What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works around the world to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We act in emergencies by promoting respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate derives essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and their IFRC to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence.

The ICRC is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion. People with disabilities, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ people and women are encouraged to participate in our calls.

Do you want to know more about our work? Visit our websites at: https://www.icrc.org/es

Code of conduct for ICRC staff | https://www.icrc.org/es/document/codigo-de-conducta-para-los-colaboradores-y-las-colaboradoras-del-cicr

Purpose

The Communication Officer supports the Mission in Quito, as part of the Regional Delegation of Bogota, in strengthening its communication capacity in Ecuador through three complementary areas: Movement communication with the Cruz Roja Ecuatoriana (CRE), analysis of the communication environment, operational communication, and strategic engagement with the media and relevant stakeholders.

The position works closely with the Head of Mission, the Communication Coordinator in Colombia, relevant Mission departments and the Cruz Roja Ecuatoriana to provide communication advice, analysis and practical support that contribute to humanitarian objectives, understanding, acceptance and the ICRC’s capacity to operate.

The position supports coordinated Movement communication while respecting the respective mandates, identities, and institutional autonomy of the ICRC and Cruz Roja Ecuatoriana. It also contributes to strengthening relevant Cruz Roja Ecuatoriana communication capacities through advice, coaching, and targeted support.

Relationships

Internally

• Works closely with the Head of Misison, the Communication Coordinator in Colombia and relevant Delegation departments and colleagues.
• Coordinates with communication colleagues in the Colombia Delegation and the Americas regional network, as relevant, to exchange information, analysis, tools and good practices.
• Maintains appropriate coordination with relevant regional and headquarters communication specialists, as required.

Within the Movement

• Maintains regular working relationships with relevant communication counterparts in the Cruz Roja Ecuatoriana (CRE) and other Movement components present in Ecuador.
• Supports coordination and complementarity of communication approaches, while respecting the respective mandates, identities and institutional autonomy of Movement components.

Externally

• Develops and maintains professional relationships with media, public institutions, humanitarian and international organizations, civil society, academia and other relevant stakeholders.
• Builds and maintains a network of strategic interlocutors to support environment scanning, media engagement and understanding of the ICRC's mandate and humanitarian work.

Accountabilities & functional responsibilities

Movement Communication and Support to the Ecuadorian Red Cross (CRE)

• Coordinates with CRE communication counterparts to align communication priorities, exchange information and identify opportunities for complementary or joint communication initiatives.

• Strengthens communication coordination and mutual support between the ICRC and CRE, particularly during emergencies, social unrest and violence, while respecting their respective mandates and institutional autonomy.

• Facilitates the exchange of communication tools, good practices and lessons learned, providing guidance and support to the CRE National Communication Area and prioritized branches.

Environment Scanning, Perception and Reputation

• Monitors political, humanitarian, security, social and media developments, including public perceptions and emerging narratives affecting the ICRC and the Movement in Ecuador.

• Identifies perception gaps, reputational risks and opportunities that may affect the ICRC’s acceptance, access, operational effectiveness and understanding of its mandate.

• Provides timely, actionable analysis and communication advice to the Head of Mission and relevant teams, contributing to the assessment of communication impact and effectiveness.

Operational Communication and Community Engagement

• Advises Mission, Delegation and field teams on operational communication and community engagement, ensuring alignment with operational priorities, access, acceptance and community needs.

• Integrates community engagement approaches into operational activities, monitoring feedback and perceptions to identify issues that may affect acceptance, access or understanding of the ICRC’s role.

• Provides practical guidance on operational communication tools and supports stakeholder engagement to address misunderstandings about the ICRC’s mandate, activities and role.

Media Relations and Strategic Networking

• Develops and maintains strategic relationships with media outlets, journalists, public institutions, humanitarian organizations, academia and other relevant stakeholders.

• Advises on media relations and stakeholder engagement, identifying communication opportunities, emerging narratives and potential risks.

• Coordinates proactive media and stakeholder engagement, including briefings, interviews and other communication initiatives, in collaboration with relevant Delegation teams and CRE counterparts where appropriate.

Required Qualifications and Professional Experience

• University degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, International Relations, Public Affairs, Social Sciences or a related field.
• At least five years of relevant professional experience in communications, media relations, political or public affairs analysis, stakeholder engagement, humanitarian affairs or related areas.
• Strong knowledge of Ecuador’s political, social and media environment, with demonstrated ability to monitor trends, analyze emerging narratives and assess communication and reputational risks. Knowledge of the international media environment is an asset.
• Proven experience in developing and maintaining relationships with media, public institutions and other relevant stakeholders.
• Excellent writing, analytical, communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to translate complex developments into concise, actionable advice.
• Demonstrated ability to represent the ICRC professionally and appropriately in interactions with external stakeholders.
• Native-level Spanish and intermediate-to-advanced proficiency in English.
• Previous experience with the ICRC, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, humanitarian or international organizations, or civil society is an asset.

Competencies

What we offer

• Location: Quito, Ecuador

• Contract Type: Indefinite-term employment contract, in accordance with Ecuadorian labor law.

• Social Security: Affiliation and contributions to the Ecuadorian Social Security Institute (IESS), including the reserve fund (fondo de reserva).

• Additional Payments: Thirteenth and fourteenth salary payments, in accordance with Ecuadorian labor law.

• Benefits: Eyeglasses allowance every two years and private medical insurance.

• Salary: In accordance with the ICRC salary scale.

• Workload: 100% (full-time).

• Annual Leave: 20 working days of annual leave after the first year of service, increasing after the fifth year of service in accordance with Ecuadorian labor law.

• Start Date: As soon as possible.

• Application Deadline: 11 November 2026

If you are not an Ecuadorian national, you must be legally authorized to work in Ecuador (through a work permit, residence permit, or other valid legal status), as the ICRC does not sponsor or process visa applications.

The ICRC has a zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of power. Therefore, all successful candidates will undergo thorough reference and background checks.

At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors aligned with these values.