Reporting to the Head of CCST-Beijing, with technical line management from the regional communications manager. In consultation with the HoCCST, the communications and advocacy manager will develop and manage the execution of IFRC's communications and public relations strategy, and priorities across the CCST; position the IFRC as a key humanitarian leader and actor; profile the achievements of National Societies; help build communications and influencing capacity of IFRC`s members and highlight proposed solutions to humanitarian challenges. S/He serves as the IFRC’s communications focal point for National Societies covered by the CCST.

• Develop, coordinate and execute a communication strategy and plan of action for the CCST in consultation with the HoCCST that supports programmatic, policy and resource development priorities and aligns with regional and global communications priorities and initiatives, making effective use of a wide range of communications mechanisms and tools (including media relations, corporate communication, social media and advocacy) as well as robust, evidence-based content.

• Manage and support emergency communications needs relating to disasters impacting the countries covered by the CCST and as required, support wider emergency communications needs in the Asia Pacific region to be agreed with the Head of CCST-Beijing. This includes coordination with the Regional Communications Manager; management of emergency communication staff and external service providers; outreach to international media and the gathering, production and distribution of high-quality content to help profile response efforts of IFRC and support resource mobilisation efforts of Movement partners.

• Build and sustain strong close relationships with members of the international news agencies, regional media bureaus, regional advocacy platforms other key influencers and professional communications networks in the countries covered by the CCST and to proactively engage with them in line with communications, advocacy goals to ensure that the IFRC is well connected, understood, prominently positioned and increasingly supported.

• Increase IFRC visibility and positioning in East Asia through proactive media and public relations, and IFRC events.

• Develop communications and public relations plans, activities and materials that support the roll-out of global external and internal communications initiatives, campaigns and key calendar events.

• Work to ensure that communications and humanitarian advocacy objectives are embedded in IFRC and National Society programme plans.

• Provide National Societies with professional and strong technical support. Develop initiatives that provide communications and advocacy trainings, and capacity development to National Societies in the CCST - providing strategic communications advice and learning; skills training, mentoring and facilitation of peer to peer exchanges.

• Build a strong network of National Society communications focal points in the CCST and encourage their active engagement with the membership of the wider Asia Pacific and Global communicators network to support the transfer and application of knowledge, skills and resources.

• Integrate and scale-up digital technologies and social media into IFRC communications and community engagement efforts, operations and programmes, to enhance organisational understanding of the strategic value of social media, fostering a “digital culture”.

• Lead efficient and effective corporate communications, information and knowledge-sharing processes at the CCST level that support programmatic and institutional goals. Responsible for development and circulation of CCST newsletters ensuring coherence, quality and consistency in design and production processes.

• Provide strong support, capacity building and demonstrate transfer of knowledge to communications staff in the CCST and coordinate and collaborate with the IFRC’s regional and global communications team.

• Lead targeted and strategic communications workshop that will develop the skills of National Society and IFRC staff.

• Encourage and support increased visibility and capacity building in community engagement and accountability (CEA).

• Provide support to the work of other units or department of the CCST (assist in production of all CCST reports, information bulletins, regular reports and pledge-based reports), ensuring the quality before they are submitted to the APRO or Geneva concerned officers; also provide support in editing of such when and if required.

• Develop communications projects/programs proposals to support the work of CCST and NS, and mobilize resources (funds, services, goods, network/referrals) to help fulfil the requirements of the proposals.

• Produce quality, evidence-based content that supports impactful communication and advocacy initiatives across the CCST

• Organize and conduct special promotion events related to Red Cross Red Crescent programmes and priorities.

• Actively support the Head of CCST in engaging and collaborating with opinions leaders and decision makers, including development agencies, UN organizations, the diplomatic community, and governmental and corporate partners etc.

• Develop good working relationships with service providers and consultants in the communications sector to explore both short and long-term agreements for efficient and cost-effective collaboration.

• Develop general CCST presentation materials for promotion or briefing purposes.

• Develop key messages to all strategic, high level and important events and meetings that the HoCCST has to render statements, speeches and messages.

• Update HoCCST on current issues and opportunities that directly related to RCRC and also develop reactive lines in case of media or public inquiry.

• Perform other relevant duties as assigned by the HoCCST

University Degree in journalism, communications, international relations, development studies or social sciences Red Cross, humanitarian, development

Required
Five years of management experience in communications, advocacy and/or media relations or 5 years’ experience of working in journalism

Previous working experience at the Federation Secretariat, field experience and/or National Society

Broad understanding of Red Cross Red Crescent policies and activities

Preferred
Experience of working in the international humanitarian or development sector or a related field in a developing country

Experience of community engagement programming

Experience in Marketing

Strong knowledge of current affairs as they relate to humanitarian developments in Asia Pacific

Analytical and strategic thinking skills
Professional and management skills and ability to be proactive and responsive to changing needs as required by senior management and technical line management

Strong relationship management skills including ability to rapidly build and extend professional networks.

Strong representational skills
Excellent writing and public presentation / media relations skills. Experience as a spokesperson.

Proven track record of planning and managing integrated communications programmes including digital communications and production
Track record in communications skills training across a variety of communications disciplines
Ability to work, lead and manage in a diverse cultural and social context.

Self-supporting in computer skills.

Powerpoint or iPresenter skills - Preferred

Management of staff

Role model: Accountability-Commitment to the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and its values; Diversity-Cultural sensitivity and appreciation of diversity; Integrity-High standard of integrity and personal conduct; Professionalism-Flexibility and Adaptability, Resilience and patience
Collaboration: Building trust; Empowering others; National Society relations; Teamwork-Excellent team member, monitoring and supervision skills
Achievement: Communication; Innovation-Take initiative and forges direction; Judgement Decision-making; Managing performance-Analytical and practical
Leadership: Building alliances; Influencing; Inspiration-Ability to inspire, lead and motivate; Strategic orientation

This job opening is for a fully-funded staff.

The Federation is an equal opportunity employer.