Communications Delegate

POSITION: Communications Delegate

DURATION: One to three months

STATUS: Unaccompanied

DEPARTMENT: Public Affairs

LOCATION: International, Various locations

Do you want to make a difference? Join the world’s largest humanitarian network. The Canadian Red Cross Society (CRCS), a not for profit, humanitarian organization dedicated to helping the most vulnerable in Canada and throughout the world, is currently seeking a Communications Delegate.

The Communications delegate will initiate, execute and support internal and external communications that effectively encompass media relations, social media, public information, audio-visual production, crisis and corporate communication in support of international operations and possibly domestic operations including emergency response. Missions range in length from two weeks to three months and the type of mission could include but are not limited to FACT (Field Assessment Coordination Team), IFRC (International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies), ERU (Emergency Response Unit) and monitoring missions. The Communications delegate can be deployed in an emergency, as part of recovery or disaster risk reduction and preparedness programming and/or to build capacity with the national society. A Terms of Reference (TOR) may be provided prior to deployment.

The Communications delegate maximizes opportunities to demonstrate accountability of finances and effective programs to beneficiaries, donors, media, and other partners and stakeholders. This includes advocacy, raising awareness and engagement of humanitarian issues, profiling and assisting in the strategic positioning of the Red Cross. The Communications delegate will participate in the response to the demands of the media on the day-to-day operations, provide technical support on communication issues to staff, and produce tools to communicate effectively with beneficiaries.

RESPONSIBILITIES

General Responsibilities

These are Duties and Responsibilities applicable to the Communications delegate deployed to a field operation, and are complementary to the specific tasks elaborated in the Terms of Reference. He/she will be responsible for the following areas:

· Act as spokesperson in response to media requests or designate another appropriate spokesperson or information source

· Provide written and visual documentation of the Canadian Red Cross’ work, such as stories, web articles, blogs, photos, and video

· Interview beneficiaries and local staff for a variety of communications products and support to the operation

· Synthesize information/data from the field and program staff, prepare progress reports for internal and external audiences, including monthly operational reports and weekly updates

· Promote, where appropriate, the visibility of the Canadian Red Cross logo, its emblem and its operations in country as well as provide visibility and recognition for government support as required

· Monitor media and write and share key messages on operations when required

· Create and share information with beneficiaries on Red Cross operations

· Work with Communications and Stakeholder Relations to support external reporting to Canadian Red Cross stakeholders as required

· Manage local media requests, in collaboration with national media relations. Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with local, national and foreign media actors

· Support the local National Society to build relationships with media and information providers and other agencies on the ground, including local government

· Coordinate in-country communication efforts and promote cooperation and coordination throughout the delegation and with Red Cross partners and stakeholders

· Provide technical assistance on the development of communications tools for program staff, as required

· Strengthen capacity of local program staff in public relations issues, including effective communication with stakeholders

· Help to identify any potential reputational risks and confidentially raise the issues to the communications director overseeing the response.

· Write situation reports

· Provide information to media visitors and representatives of the Canadian Red Cross, and accompany them on field visits as appropriate

· Organization of and on-site support for news conferences and events

· Contribute to a healthy and safe working environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and experience

· Completion of Bachelor degree in the areas of public relations, media relations, marketing or communications, with a minimum of 4 years of job-related work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

· Experience working for the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is considered an asset

· Experience living or working in a cultural context other than your own

· Experience with video (editing and filming) and photography skills

· Experience in working in low-resource settings.

Knowledge

· Knowledge of Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

· Demonstrated experience with Canadian Press (CP) style

· Good understanding of mainstream and social media.

Abilities and Skills

· Demonstrated abilities as a spokesperson and proven writing skills in a variety of different formats (web, reports, and news releases) are essential

· Demonstrated skill in developing a comprehensive communications strategy, with numerous mediums

· Ability to adapt to changing circumstances in a fast-paced environment

· Ability to think strategically with strong analytic skills and technical knowledge, displaying good judgment and a strong operational focus

· Ability to intelligently and articulately relate to people at all levels of an organization

· Demonstrated ability to act independently while also being a team player

· Fluent in English, with a professional working proficiency in a second language, French, Spanish, or Arabic is preferred.

· Skills in training facilitation, coaching and development of staff and volunteers

· Excellent written and verbal communications and ability to perform to professional communication standards

· A high-level of computing ability, including working with digital media applications. The Communications delegate should be familiar with AppleMac hardware and Microsoft Word., Microsoft Office is essential.

Additional Requirements

· Ability to deploy for 1-3 months on short notice

· Must be already eligible to work in Canada

· A valid provincial driver’s license (with ability to drive manual transmission vehicles preferred)

· Ability to complete a satisfactory Canadian criminal record reference check

· Ability to complete a satisfactory vulnerable sector check.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a field based position. Working in countries of operation is very demanding, both physically and psychologically. Difficult working conditions are expected, including the following:

· Issues of access and mobility, due to the dynamic nature of an emergency situation and proximity to disaster-affected area

· Basic living conditions

· Long hours of work in a demanding context with limited resources

· Stressful and rapidly changing environment with limited information to make decisions

· There may not always be reliable access to electricity

· In some remote areas access to healthcare could be limited or non-existent

Internet will be available but may be intermittent. In some contexts legal frameworks and institutions to enforce the rule of law are largely undeveloped. The ability to work in a high risk, fluid and evolving situation may be required, as is the ability to work in stressful and often ambiguous conditions.

The Canadian Red Cross supports a safe working environment and comfortable accommodation; however, as in all contexts, delegates must be aware and responsible for their personal safety and that of employees under their supervision.

All Canadian Red Cross delegates must be cleared by the Travel Health Team with full medical and vaccination clearance.

This position requires a successful Canadian criminal record, reference check, valid provincial driver’s license, and valid passport and First Aid certification. This position requires a satisfactory vulnerable sector check (only as required). The Canadian Red Cross Society is an equal opportunity employer.

Interested parties may submit their application by applying on the Canadian Red Cross Online Career Website by midnight EDT on Sunday, September 18, 2016.