub-structure's priorities and the delegation’s communication/prevention strategy.
• With minimum supervision, implements relevant activities and develops tools for: operational communication, community engagement, promoting international humanitarian law (IHL), the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the ICRC, building National Red Cross/Red Crescent Society communication capacity, public and digital communication, and information analysis/environment scanning. Works on content gathering such as human touch stories, pictures and videos of ICRC field activities, pictures to use on web sites, social media.
• Supports the Biu Office in networking with relevant stakeholders (local authorities, weapon bearers, traditional authorities, religious leaders, representatives of displaced communities, civil society actors, academic circles, youth movements, local media) and represents the ICRC to various audiences. Maintains a close relationship with local media and contributes to raise public awareness on the ICRC and its activities through media channels
• Follows political, security, military and humanitarian developments, as well as other issues relevant to the ICRC's reputation/perception and capacity to operate in the geographic area covered, contributing to their analysis. In this regard, performs daily local media monitoring and reports to the Head of Office on any important events.
• Interprets and translates from and into the local languages to support communication or any other programmes when required.
• Provides technical and administrative support to the communication team (e.g. filing, stock management, event organization) when required.
• Supports communication-related training and coaching for field-structure staff and/or other departments when needed, as well as the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
• Supports the joint planning and execution of joint communication production and media relations with the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
• Contributes human-centered content and products for the delegation’s social media channels, Bulletin Interne and other internal and external communication tools and platforms.

Certifications / Education required

• University degree or equivalent in Communication, Journalism, International relations, political sciences or in any related fields
• A minimum of a two-year experience in a similar field
• Very good communications and versatile presentation skills
• Very good computer and internet skills, including skills in MS office: familiarity with online and social media communication tools
• Good understanding of the humanitarian context in the northeast of Nigeria.
• Excellent written and spoken English, Hausa and Babur an asset.
• Applies very strong report-writing and editing skills to produce clear, concise, and operationally relevant reports
• You must have a valid working permit to work in Nigeria

Desired profile and skills

• Strong networking (community based) and relationship management skills to engage diverse actors including the media while demonstrating a deep awareness of cultural sensitivities
• Experience in an ICRC operation an asset
• Teamwork and collaboration

What we offer

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment.
• Competitive employment package with medical insurance and ICRC pension plan.
• In-house training opportunities for personal development.
• A full-time, fixed-term contract (1year – renewable).
• The opportunity to join an ICRC talent pool, be considered for future assignments elsewhere and experience different contexts, fields, and challenges.

Our values

• At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.

Reports to (role)

• Head of Office

People management responsibilities

No

Relationships

• Internally, interacts with the Head of Sub-Structure, Communication or Communication/Prevention Manager and other staff involved in communication activities.
• Externally, interacts with conflict/violence-affected population groups, local authorities, political parties, village elders, representatives of displaced communities, religious leaders, media, NGOs, advocacy groups and academic circles.