Purpose

The Americas region covers markets that are pivotal for REM and diplomatic influence. Together with delegations and partner national societies, the regional PRO contributes to building trust, understanding, and awareness of ICRC’s work in the region as well as globally in support to position the ICRC’s global operations within the region. Based in Bogota, the Regional PRO leads in devising and implementing proactive media outreach strategies for the promotion of ICRC’s humanitarian operations in the region, thematic issues and concerns, and provides strategic support and guidance to delegations on public communication issues, opportunities and challenges. As the ICRC chief spokesperson in the region, s/he is in charge of developing and maintaining relations with regional and global media with correspondents in the AoR, managing media queries, setting up interviews and other media or public-facing opportunities, coordinating messages and driving media plans in order to enhance and manage the ICRC's public profile. S/he contributes to implementing its public engagement and digital strategies, generating content for global and regional platforms, in accordance with priorities identified within the COM division, in close liaison with concerned delegations and / or relevant National Societies. The post holder will lead in regional PR coordination during crisis situations, coordinating closely with Movement partners and Movement Communication colleagues.

Accountabilities & functional responsibilities

Based in Bogota, the Regional PR officer for the Spanish speaking market is part of the COM PR team and works closely with other regional COM staff.

Media

• Works with the global spokespersons team to position ICRC priority contexts and thematic issues in media outlets in the Spanish speaking market in consultation with delegations and partner national societies
• Builds and maintains relations with regional media based in the Americas, especially senior editors and correspondents, including in key media hubs in the region (such as Mexico).
• Follows up on placement of ICRC material from the Americas in delegations worldwide & pitches them on regional platforms & media (blogging, media interviews, portraits, etc.).
• Works with other communication staff based in or covering the Americas to map, prioritize and build contacts with regional and global media based in the region.
• Pitches story ideas, content and interviews, and engages with key media to develop longer-term content partnerships (either directly or with global reach delegations).
• Supports delegations in crafting their public communication and media strategies and to map, prioritize and build media contact, including through country visits.
• Coordinates and negotiates with delegations and other internal stakeholders, including counterparts on ICRC’s coms team in Geneva, to develop narratives, key messages, speaking points, reactive lines, news releases and other products and content to support our global communications on the operations in the Americas.
• Supports the global media management of crises hitting the region, working with the operations, the concerned delegation(s), regional communication staff, digital communication team at headquarters and global reach delegations in the field. This support includes managing media requests, messaging and coordination, providing or organizing interviews, quotes and briefings for journalists on operations and issues of concern, ensuring that the ICRC's public position is known and understood. It can also include deployment during crisis periods and major media moments to act as a media liaison and content focal point.
• Leading the organization and follow-up of regional media trips, events and workshops.
• Sets up and manages communication opportunities for senior ICRC leaders to profile operations, in close coordination with the global reach, diplomatic and / or operational delegations (e.g. during field visits to operational delegations or during diplomatic conferences / events).
• Ensures smooth coordination of public communication issues with all International Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement components, especially during crises and joint Movement response.

Scope & impact

• Geographic remit: regional/global
• Strategic impact: Global impact of public communication is high, including on reputation and fundraising. Contributes to regional communication strategies. Identifies, manages risks and positions the ICRC.

Relationships

• Internally, interacts with the Communication Division, the Department of Operations and other departments, divisions and units at headquarters, and with delegations in the field.
• Externally, interacts with media, public relations agencies, humanitarian actors, Movement members, and public relations representatives of the authorities.

Certifications / Education Required

• University degree in a relevant discipline such as political science, international relations, journalism, communication management or public relations.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Spanish. Portuguese an asset.
• Excellent public communication skills and sound knowledge of the media environment.
• Computer skills (competence in MS Office and other software); familiarity with digital communication tools.

Professional Experience Required

• Minimum 8 years’ work experience in media relations and content generation (inside or outside the ICRC).
• ICRC experience an asset.
• Proven capacity to work in a stressful environment and under tight deadlines.

Other Requirements

• Ability to travel up to 25 percent of the year.
• Strongly motivated by humanitarian work.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.

People management responsibilities

Yes

Language

• English
• Spanish

Competencies