Lead, Humanitarian Diplomacy & Liaison

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.

The 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 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 is organized into four main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Coordination, (ii) Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization, (iii) Management and Accountability and (iv) People and Strategy.

The 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. The IFRC regional office for Asia Pacific is in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Country Cluster Delegation (CCD office in Delhi supports the Red Cross Societies of Bhutan, India, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka. The incumbent will be based in Delhi.

The 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. 

Reporting to the Head of Delegation, the Lead Humanitarian Diplomacy & Liaison will provide technical and strategic advice and facilitate the Humanitarian Diplomacy (HD) and strategic partnerships activities of IFRC CCD Delhi

Humanitarian Diplomacy (HD)

• In coherence with IFRC’s Strategy 2030, HD policy and global HD strategy, develop and ensure implementation of IFRC HD strategies and external engagement plans for India, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka to

1. a) position the IFRC and National Societies.
2. b) influence national contextual and thematic policies/practises/laws for better humanitarian outcomes.
3. c) influence regional organisations’ positions in global agendas of relevance for humanitarian action.
4. d) enhance the HD capacity of National Societies.

• Continuously analyse national, and global political and policy developments of relevance for IFRC’s humanitarian mandate and operations under CCD Delhi.
• Identify and research humanitarian issues that warrant prioritised HD engagement and develop HD key messages.
• Undertake comprehensive stakeholder mapping, identifying areas of common interest and identifying engagement opportunities.
• Facilitate, and follow up on the Head of Delegation’s external engagements, including through network building and production of briefing notes and key messages.
• At the direction of the HoD represent the IFRC at external engagements.
  • Ensure the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the Head of Delegation’s strategic outgoing correspondence, policy position, and briefs by coordinating with relevant internal stakeholders.
  • As advised and directed by the Head of Delegation, work closely with National Societies on HD strategy and messages, and provide appropriate support and advice to NSs.
  • Coordinate with the IFRC Programmes team, Operations team and Communications staff during humanitarian emergencies impacting India, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka.
• In support of resource mobilisation team, contribute to well-funded IFRC emergency appeals and operational plans, including through provision of contextual analysis and donor partner stewardship.

Strategic Partnerships

• Identify and develop partnerships with interlocutors at key government ministries.
• Develop engagement strategies for partners and systemic ways of engagement where needed in collaboration with Partner National Societies.
• Support coordination with the Host NS and the IFRC Membership, supporting via multilateral and bilateral channels, to ensure an IFRC-wide approach while liaising with the ICRC on relevant matters.
• Support strengthened cooperation with (sub-)regional organisations, multilateral and international financial institutions, development banks with country presence, UN agencies, specialized funds, etc.
• Ensure the management of all information/data related to partnerships/ in India, Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka is kept fully up to date in the IFRC’s customer relationship management (CRM) system.
• As directed by the Head of Delegation, working closely with National Societies counterpart on strategic partnerships strategy and messages, and providing appropriate support and advice to NSs.

* University-level degree in a relevant field (e.g., international relations, development studies, law, political science, public administration) or equivalent in qualifying experience 

* Qualification or certification in project management or negotiation 

At least 10-15 years of relevant professional experience in advocacy, partnerships, multi-stakeholder engagement, donor relations,

Experience in managing external relations with diplomatic missions, international organizations, and other key actors

Solid experience in networking and building relationship with internal and external stakeholders. 

At least 5 years of experience within the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement and/or other humanitarian organization(s). 

Field experience in high-risk and/or fragile context(s). 

Demonstrable experience in project/funding proposal preparation 

Proven good judgment and ability to work with complete integrity and confidentiality, acting as a model of highest integrity in personal capacity and at team level 

Professional credibility, strong analytical and problem-solving skills 

Excellent communication, interpersonal, influencing skills, networking, and representation skills. 

Ability to negotiate while maintaining effective working relations. 

Ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-lingual, and cross-functional environment 

Ability to translate strategy into reality/practice. 

Ability to work under pressure and in a demanding environment while keeping a consistent, courteous, and positive attitude towards others. 

Developed soft skills such as adaptability, empathy, high-level of individual ethics 

Ease with public speaking and engagement with external stakeholders 

Ability to work in situations of uncertainty and rapid change 

Proven skills to foster and identify need for confidentiality 

Demonstrated internal and external accountability 

Fluent spoken and written English

Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish, or Arabic)

Comprehensive understanding/knowledge of IFRC policies, procedures, and IFRC-wide approaches. 

Comprehensive knowledge of major donor policies, and approaches 

VALUES: Respect for Diversity, Integrity, Professionalism and Accountability 

CORE COMPETENCIES: Communication, Collaboration and Teamwork, Judgement and Decision making, National Society and Customer Relations, Creativity and Innovation, and Building Trust

MANAGERIAL COMPETENCIES: Managing staff performance and Managing staff development 

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES: Strategic orientation, Building alliances, Leadership and Empowering others