Senior Spokesperson

The Red Cross seeks talented employees with outstanding skills for a position and does not discriminate based on cultural background, physical disabilities, gender identity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or age.

A position has opened up in our Communications department for a 

Senior Spokesperson

(40 hours per week)

A spokesperson who is able to respond quickly and effectively to news developments and questions from the media. You know how to assess the sensitivity of questions.

At the same time, you are able to proactively bring the Red Cross’s activities and positions to the attention of journalists. You are also results-oriented. You are able to identify newsworthy stories within the organization and present them to the media in a compelling way.

You will serve as the spokesperson for the Red Cross and proactively maintain contacts with a broad network of journalists. You act as an intermediary between the Red Cross’s volunteers, specialists, and management, and the media. Working at the Red Cross as a spokesperson means that no two days are the same. One moment you’re reporting on the Red Cross’s relief efforts at a major event, such as the Nijmegen Four Days Marches. The next, you’re preparing management for an interview on a major talk show or speaking out about a disaster or crisis in another part of the world. You also provide communication and interview training to colleagues and Red Cross volunteers.

You have a good understanding of the Dutch media landscape and closely follow news and emerging trends in the media. Social media is an integral part of your life. You are able to work under intense pressure, even during crisis situations. You know how to translate Red Cross campaigns into a solid media strategy. Building and maintaining relationships with the media, the International Red Cross, staff, local chapters, volunteers, and other relevant networks comes naturally to you. You have a fluent and error-free writing style, are a news junkie, creative, inspiring, innovative, independent, a thorn in the side, and dare to swim against the tide to achieve a goal.    

As a spokesperson, you will serve as a sounding board for your colleagues, safeguard the Red Cross’s reputation, and ensure that press communications align with the Red Cross’s communication strategy. In doing so, you look beyond press relations to other channels that directly impact that reputation (such as the website and social media) and contribute to a coherent image of the Red Cross across these channels.

Your talent matters to us. We don’t care where your parents were born, what your religion is, who you love, or what your political views are. As long as you support the core principles of the Red Cross and are committed to contributing to its mission: in times of need, no one is left to fend for themselves.

The spokesperson:

• Answers questions from journalists and provides information to the media. The press officer also prepares the spokesperson or management for interviews and, when necessary, acts as spokesperson themselves.
• Writes press releases, statements, opinion pieces, Q&As, and communication plans and strategies.
• Provides media analysis and offers advice on the press strategy to be followed based on that analysis.
• Identifies newsworthy stories within the organization and knows how to get journalists interested in them.
• Helps develop strategies to make Red Cross initiatives and campaigns newsworthy.
• Organizes and participates in press conferences, press briefings, and media events.
• Makes recommendations for press visits to Red Cross relief operations both domestically and abroad.
• The spokesperson coordinates and oversees these visits or trips and is therefore prepared to travel to disaster or crisis areas when necessary.
• Identifies potential threats to the Red Cross’s reputation and provides recommendations on this matter.
• Regularly works on-call shifts in the evenings and on weekends.
• Participates in working groups and project groups.
• Maintains relevant (international) networks

Job Requirements:

• Educational and professional background: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and a relevant degree in communication or journalism;
  
• At least 5 years of relevant work experience, preferably as a spokesperson or in a communications role, at a news organization, or with an NGO;
  
• Knowledge and experience in the field of public relations or journalism, and experience serving as a spokesperson;
  
• Excellent presentation skills and oral and written communication skills in Dutch and English;
  
• A go-getter and a team player.
  

We offer: 

A flexible and people-oriented work environment that encourages initiative and professional growth. The salary is based on pay scale 12, depending on education and relevant work experience, in accordance with the Dutch Red Cross Collective Bargaining Agreement (min. €3,947.37 to max. €5,239.87) for a full-time position.

Our association’s office is located in The Hague, within walking distance of the Laan van NOI train station. We operate on an activity-based model, and you can decide where and when you work in consultation with us. Like your other colleagues, you’ll work partly from home and will be provided with a phone and a laptop.

Comments: 

Please send your cover letter and resume, addressed to Jeneth Santoe, to https://werkenbijhetrodekruis.inhroffice.com/nl/job/246857/apply by October 10.

For questions regarding the job description, please contact Red Cross spokesperson Iris van Deinse by email at ivandeinse@redcross.nl or by phone at 06-12894923.

An assessment is part of the application process. 

For more information about the work of the Red Cross, visitwww.rodekruis.nl

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