Social Media Governance Consultant

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Social Media Governance Consultant
International Rescue Committee

1. BACKGROUND
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees and displaced people forced to flee from war or disaster. At work in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted by conflict or disaster.
As our global presence and digital engagement continue to expand, the IRC seeks to develop new comprehensive social media governance frameworks to ensure consistent, effective, and responsible use of social media platforms across all levels of the organization. This initiative will strengthen our digital communications capacity and ability to advocate for our clients, raise revenue and profile, while maintaining brand integrity and operational coherence across local, country, and regional offices.
2. OBJECTIVE OF THE CONSULTANCY
The IRC seeks an experienced consultant to develop a comprehensive social media governance framework that will guide the establishment, management, and oversight of branded social media accounts across our global operations. This framework will ensure strategic alignment, brand consistency and risk mitigation while respecting the unique contexts and needs of our diverse operational environments. It will include the criteria for opening new accounts as well as a process for reviewing and reevaluating existing accounts.
3. SCOPE OF WORK
The consultant will be responsible for:
3.1 Assessment and Analysis
Review existing social media presence, current practices, approval process, guidelines, and challenges in social media management.
Conduct an audit of existing accounts.
Identify gaps, risks, and opportunities in current social media usage
3.2 Stakeholder Engagement
Engage with Public Affairs/Digital Engagement and Creative & Content leadership to understand strategic priorities, as well concerns over reputation and brand management.
Facilitate consultations with Regional and Country Communications and Advocacy, Awards Management Unit, Partnership Communications, and Fundraising teams
3.3 Framework Development
Create, in partnership with the Digital Engagement Director, Director of Public Affairs and Director of Brand Engagement, a comprehensive social media governance policy including:Overarching purpose of social media accounts at the IRC
Account creation approval processes and criteria
Governance structure to ensure reputation management, brand guidelines and visual identity standards
Content approval workflows and escalation procedures
Crisis communication protocols for social media
Governance roles and responsibilities
Required minimum performance and review framework
Account closure and transition procedures

3.4 Guidelines and Standards
Define, covering:Brand and messaging guardrails
Platform-specific strategies and best practices
Content planning and editorial calendar management
Community management standards and response protocols
Performance metrics and reporting requirements
Accessibility and inclusion standard
Review cadence and criteria for account closure

3.5 Roles and Responsibilities Framework
Define clear roles and responsibilities for:Account ownership and administrative access
Brand/messaging adherence
Content creation and approval authorities
Monitoring and response duties
Training and capacity building responsibilities
Periodic reviews and decision-making

3.6 Implementation Support
Create implementation roadmap with prioritized phases
Develop training materials and resources for staff
Design monitoring and evaluation framework for governance effectiveness
Provide recommendations for necessary tools and resources
6. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Essential Requirements:
Minimum 7 years of experience in digital communications and social media strategy
Demonstrated experience developing social media governance for large, complex international organizations
Proven track record working with non-profits, NGOs, or humanitarian organizations
Experience managing multi-stakeholder consultation processes
Strong understanding of social media platforms, trends, and best practices
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with humanitarian or development sector communications
Knowledge of data protection, privacy laws, and digital security considerations
Experience working in multicultural, multilingual environments
Understanding of crisis communication and reputation management
Familiarity with social media management and monitoring tools
Additional language skills relevant to IRC operational contexts
7. REPORTING AND COORDINATION
The consultant will report directly to the Director of Digital Engagement and work closely with:
Public Affairs team
Digital Engagement team
Fundraising
Regional and Country Office representatives
10. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Interested consultants should submit:
Cover letter outlining relevant experience and approach to the assignment Current CV/resume Daily/weekly rate and confirmation of availability

The International Rescue Committee is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from qualified consultants regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age.
Application Deadline: [Insert Date] Expected Start Date: [Insert Date] Contact: [Insert Contact Information]

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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