Communications officer

Come work with us! We are looking for a strong communications officer who is comfortable at both the strategic and the operational level. Your task will be to strengthen communications and advocacy on mental health and psychosocial support and to facilitate knowledge sharing within the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.

The IFRC Reference Centre for Psychosocial Support (PS Centre) is a delegated function of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, hosted by Danish Red Cross. It aims to improve mental health and psychosocial well-being (MHPSS) through operational assistance, capacity development of National Societies, competence development of staff and volunteers, knowledge generation and knowledge sharing, and communication and advocacy. The PS Centre is a small and lively Centre with an international atmosphere.

While we are ambitious in our wish to support the 193 National Societies of the Red Cross and Red Crescent worldwide and influence the global MHPSS agenda we also pride ourselves in maintaining a warm and supportive team environment. We work in accordance with the Danish Red Cross rules and regulations. And we respect the need for a good work life balance.

Our working language is English. The position is based in Copenhagen and it’s a non-negotiable requirement to work out of the Copenhagen office.

Purpose of the position

The purpose of the position of Communications Officer is to strengthen communications and advocacy on mental health and psychosocial support throughout the life course and in humanitarian operations. The Officer will also facilitate information and knowledge sharing internally within the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement and with external stakeholders. Finally, the Officer will also support efforts to strengthen the identity and improve the visibility of the PS Centre and its work.

Key tasks and responsibilities 

• Communicate about the impact and importance of mental health and psychosocial work through appropriate channels
• Maintain and develop the PS Centre website and Social Media channels and ensure clear linkages with other communication channels of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Crescent (IFRC).
• Produce and distribute newsletters and the PS Centre’s annual report
• Design communication and advocacy campaigns and produce relevant visibility and advocacy material, including infographics and video products, for mental health and psychosocial support in the Red Cross Red Crescent
• Support communications activities in the PS Centre’s EC-funded innovation and research projects, including development and implementation of dissemination strategies, stakeholder engagement, website management, production of visibility and communication material and internal project communication.
• Prepare presentations about the work of the PS Centre as needed and support Centre director and staff in preparing presentations and speeches
• Liaise with the IFRC and other relevant stakeholders and maintain and promote collaboration with IFRC communication department.
• Market the PS Centre’s services such as training programmes and consultancy services to relevant stakeholders
• Manage and/or supervise communication with external contractors such as translators, graphical designers, etc.
• Re-organise and manage the Centre’s database and archive of visual material
• Lead the process of developing a new visual identify and logo of the PS Centre
• Develop and implement a new Social Media strategy to increase visibility and outreach to relevant stakeholders
• Undertake ad hoc tasks as required

• Preferred native English speaker and preferably one other official language of the Federation
• Proficiency in a Scandinavian language an advantage
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office pack, Power Point, Adobe tools (Photoshop, InDesign)
• Excellent English writing skills
• Demonstrated layout, photo and design skills.
• Demonstrated web design skills
• Experience with video production and editing an advantage
• Ability to express ideas clearly, concisely and persuasively in writing, including the ability to defend and explain difficult issues
• Demonstrated background and knowledge of mental health and psychosocial support issues
• Experience in advocacy and campaigning

• Relevant educational background (journalist, media or communication degree or similar)
• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience
• Demonstrated experience with general communications activities such as writing and editing information materials
• Experienced Social Media user
• Experience working with and developing website infrastructures, developing content for websites and short vid
• Work experience with Red Cross and Crescent Movement, other international organisations, large NGOs and/or governmental development agencies

• Strategic communicator with strong analytical skills
• Passionate writer with excellent communication and listening skills
• Team player with good people skills
• Creative and quick thinker
• Organized and structured and able to manage competing priorities
• Self-driven and able to meet deadlines, prioritize work load and multi-task
• Proactive and have the desire to learn and understand new subject matters
• Focused on results and long-term aims
• Able to work both independently and in teams
• Stand for and work in accordance with the Red Cross Red Crescent principles 

Employment Conditions

Danish Red Cross is the legal employer and duty station will be Copenhagen. The assignment is to commence March 1^st 2020, or as soon as possible.

Salary level and benefits will be in accordance with the Danish Red Cross’s Collective Bargain Agreement. The position is classified between DKK 43,600 and 47,500 per month incl. pension and allowances, and according to qualifications and experience.

The position is an open-ended position. 

How to apply:

Deadline for application is 09 February 2020.

Please note that only applications submittet through the online system can be considered. CLICK HERE TO APPLY!

Hiring director’s name: Nana Wiedemann, Director of International Federation Reference Centre for Psychosocial Support

For further information about the position please write Cecilie Dinesen (cedin@rodekors.dk) or Nana Wiedemann (nawie@rodekors.dk) and visit www.pscentre.org