Intern - Communications

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 Societies. The overall aim of the 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.”

The IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises. The IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Its work is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

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

The Asia Pacific Regional Office (APRO) leads IFRC support to National Societies of 38 countries through eight country delegations and five country cluster delegations spread across East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific geographical areas. APRO, led by the Regional Director, is organized in units which mirror departments of the Geneva headquarters. APRO also serves as the Secretariat office that provides direct support to the National Societies of Malaysia.

Job Purpose

The Communications Intern will ensure speedy, high-quality, coherent, and well-coordinated communications services across programs in the IFRC Asia Pacific Regional Office. S/ he provides technical support in boosting IFRC APRO’s social media presence, branding, audio-visual production and database management. The role will assist in supporting media and enhancing the profile of the IFRC and member societies in the region.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

1.Learn to Create Social Media Posts

• Help create fun and engaging posts for our social media platforms and learn how to schedule them.
• Explore how to track what works best and suggest creative ideas.

2.Practice Writing and Editing

• Write short articles or stories about what IFRC is doing and help polish them for sharing.
• Assist in preparing simple notes or outlines for events and interviews.

3.Understand and Explain Complex Topics

• Read reports or updates and practice turning them into clear, easy-to-understand content for the public.
• Work with our team to ensure information is correct and relatable.

Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)

4.Track Media and Communication Efforts

• Help track IFRC news coverage and social media mentions to learn how we’re represented.
• Summarize interesting news and updates to share with the team.

5.Assist During Emergencies

• Support the team in posting updates or drafting messages during disaster responses.
• Learn to collect photos, videos, or quotes from the field for public sharing.

Education

• In Graduate Studies preferred, as part of the internship requirement in university.
• Bachelor’s level also welcome to apply

Experience

• Relevant work experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

• Fluently spoken and written English
• Ability to work within a multi-cultural, multilingual, multidisciplinary environment

Competencies, Values and Comments

Deployment conditions and duration

• Office environment. January to March 2025, initially for 3 months
• CHF 300 equivalent to MYR per month

Reporting Lines

• Senior Communications Officer