Head of External Communication and Chief Spokesperson

icrc • Geneva (GVA), CH, 32193 • 1w ago

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and, at the same time, promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational, and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Introduction

The Head of External Communication and Chief Spokesperson shapes ICRC’s public positioning and leads its global editorial approach based on institutional, operational, and communication priorities.

The role works closely with the President and institutional leadership to ensure coherence of ICRC’s public communication with institutional, operational, and communication goals.

As the ICRC’s lead spokesperson, the position represents the organization in its interactions with global media and public audiences.

The position reports to the Head of Communications and works closely with the other teams within the Communications Division.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Leading a team of 12 staff in Geneva and 6 regionally based media specialists, the postholder leads and drives the following areas of work:

Global media relations

Drive global media engagement to position ICRC’s work and influence public debate on ICRC’s priorities.
Work directly with the President and institutional leadership to ensure strong alignment between strategic goals and global public messaging.
Define and drive messaging and media relations strategies in complex and mediatized reputational and operational crises.
Deliver media engagement strategies across global outlets, in coordination with the network of global spokespersons.
Build, maintain, and broaden relationships with global media outlets, journalists, news content creators, and influential opinion leaders.

Chief Spokesperson

Serve as the organization’s chief spokesperson, representing the ICRC in sensitive and high-visibility media engagements.
Deliver clear, consistent, and impactful messaging across traditional and digital platforms, delivering high-impact interviews, press briefings, and official statements.
Provide strategic guidance to leadership and spokespersons across the organization on public positioning and media engagement.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Editorial steering

Lead global editorial planning to ensure cohesive, strategic, and impactful public communication across the organization.
Define and steer global messaging in line with ICRC’s institutional, operational, and communication priorities.
Coordinate editorial approaches to institutional priority themes.

Education & Experience Required

Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in journalism or media relations, with a proven track record of delivering high-impact external narratives.
Demonstrated experience advising senior leadership and serving as a spokesperson, including in complex, high-pressure, and crisis environments.
Proven expertise in media relations and crisis communication, with the ability to manage reputational risk and deliver timely, strategic responses.
Native-level fluency of English and excellent command of French are highly desirable; working knowledge of additional languages (e.g., Arabic, Spanish, or German) is an asset.

Desired Profile and Skills

Exceptional ability to translate complex humanitarian and policy issues into clear, compelling, and influential public messaging.
Strong external orientation, with a deep understanding of global media ecosystems and a proactive, results-driven approach to engagement across evolving information environments.
Proven ability to perform under pressure, exercise sound judgment, and respond effectively in crisis situations.
Interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to build and manage relationships with senior internal stakeholders, media, and external partners.

Additional Information

Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Type of contract: Long-term assignment
Mobility type: Required Rotation
Length of Assignment: 4 years - extendable
Grade: D1
Activity rate: 100%
Estimated start date: Q2 2026
Hiring Manager: Patricia Rey Gonzalez - Head of Communication Division
Recruiter: Diara Niang
HR Business Partner: Yana Makaveeva
Application deadline: Friday, 15 May 2026

Important information: For employees and their dependents who are not EU and/or EFTA nationals, settling in Switzerland is now required. Direct settlement in France upon arrival is no longer possible.

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

Note to Applicants: Applications should include a link to a portfolio of work (e.g., media appearances, interviews, published content, or other public-facing outputs) demonstrating relevant experience.

Our Values

At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.