Head of Cross-Media

Context

The Head of Cross-Media is a senior management position within the communication division at ICRC headquarters in Geneva. Together with other communication leaders, the postholder will play a key role in implementing the and in ensuring communications activities dovetail closely with the priorities of the Institutional Strategy. The postholder will foster collaboration with other communication teams and promote the mindsets, skills and approaches required for successful communications delivery across the organisation.

The Head of Cross-Media reports to the Head of the Communication Division within the Department of Mobilisation, Movement and Partnership (MMP).

Purpose of the position

The Head of Cross-Media oversees a team that manages ICRC’s media engagement and public digital ecosystem including the global social media channels, website, and digital marketing. The team delivers global campaigns and integrated media and content strategies to support ICRC’s operations, influencing, and mobilization objectives. The team offers expertise, services, and advice for storytelling across the organization at field and headquarters.

Main duties and responsibilities (1/2)

The post holder will lead and oversee the work of a team of 15 staff members in Geneva and 10 based elsewhere, organized in different poles of expertise (media, digital channels & marketing, content & campaigns, support to fundraising). The Head of Cross-Media’s main responsibilities are as follows:

• Ensure that the ICRC's external communication contributes effectively to the organization's ambitions in terms of global public positioning, access, and acceptance at the field level, promoting international humanitarian law (IHL) and the Fundamental Principles of the Movement, humanitarian diplomacy, financial and human resource mobilization, and digital transformation (in collaboration with other heads of communication teams).
• Oversee the development and implementation of public engagement activities - media outreach and multi-faceted, digital and offline campaigns in particular - aimed at strategically positioning ICRC’s action and IHL and at shaping public debate, placing particular focus on key countries and themes which are global priorities for the organization.
• Lead on editorial plans and messaging around priority themes; contribute to regional/contextual ones.
• Oversee the strategic use, management of and publishing on ICRC’s public digital platforms (website and social media channels) and ensures digital marketing KPIs and strategy is aligned with the wider communication strategy. 
• Oversee the development of powerful AV and creative content to communicate ICRC priorities, positions and policies to various external audiences, with a particular focus on the general public. 

Main duties and responsibilities (2/2)

• Support ICRC's leadership in its engagement with the media and on social media platforms to leverage our influence and voice as a key part of the organization's public communication efforts.
• Accountable for the audio-visual part of the headquarters production book, prioritizing and scoping work and costs for final validation and delivering final content.
• Ensure Cross-Media related skills are reflected in recruitment, learning and development efforts for communication and other relevant staff both in delegations and at headquarters.  
• Ensure work and collaboration within and across all communication teams of the MMP department through coordination platforms (global, regional, thematic) and projects.
• Strengthen cooperation and coordination with key National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and their International Federation on media and digital engagement and public campaigns.
• Develop, guide and coordinate strategic relations with other external stakeholders such as media organizations (traditional and digital) and communication leaders of UN agencies, INGOs and corporate partners.

Education and experience required

• Master's degree in journalism, mass communication, public relations, or digital communication.
• At least 15 years of experience as a professional communicator including at management level - with the ICRC and/or the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement a strong asset.
• A track record of successfully developing and implementing powerful and innovative cross-media campaigns and activities with global impact.
• Proven leadership record.
• Professional and/or academic training in leadership and management.
• Excellent spoken and written English; working command of additional relevant language(s) such as French, Arabic, Spanish and German an asset.  

Desired profile and skills

• Strong ability to translate complex issues into powerful messages.
• Externally focused and driven; extensive knowledge of the media and digital ecosystems.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and high external and internal pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to manage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. 
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

Additional information

• Location: Geneva
• Type of contract: Open-ended (6 years)
• Grade: D1
• Activity rate:100%
• Estimated start date: 1 July 2024
• Application deadline: 22 May 2024

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to create an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.