Job Opportunity
ICRC Mission in Seoul
Function: Communication Manager
Employment type: Full-time
Start Date: ASAP
Working Place: Seoul, Republic of Korea
ABOUT ICRC
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an independent and neutral organization ensuring humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. It takes action in response to emergencies and at the same time promotes respect for international humanitarian law and its implementation in national law. Established in 1863, the work of the ICRC is based on the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols. The ICRC is at the origin of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
PURPOSE
Communication plays a special and unique role at the ICRC. It is key to ensuring respect for the lives and dignity of people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence. Powerful communication helps our organization to influence decision-makers and the public at large by shaping the debate on the need to protect people in war, and it generates support and resource mobilisation for ICRC humanitarian activities. Under the direct supervision of Head of ICRC Mission in Seoul and technical supervision of ICRC’s Head of Communications for East Asia based in Beijing, the Communication Manager leads the ICRC’s external communication and public relations in Republic of Korea (RoK) in support of its positioning and influence objectives. S/he advises the ICRC Mission on public communication issues, opportunities, and challenges, and contributes to implementing the public engagement and digital strategies.
RELATIONSHIPS
• Internally, interacts with colleagues in the Seoul Mission and, as relevant, with the Head of Communications for East Asia.
• Externally, interacts with media, social media influencers, the Koran National Red Cross (KNRC), United Nations, and humanitarian organizations, including Civil Society, government officials, academic circles and others as required by the functional responsibilities.
ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Public Communication and Media relations
• Develops and implements communications strategy in support of ICRC’s engagement and positioning and partnership objectives in RoK;
• Responsible for directly managing all strategic aspects relating to the Communications work of the Mission relating to public communication, promotion of International Humanitarian Law and resource mobilization (financial and human), amongst other issues.
• Establishes and expands the network of contacts with local, regional, and international media outlets and individuals based in RoK, actively promoting the ICRC’s mandate and activities, in particular its operations in contexts of interest and relevance for RoK and help manage its reputation. Acts as a spokesperson;
• Identifies and develops strategic collaborations and partnerships with leading media outlets, social media influencers, digital and innovation hubs and organize media field trips (when feasible) that can further contribute to the positioning of the ICRC in RoK on relevant humanitarian themes and issues.
• Oversees the production of the delegation’s public communication materials. Develops and contributes to communication campaigns and tools to raise awareness about humanitarian issues; news releases, press lines, audio-visual material, and other assets.
• Oversees and manages the ICRC’s digital engagement in RoK through Korean language digital platforms (Facebook, YouTube, and website), including content creation and curation.
• Regularly reviews the effectiveness and impact of ICRC’s public communication activities and oversees the monitoring of key issues relating to the perception of the ICRC on traditional and social media.
• As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, coordinates closely with the Republic of Korea National Red Cross Society (KNRC) communication team in seizing opportunities of joint communication and public relations initiatives around relevant humanitarian issues.
Analysis, Reporting and Networking
• Follows political, security, military, and humanitarian developments, as well as other issues related to the ICRC’s reputation / perception and capacity to operate in Korea, contributing to the Mission’s analysis.
• Supports the Head of Mission in networking with relevant stakeholders and represents ICRC with various audiences;
• Contributes to widening and strengthening of the ICRC’s network of interlocutors, including among the media, civil society organizations and other entities of relevance for the ICRC in RoK. Participates in meetings with the Head of Mission upon the latter’s request; regularly updates and develops the mapping of stakeholders to ensure follow up and sharing of information with the Head of Mission;
• Keeps oneself regularly informed and updated on ICRC main operations globally, as well as on thematic issues.
• Contributes to collective internal communication efforts and ensures that synergies are maintained and reinforced between the communication and other departments;
• Contributes to the internal institutional planning and reporting of the Mission (minutes of meetings, weekly/monthly and bi-annual reports, annual planning and budgeting exercise and others as required);
• Ensures that ICRC financial and administrative procedures and rules and regulations are followed in managing the communication budget.
• Supports HR in its efforts to recruit Koreans as mobile ICRC staff members by assisting participation in career events and developing contextualized Com multimedia content.
REQUIREMENTS
Certification / Education required
• University degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as communications, political science, international relations, journalism;
• Fluent in spoken and written Korean and English;
• Computer skills (proficiency in MS Office); advanced knowledge of digital communication tools and platforms;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills;
• Excellent analytical and writing skills;
Professional experience required
• Minimum 5 years’ work experience in a field relevant to communication and journalism;
• Experience in an ICRC or other humanitarian organizations is an asset;
• Team management and project management experience is an asset;
• Knowledge of international humanitarian law is an asset; and
• Good knowledge of the political, social & media environment in RoK and the region.
Our values
At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. These values guide our interactions and relationships, both among ourselves and with affected populations and our partners. We seek to integrate these values into every step of how we work, our behaviours, and our attitudes. They are the basis of our desired organisational culture. By guiding us through our decisions and dilemmas, our values ultimately support the successful delivery of our humanitarian mission.
We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviours based on our shared values of impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion.
HOW TO APPLY
Submit CV, cover letter and names & contact details with e-mail addresses of two referees in English to shzhang@icrc.org by Wednesday, 31st January 2024.
(Only successful candidates will be contacted for the interview)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ICRC Website: https://www.icrc.org/ (ENG) | https://kr.icrc.org/ (KOR)
ICRC Facebook: www.facebook.com/icrc (ENG) | www.facebook.com/icrckr (KOR)
