Senior Officer, National Society Development

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 (NSs). The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by NSs 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.” IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

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.

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

IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.

National Society Development (NSD) is one of the three main mandates of the IFRC. While the responsibility of NSD rests with each NS, the IFRC has the mandate to support the National Societies in their development and to coordinate all external support. NSD contributes directly towards the seven Transformations of the IFRC Strategy 2030.

The Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS), supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), is working to maintain and improve humanitarian services despite the ongoing national crisis. National Society Development (NSD) is essential for ensuring that SRCS remains strong, accountable, and able to serve vulnerable communities.

The Senior Officer NSD is part of the team responsible for coordinating NSD priorities, integrating development actions with operational programmes, and supporting branches to improve systems, structures, and volunteer engagement.

The Senior Officer NSD reports to the NSD delegate. The role holder will provide NSD support to the National Society counterpart as required, and coordinate with programmes to integrate IFRC priorities, ensuring that their work and support are aligned with the IFRC Agenda for Renewal and national society investment framework (NSIF) tools and way of working (WoW) with movement partners and contribute to the ongoing transformation process led by SRCS.

The Senior Officer NSD supports the strengthening and development of the Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS) by enhancing branch performance, volunteer management, governance and leadership systems, and overall organizational capacity. This role contributes to SRCS’s long term institutional sustainability, effective service delivery, and improved performance nationwide, particularly within an evolving and crisis affected context.

1. Branch Development and Strengthening

• Support the assessment, planning, and implementation of branch development activities.
• Strengthening branch governance, management functions, and volunteer systems.
• Assist branches in improving performance monitoring, reporting, and accountability mechanisms.
• Facilitate branch level adherence to SRCS policies, strategies, and standards.

2. Volunteer Management and Youth Engagement

• Support the improvement of volunteer recruitment, engagement, retention, and protection systems.
• Facilitate training programmes for youth and volunteers, including duty of care, volunteer safety, and basic organizational skills.
• Promote a culture of accountability, integrity, and meaningful participation among volunteers.

3. Programme Integration and Coordination

• Coordinate with SRCS programmes (Health, Disaster Management, PMER, and others) to integrate NSD priorities in project planning and implementation.
• Support branches in using IFRC NSD and NSD-in-Emergency tools, standards, and frameworks.
• Ensure multi-sectoral collaboration to strengthen SRCS systems holistically.

4. Capacity Strengthening and Technical Support

• Provide day-to-day technical support to branches and SRCS departments in organizational development and planning.
• Support the rollout of governance and management capacity strengthening initiatives.
• Facilitate peer to peer learning, exchange visits, and shared learning opportunities.

5. Resource Mobilization and Partnership Support

• Support SRCS in identifying NSD-related funding needs and contributing to proposals.
• Assist in resource mobilization efforts with partners, Movement actors, and donors.
• Contribute to mapping existing support and ensuring coordinated NSD investments at HQ and branch levels.

6. Monitoring, Reporting, and Knowledge Management

• Support branches in developing realistic action plans and monitoring progress.
• Contribute to timely and accurate NSD reporting (narrative and financial).
• Maintain databases, mapping tools, and knowledge-sharing platforms related to NSD.
• Produce lessons learned, success stories, and documentation of best practices.

7. Representation and Coordination

• Represent the NSD function in internal meetings and external NSD-related forums as required.
• Support coordination with Movement partners engaged in capacity strengthening efforts.
• Maintain strong relationships with SRCS departments, branches, and partner National Societies.

8. Field Engagement

• Conduct regular field visits to support branches, monitor progress, and provide guidance.
• Ensure feedback from branches, to inform national-level NSD planning and decision-making.

Duties applicable to all staff.

• Work actively towards the achievement of the Federation Secretariat’s goals.
• Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles.
• Perform any other work-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager.

• University degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Management, Organizational Development, or a related field. Required.
• Training in humanitarian or non-profit management. Preferred.

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in organizational development, capacity building, or programme support within humanitarian or development settings. Required.
• Experience working with the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement or similar volunteer-based organizations. Preferred.
• Proven experience facilitating training and supporting local structures. Required.
• Experience working in volatile, high-pressure, or emergency contexts is an asset. Required.

• Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills. Required.
• Good understanding of governance, volunteer management, and branch development. Required.
• Analytical and strategic thinking with the ability to interpret organizational systems. Required.
• Ability to coordinate with diverse teams and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Required.
• Proficient in computer and digital tools (MS Office, online platforms). Required.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work in a diverse environment. Required.
• Conflict management and problem-solving skills. Required.
• Fluent spoken and written English and Arabic. Required.
• Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic). Preferred.

• Core Competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust.
• Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability
• Functional competencies: Strategic orientation; Building alliances; Leadership; Empowering others
• Managerial competencies: Managing staff performance; Managing staff development.