Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian network, uniting 191-member National Societies under a shared mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering. Guided by Strategy 2030 and its Triple R framework – Response, Resilience, and Respect – the IFRC delivers timely, locally led humanitarian action before, during, and after crises. 

Headquartered in Geneva, the IFRC operates through five regional offices – Africa (Nairobi), the Americas (Panama), Asia Pacific (Kuala Lumpur), Europe (Budapest), and the Middle East and North Africa (Beirut) – supported by a global network of representation offices, service centres, and country delegations. 

Robust community data and meaningful insights are foundational to the IFRC's evidence-based decision-making, equitable programming, and humanitarian diplomacy. Decades of field experience confirm that when community voices are overlooked, responses risk being misaligned, inequitable, or harmful. 

The IFRC's Community Engagement and Accountability (CEA) team drives the localisation of humanitarian action by systematically capturing community feedback and perspectives. Launched in 2023, the Community Trust Index (CTI) is the IFRC's flagship evidence-based tool for measuring community trust in the Red Cross and Red Crescent. It employs a mixed-methods design combining quantitative surveys with qualitative instruments across five structured phases: planning, data collection, data analysis, findings and recommendations, and action planning.  Piloted across 13 countries in Africa, the Americas, Asia Pacific, and Europe, the CTI is now being scaled globally. Analytical and visualisation tools have been developed to synthesise and disseminate results across the IFRC network. However, persistent capacity gaps – particularly in processing large volumes of qualitative data rapidly and consistently – limit the CTI's full potential. 

Job Purpose

The IFRC's Community Engagement and Accountability Unit is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented consultant to support the scaling of the Community Trust Index and a range of CEA activities. The consultant will contribute to knowledge management, event coordination, research support, and stakeholder engagement, playing an active role in strengthening the evidence base for community-centred humanitarian action.

Strategic Alignment  

This consultancy is directly aligned with the IFRC Strategy 2030, the IFRC Agenda for Renewal, and the IFRC Community Engagement and Accountability Strategy.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant will contribute to the following areas of work:

  • Support the organisation of online webinars on the Community Trust Index to share lessons learned on thematic areas pertaining trust in the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, trust in early warning systems and community engagement and accountability. The first webinar is planned for April 2026.
  • Support the team in other types of events, including the launch of country data reports on the Community Trust Index.
  • Support the set-up, organisation, reporting, and communication of regular meetings, including the Community Trust Index Technical Advisory Groups, which comprise two sub-groups: one focused on technical guidance (primarily external experts) and one on data use and trust-building (internal Red Cross Red Crescent partners).
  • Support the management of an on-demand pool of researchers who assist with the analysis of Community Trust Index data.
  • Contribute to basic research supporting ongoing CEA work, including the development of monitoring tools, dashboards, and funding proposals.
  • Support knowledge management by organizing documents on SharePoint and shared folders.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the consultancy, the following outcomes are expected:

  • At least two CTI-related webinars or launch events successfully coordinated and documented.
  • CTI Technical Advisory Group meetings organised, with minutes and follow-up actions recorded and shared in a timely manner.
  • On-demand researcher pool maintained with up-to-date roster and task tracking.
  • SharePoint and shared folder structure reviewed, reorganised, and documented, improving accessibility of and CEA knowledge assets.
  • At least one research or background note produced to support CEA monitoring, learning, or resource mobilisation efforts.
  • Final handover note prepared.

Timeframe and Working Arrangements

Start date: 05 May 2026

End date: 05 August 2026

Working days: 40 days

Working hours: Flexible; to be agreed with line manager

Modality: In person in Geneva, or remote within a similar time zone

Governance and Coordination

The consultant will report directly to the CEA Research Coordinator. The following coordination mechanisms will apply:

  • Weekly check-ins with the line manager to review progress and priorities
  • Monthly progress updates to be shared with the CEA Unit

Education

Required

  • University degree in the following fields:
    • Social Sciences or Humanities
    • Communication or Media Studies
    • International Development or Humanitarian Studies
    • Management or Organizational Studies
    • Or another relevant subject with demonstrated application to humanitarian or development contexts

Experience

Required

  • Experience in event coordination or administrative support (e.g. drafting concept notes, convening speakers, organising meetings, taking minutes, following up on action points).
  • Experience or strong interest in research, including basic desk research and information synthesis.
  • Demonstrated ability to organise and manage documents and digital information systems (e.g. SharePoint, Google Drive).

Preferred

  • Knowledge of humanitarian assistance and the IFRC / Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.
  • Familiarity with community engagement, qualitative research methods, or community-based data collection.
  • Experience working in an international or multicultural organisation.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Required

  • Strong organisational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
  • Analytical mindset with attention to detail in data handling and reporting.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and SharePoint.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural environment.
  • Good written and verbal communication skills.
  • Discretion and respect for confidentiality of sensitive data.

Languages

Required

  • Fluent / professional working proficiency in English.

Preferred

  • Knowledge of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish, or Arabic).

Competencies, Values and Comments

Application Instructions

  • Please submit your application in English only. 
  • Please include the following documents in your application:
    • Updated curriculum vitae (CV) demonstrating relevant academic background and professional experience, including contact details of two professional or academic references.
    • A short motivation letter (maximum one page) outlining interest in the role and relevant skills.

Note

The consultant will be contracted by the IFRC and standard IFRC contractual terms and conditions will apply. 

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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.