Head of Global Strategic Communications

Danish Refugee Council is Denmark’s largest, and a world leading international NGO - one of the few with a specific expertise in forced displacement. We are currently looking for a highly qualified Head of Global Strategic Communications to lead our newly formed Global Strategic Communications unit. The Global Strategic Communications Unit is expected to support growth by communicating DRC´s unique added value with external stakeholders; and support influence by communicating DRC´s position on complex global challenges in a streamlined manner in an effort to reshape the narrative towards conflict and displacement affected people in the media. The unit will be a global coordinating body tasked with coordinating communication efforts across DRC’s global organization and outlining more systematic ways for DRC to bring forward the voices of refugees and civil society. The unit is part of DRC’s department for Partnerships, Advocacy & External Relations (PAER) and the Head of Global Strategic Communications will be a member of the department management group. PAER is DRC’s external facing body and drives global advocacy, press & external communication efforts as well as being responsible for high-level global strategic engagement with partners.

About the job

The Global Strategic Communications Unit has a management, implementation, and coordination function, and the Head of Unit will manage technical teams and introduce processes, oversee the drafting and implementation of communications plans, and ensure coordination with relevant stakeholders for more efficient and effective communication.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

• Building and management of DRC’s global strategic communications functions covering: media and press; public relations, external communications and engagement.
• Development and implementation of DRC´s global strategic communications strategy, in line with DRC´s global strategic planning cycle.
• Define processes and ways of working for all global strategic communications initiatives, including modalities for coordination and engagements with internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee the development and roll out of communication policies, protocols, procedures and standards.
• Promote increased DRC visibility in international media outlets.
• Be responsible for DRC´s contribution towards shaping a more favorable narrative towards conflict and displaced affected people in the media.
• Be responsible for developing and rolling out global public relations strategic priorities.
• Oversee the mapping of and planning for opportunities for strategic communication and sequential engagement.
• Facilitate coordination and organization with relevant internal and external stakeholders to prepare for events and engagements.
• Oversee the creation of global communications products, e.g. visibility materials and templates.
• Be the contact point/filter for global external communication/engagement requests.
• Be responsible for the formulation of crisis communications for internal and external crises, at the global level, in close cooperation with the humanitarian surge, Global Safety and the Global Advocacy Teams.
• Be responsible for ensuring coordination between all relevant units and DRC countries/regions when communicating externally.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have a proven track record within several of the above-mentioned areas of responsibility. You understand, support, and contribute to DRC´s global strategic priorities, supporting the vision of ´ A dignified life for all displaced´ and you have significant experience in strategy design, planning and implementation with specific skills and expertise in strategic communications within the humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding sectors. Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required

• Demonstrated commitment to addressing the root causes of forced displacement, responding to emergencies, and/or ensuring access to protection and durable solutions for displaced populations.
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in similar or complementary leadership roles with a regional or global focus.
• Strong communication technical capacities and experience.
• Track record of engagement with international media
• Excellent leadership, management advisory and coordination skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills including consensus building and experience of working with diverse teams
• Strategic thinker, planner, and implementer.
• Strong focus on process and results and ability to analyze successes and challenges and conceive and implement adaptations as necessary.
• Capacity to work in a changing environment and setting up new organizational structures
• Familiar with the work of civil society, non-governmental organizations, the United Nations, institutional donors, and/or political structures.

Education:

• Master’s degree in relevant field, i.e. journalism, strategic communications, international relations or similar

Languages:

• Essential – English C2 Proficiency or first language
• Desirable – Proficiency in any of the working languages in DRC HQ, Representation Offices and/or Regions including French, Spanish, German, Arabic,

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies: 

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. 

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly. 

Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: Permanent

Band: E

Workplace: Preferably DRC HQ, Borgergade, Copenhagen Start date: As soon as possible

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the agreement between DRC and Lederaftalen between Dansk Arbejdsgiverforening og Lederne (agreement for managers), which can be found here:

This is a national position for which local terms and conditions apply.
For questions regarding the vacancy please contact Maja Mortensen at .

Application process All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. A pplications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 21 June

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo .