Head of External Communication, Chief Spokesperson

International Committee of the Red Cross - ICRC

Leading public communication and media relations at ICRC as Head of External Communication. Overseeing global media engagement and serving as chief spokesperson with significant experience.

Posted 4/20/2026full-timeGeneva • 🇨🇭 SwitzerlandLeadWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Shape ICRC’s public positioning and lead its global editorial approach
Drive global media engagement to position ICRC’s work and influence public debate
Define and drive messaging and media relations strategies in complex and mediatized reputational and operational crises
Serve as the organization’s chief spokesperson in sensitive media engagements
Deliver clear, consistent, and impactful messaging across platforms
Coordinate editorial approaches to institutional priority themes

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in journalism or media relations
Proven track record of delivering high-impact external narratives
Demonstrated experience advising senior leadership and serving as a spokesperson in complex, high-pressure, and crisis environments
Proven expertise in media relations and crisis communication
Native-level fluency of English and excellent command of French
Working knowledge of additional languages (e.g., Arabic, Spanish, or German) is an asset.

Benefits

Comp & perks

100% Activity rate
Long-term assignment

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

media relationscrisis communicationjournalismexternal narrativesmessaging strategieseditorial approachespublic positioningmedia engagementspokesperson experiencelanguage fluency

Soft Skills

leadershipcommunicationstrategic thinkingadvisingimpactful messagingcoordinationadaptabilityproblem-solvinginterpersonal skillsresilience