Communication Officer at The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

Ref No: IFRC-A-COM007
Location: Abuja
Classification Level: TBC      
Organizational Unit/ Duty Station: Nigeria Country Cluster Office      
Immediate Supervisor’s Title: Head of Nigeria Complex Operation      
Technical Manager’s Title     Regional PMER and PRD Coordinator       

Job Purpose
Reporting to the Head of Nigeria Complex Operation, the CommunicationOfficerwill:

• Act as a focal point to support the Nigeria Red Cross National Society in the field.
• Be in charge of developing regular and quality communication materials related to the Nigeria operation
• In collaboration with the Regional PMER and PRD Coordinator.
• Support the National Society and the IFRC in communicating during emergencies

• Support the National Society communications capacity on the ground and act as a spokesperson with international media when required.
• Collect, analyseand transform data  from the field  into key messages and calls for different stakeholders and audiences.
• Support the National Society in identifying key humanitarian issues to be addressed  to the public, media and donors on the situation on the ground and the humanitarian response.
• Work closely with the IFRCRegional PMER and PRD Coordinatorto produce facts and figures, key messages, reactive lines and promote different IM products.
• In collaboration with the National Society, work on advocacy messages to address the different issues linked to the current operation.
• Provide context analysis and draft communication pack with key material (facts and figures, key messages, press releases etc)
• News releases (as needed), videos, photographs with captions, and qualified spokespeople contacts are immediately developed and made available to media and key stakeholders. If security allows, facilitate media field trips to the operational areas
• Maintain a social media presence throughout the operation utilizing IFRC communication tools
• Support the appeal using people at the community level (Write stories and interviews, web stories, blogs, video footage and photos with extended captions, provide basic audio-visual material)
• Share any communications material created through this appeal with IFRC for use on various communications channels including the IFRC Africa Region web page
• Facilitate National Society and IFRC in pitching media stories and professionally handling media inquiries with broadcast, print and online media/social media.
• Support the launch of the emergency appeal and other major milestones throughout the operation using people-centred at the community level.
• Produce/assist in the production of advocacy messages in collaboration with National Societies to address the different issues linked to the current emergency operations (Health, Shelter, Cash Transfer, WASH, DM etc.);
• Facilitate National Societies and IFRC in pitching media stories and professionally handling media enquiries with broadcast, print and online media/social media;     

• 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
  

Position Requirements
Education:      

• Relevant University degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing or International Policies

• At least 3 years of experience working as journalist/press officer and/or Communications/Policy Officer
• Experience in managing communications issues in complex and delicate situations
• Experience in building media contacts
• Experience in emergency response
• RC/RC experience

Knowledge and Skills:      

• Self-supporting in computers       
• Knowledge of social media and related trends
• Knowledge of humanitarian affairs
• Ability to negotiate with varying partners
• Ability to multi task and work under pressure
• Good analytical skills
• Good knowledge of the operational context and area
• Flexibility and ability to travel in the operation’s areas

Languages:

• Fluent in written and spoken English.

Competencies (to be filled in by HR):              

• National Society relations
• Professionalism - Integrity - Diversity
• Judgement-Decision-making
• Results focus and accountability