Intern, Communications and Advocacy Support

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.

IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. IFRC also has country cluster delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

The five countries supported by the IFRC Country Cluster Delegation for East Asia – China, Japan, Mongolia, and Republic of Korea, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) cover 28 per cent of the Asian continent and comprising 1.5 billion people. Disasters, poverty, unprecedented aging of the population, urbanization and migration contribute to increased vulnerability in this region. The population are also exposed to increased health risks due to epidemics, communicable and non-communicable diseases.

The IFRC Country Cluster Delegation (CCD) for East Asia supports National Societies in East Asia in becoming stronger domestically and abroad, and in both disaster response operations and sustainable development initiatives. The CCD acts as a resource centre and conduit for exploration and adaptation of global initiatives to meet the sub-region’s needs and capacities.

Job Purpose

This is a 6-month on-site internship opportunity with the IFRC East Asia Delegation. The primary responsibility of the incumbent will be to provide comprehensive communication and advocacy support to the Delegation. The role will involve working closely with different program teams and units at the Beijing office, as well as liaising with focal points of the Red Cross Societies in East Asia. The candidate will have a key focus on social media platforms. The ideal candidate will be expected to work full-time at the IFRC Beijing office.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the communication strategy of IFRC East Asia Delegation by posting relevant information on Chinese social media platforms as well as promote IFRC and regional campaigns.
• Managing the IFRC Chinese social media accounts and produce qualified content.
• Monitor the media and social media landscape and provide regular overviews to the Delegation.
• Support developing publicity/awareness materials including newsletter, web stories, brochures, presentations, programme videos, advocacy reports, calendars etc.
• Assist in preparing media materials (Talking Points, Q& A, Press releases) and support events like press conferences, media briefings, outreach activities etc.
• Maintain and update various communication contact lists as well as audio-visual libraries.
• Act as the point of contact between National Societies and IFRC on global/regional campaigns and humanitarian diplomacy initiatives.
• Provide knowledge-based guidance to designs and branding materials.
• Translate the regional social media content for IFRC channels.
• Assist in literature research and related content drafting.
• Willing to take up any other work or responsibilities as needed as advised by supervisor.
• Be able to respond to emergency and urgent working needs.

Education

Be currently enrolled in a university or equivalent level or have graduated recently (normally within 1 year from the date of hiring) in journalism, public relations, mass communication or in a related field.

Experience

Proven work experience in communications and social media management

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

• High level of skill in written English and Chinese, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Attention to details.
• An ability to stay focused throughout an entire document, which may be long and technical Computer literate.