Communications Intern

Job Opening

ICRC New York

US Citizen or Green-Card holders Only

FUNCTION: Communications Intern

DIRECT SUPERVISOR:  Digital Diplomacy and Communications Manager

TERMS: This is a full-time, paid internship position with benefits (USD 39’000 p.a. non-negotiable). 

Contract Period is 12 months, non-renewable.

Expected start date May / June 2022, with some measure of flexibility on the start date.

Minimum required knowledge & experience:

• University degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as communications, political science, international relations or journalism. Current students or recent graduates encouraged to apply.
• Fluent spoken English with good writing skills.
• Good grasp of political environments, international relations and multilateral diplomacy a plus.
• Computer skills (proficiency in MS Office); familiarity with online and social media communication tools. Media monitoring / management tools a plus

The ICRC Delegation in New York City plays a key role in humanitarian diplomacy. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a Permanent Observer of the United Nations (UN). Key international policies that originate at the UN in New York can affect the ICRC’s field operations and development of the law. Therefore, ICRC NYC engages externally in humanitarian diplomacy on the operational concerns of the ICRC’s field delegations and on priority humanitarian themes. This requires close collaboration with internal colleagues throughout the ICRC, at headquarters (e.g., Operations and Policy divisions) and in the field delegations. ICRC NYC has access to decision-makers in 1) the UN - e.g. Office of the Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the Department of Political Affairs and Peacebuilding (DPPA), the Executive Office of the Secretary General (EOSG) and 2) all States through Permanent Missions. NYC team members must be fast-thinkers, diplomatically skilled, curious and flexible, adapting to the fast-paced and ever-changing dynamics at UNHQ and Permanent Missions. Good political instincts and the ability to capitalize on opportunities are indispensable. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

The intern contributes to implementing communication projects and activities, under supervision and in coordination with Head of Communications and the Digital Diplomacy/Communications Manager, and provides support to the Communications department, as well as other units/departments, as necessary. The Associate contributes to representing the ICRC externally to key stakeholders and building the necessary understanding and support for the ICRC, its key operations, and humanitarian priorities.  

Main Responsibilities will include:

1. Contributes to implementing relevant activities and developing tools for public communication, digital communication promoting international humanitarian law (IHL), building National Red Cross/Red Crescent Society communication capacity, and information analysis/environment scanning. 
2. Supports the ICRC New York delegation in networking with relevant contacts and organizations; represents the ICRC to relevant external audiences, with the aim of enhancing ICRC acceptance, promoting IHL and other legal norms, and advancing humanitarian priorities.
3. Follows and contributes analysis of political, security, military and humanitarian developments, as well as other issues relevant to the ICRC’s operations or institutional priorities.
4. Provides technical and administrative support to the team (e.g. contacts management, stock management, event organization).