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 of the position

The External Communication Unit aims to engage diverse audiences on humanitarian issues, the ICRC’s mission, and the communities we support.
 

The External Communication Associate supports outreach, reporting, and the production and distribution of communication materials. The associate also assists with administrative tasks in coordination with the team assistant and participates in relevant training.

Main Duties and Responsibilities I

The Associate reports administratively to the Head of Communication for Influence and works across all areas of communication expertise. The associate collaborates with and receives feedback from relevant team members in the following domains:
 

Media and Channels (60%)
 

• Drafts communication materials such as key messages, articles, and news releases

• Coordinates media interviews, press conferences, and related events, with support from the assistant

• Assists in triaging and managing media requests under the guidance of the Media Team

• Oversees daily use of Cision: distributing media products, maintaining and updating contact lists and databases

• Posts relevant content, including news releases, on ICRC.org using Drupal

• Conducts journalist research to build and maintain Cision lists focused on thematic areas

• Supports the assistant in responding to internal and external media inquiries within set timelines

• Assists the assistant with additional tasks, such as managing translations

Main Duties and Responsibilities II

Reporting and Organization (40%)
 

• Serves as the reporting focal point for the External Communication Unit, tracking initiatives and collaborating with stakeholders to assess impact

• Organizes internal meetings, manages forward planning, and supports logistical coordination

• Drafts minutes for key meetings and oversees follow-up actions using MS Planner

• Designs and drafts the External Communication weekly newsletter

• Supports planning and execution of internal and external events, contributing to both logistical and content-related aspects
   

Desired profile and skills

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field

• Up to one year of relevant professional experience (paid), or up to two years including internships or traineeships

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Proficiency in English required; knowledge of French and/or German is a strong asset

• Passionate about humanitarian storytelling and comfortable using a variety of platforms professionally or personally

• Skilled at managing multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines

• Adaptable and effective in cross-cultural, international work environments

• Demonstrated interest in media relations
   

Additional information

• Type of role: Headquarters
• Working rate: 100%
• Starting date: 11th Aug 2025
• Location: Geneva
• Job level: ungraded
• Length of assignment: until 7th Aug 2026
• Application deadline: Saturday 31st May 2025
  
  
  The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
   

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.