The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization with 187 member National Societies. It is guided by its Strategy 2020 which voices our collective vision and determination to move forward in tackling the major challenges that confront humanity in the present decade.

Following the earthquake that struck Haiti on 12th January 2010, the IFRC launched one of its biggest humanitarian operations in history, being the most important aspects of such intervention the direct support to the victims, the coordination among the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement and the direct support to the Haitian Red Cross Society.

The Communications Unit is accountable for promoting the work of the IFRC in Haiti, mitigating reputational risk as well as defending the fundamental principles of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.

Job Purpose

The Communications Officer, in close cooperation with the Head of Delegation, will act as a focal point to support the Haiti Red Cross Society. He/she will be in charge of developing regular and quality communication materials to position the National Society as a key responder in international media and amongst different stakeholders.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

 Monitor local media and produce daily summary of local news
 Support IFRC and Haiti Red Cross resource mobilization strategy using people-centred community level diverse content, including web stories, blogs, video footage and photos with extended captions
 Translate written documents from/ to English, French, Creole in a timely and accurate manner. These include, but are not limited to: reports, newsletters, press releases etc.
 Work closely with the IFRC regional communications manager for Americas zone to produce and promote different IM products.
 Share any communications material created with IFRC Geneva secretariat for use on various communications channels including the IFRC Americas zone web page
 Facilitate National Society and IFRC in pitching media stories and professionally handling media inquiries with broadcast, print and online media/social
 Coordinate and organise internal and external meetings
 Coordinate and host communications visits from partner national societies and international media
 Provide verbal translation from / to French, English, Creole during field visits, community meetings etc.
 Represent the IFRC Communications team in meetings with external partners
 Manage a database of humanitarian partners, media contacts, suppliers, service providers, and consultants
 Manage day-to-day administrative needs of the Communications department

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

A university degree in Communications, Journalism or professional school degree in a related field
2+ years of experience in humanitarian communications
1 year experience in a culturally diverse environment
Computer literate and knowledge of MS Office softwares (i.e., Word, Excel, Power Point, Publisher, Outlook, etc.) Internet Browsers, Intranet and other means of technology relevant to the functions in this position (i.e., Social Media Tools).
Ability to work in a team, excellent communication and management skills
Ability to work in a cross-functional and multicultural environment
Able to work under pressure and flexible hours
Persuasive, assertive, innovative, influencing character with flair
Attention to detail
Strong written and verbal communication
Strong photography skills and basic photo editing
Use of digital recording equipment for audio and video interviews
Fluently spoken and written French, Creole & English
Spanish is a plus.