The International Council of Peace and Security (ICPS) is an independent international NGO based in Geneva, committed to building a safer, more peaceful world for all.
The ICPS is seeking an exceptional and visionary Chief Communications Officer to lead our global communications efforts and elevate the profile of their diverse initiatives across key media and public-facing platforms. As the CCO, you will be responsible for designing and executing comprehensive communications strategies that align with ICPS’s mission and drive meaningful social impact. You will oversee both internal and external communications, ensuring clear, consistent messaging that resonates with our stakeholders and enhances ICPS’s public image. Your role will include direct line management of two senior managers – the Public Relations Director and the Public Relations Manager. You will work closely with both, managing a team of 20 public relations professionals to ensure that the organisation’s communications campaigns are executed with precision, creativity, and impact. You will also be responsible for collaborating with the Chief Media Officer and Chief Marketing Officer for setting strategic priorities, creating high-quality, compelling content, and building and maintaining strong relationships with external media outlets and key partners. You will lead strategic communications, manage crisis communications, and play a key role in increasing the visibility of ICPS on an international scale.
Key Responsibilities
As the CCO, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing ICPS‘s visibility and reputation, strategically shaping its communications efforts. Your responsibilities will include:
Strategic Communications Leadership:
- Provide forward-thinking communications counsel to the executive board and senior leadership team, ensuring the organisation remains proactive in addressing public relations challenges and seizing opportunities in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Media Relations and Content Strategy:
- Act as the principal point of contact for all media relations and external communications. Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, media outlets, influencers, and content partners to enhance ICPS’s public image.
Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy:
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including donors, academic institutions, artists, and government agencies, to advocate for ICPS’s work and promote its global initiatives. Serve as a trusted advisor to the executive board on matters related to communications, media strategy, and public engagement. Provide guidance on key messaging, communications risks, and strategic media opportunities to increase ICPS’s global influence.
Skills and Competencies Required:
Communications Expertise:
- Extensive experience in developing and implementing successful communication strategies, ideally within a non-profit or mission-driven environment. Proven ability to align communication efforts with organisational goals and create measurable impact across a variety of platforms.
Media Relations:
- Expertise in managing media relations and crafting compelling narratives. Ability to manage both proactive and reactive media campaigns, cultivate strong media relationships.
Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving:
- Strong strategic and analytical mindset, with the ability to navigate complex communications challenges, identify opportunities for brand enhancement, and develop innovative solutions that further the organisation’s mission.
Qualifications
- A master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field from a reputable institution. Professional certifications or qualifications in media relations, digital communication, or strategic communications are highly desirable.
- A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, or media management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership position overseeing communications strategy, media outreach, and public relations. Experience within the nonprofit sector, particularly with international or mission-driven organisations, is highly advantageous but not required..
- Demonstrated expertise in leading and managing communications teams, including supervising senior communications officers or directors. Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams that consistently deliver impactful media campaigns and communication strategies.
- Strong advisory experience, serving as a trusted communications consultant and primary point of contact for executive boards, senior leadership teams, and external stakeholders on all communications matters. Ability to provide strategic counsel on complex communications issues, including crisis management, media strategy, and public perception.
- Extensive knowledge of the media landscape, including both traditional and digital media channels. Familiarity with media regulations, press relations, and the intricacies of managing communications.
- Fluency in English (CEFR C1) is required. Proficiency in French or German is highly desirable.
- Proven ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with key external stakeholders, including media outlets, influencers, governmental bodies, and partner organisations. Experience working with international media and managing high-profile media content will be an asset.
- Comfortable with part-time commitment, contributing 8–10 hours (20%) per week, with availability for remote work, selecting your own working hours.
- A motivational and empathetic leadership style, with a commitment to fostering inclusivity, integrity, and excellence. Strong interpersonal skills to inspire trust and credibility within the organisation.
What We Offer
- An opportunity to shape the future of a dynamic, mission driven organisation that contributes to international peace and security.
- An online certificate with an international serial number after completing one year at ICPS.
- Access to ICPS’s Executive Education Certificate Program, which includes six courses totaling 64 hours, specifically tailored for your role, with international certification.
- Access to a global network of seasoned professionals and consultants, offering tailored support to help you grow, excel, and advance in your area of expertise.
- We promise you a green world, a new feature. Join a fully net-zero carbon emission organisation committed to supporting a greener world.
- Flexible working hours based on project deadlines. You must be available to work 8-10 hours per week, with the flexibility to choose your working hours.
- The chance to be part of our volunteer organisation, contributing to ICPS‘s humanitarian mission to promote international security and peace for all.
- Possibility of contract renewal with advancement at your field at the end of your 1 year according to evaluation of the ICPS Board.
- The opportunity to work remotely, providing flexibility and the ability to balance your work with other commitments.
- The chance to work with a diverse team of individuals from around the world, supporting the organisation’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
- Being credited with your name, picture and also being credited in the ” Team ” section.
- Training sessions from our valuable and well-experienced team members.
- Being part of our volunteer-based organisation, and the satisfaction of contributing and doing good to the world.