Organizational Context

A Group of Friends for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel has been established to promote implementation of the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel. It serves as a critical platform to contribute to practical and tangible policies and practices that support the Declaration’s aims. It also offers a forum to exchange good practices and connect with humanitarian organisations.

To support the work of the Group of Friends, a Secretariat is being established and will be hosted by the IFRC at its offices in Geneva, Switzerland. The Secretariat will operate under the legal umbrella of the IFRC and will be subject to IFRC rules, regulations and policies. The Secretariat will be headed by a manager and supported by a small team (2-4) of additional staff. The Secretariat will report to the Steering Committee consisting of the co-chairs of the Group of Friends and the IFRC.

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. 

Job Purpose

The Senior Policy Officer will work with the Manager to support the Group of Friends in their work to implement the Declaration on Protection of Humanitarian Personnel.

The Senior Officer will undertake policy analysis, secondary research, data and trends tracking, and reporting, as well as supporting on policy development and implementation, designing meetings and events and engaging with States and humanitarian organizations.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

1. Policy Analysis and Reporting

  • Assist the Manager to prepare reports to highlight the issue of the protection of humanitarian personnel and promote the Declaration and its objectives, in accordance with the guidance from the Steering Committee.
  • Coordinate with the Communications Officer to develop compelling content for the website and other relevant platforms.
  • Based on inputs and comments received from stakeholders, develop and implement policies for the secretariat and the group of friends.
  • Provide necessary tools, guidance materials, templates and advice to the group of friends to support policy development and/or revision process.
  • Collaborate with all relevant colleagues within the Group of Friends and the humanitarian community in the identification of areas requiring new or revised policies, and the development of such policies, ensuring an inclusive, evidence-based process and policy directions that address concrete areas of need.

2. Stakeholder Engagement

  • Engage and build relations and networks with the Advisory Group and signatory States.
  • Engage and build relations with humanitarian, conflict and peacebuilding organisations (UN agencies, Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, International and National NGOs, think tanks etc), as well as security focused organisations (GISF, INSO, UNDSS and ILS), to gain an understanding of what is working, key challenges and gaps in the protection of humanitarian personnel.
  • Ensure regular communication with key stakeholders, providing high-level advice and updates on emerging issues, current trends and best practice to protect humanitarian personnel.

3. Secondary Research and Data Tracking

  • Undertake a review of reports, studies and research products on the protection of humanitarian personnel.
  • Track and analyse databases on attacks on humanitarian personnel, identifying patterns, emerging risks, and trends.
  • Develop knowledge and advocacy products related to the data and trends.
  • Brief co-chairs and Advisory Group, ensuring they are updated on latest trends and relevant subject matter on the protection of humanitarian personnel.
  • Analyse trends, incidents, and data related to attacks on humanitarian personnel and translate findings into policy-relevant insights.
  • Ensure that evidence informs advocacy positions, policy dialogue, and practical recommendations to Member States.
  • Contribute to the development of guidance notes, discussion papers, and thematic policy briefs.

4. Organizing meetings

  • Work with the Manager and Communications Officer to organize meetings for Group of Friends, Advisory groups and other stakeholders, including developing agendas, background papers etc.
  • As relevant, provide notes of meetings and reports and work with the communications officer to update the Group of Friends, Advisory Group and other relevant stakeholders.

Duties applicable to all staff

  1. Actively work towards the achievement of IFRC’s goals and the goals of the Secretariat for the group of Friends for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel.
  2. Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles.
  3. Perform any other work-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager.

Education

Required

  • University degree or equivalent in relevant field.

Preferred

  • MBA or any other relevant post-graduate degree.

Experience

Required

  • At least 7 years of experience in working on humanitarian or development issues, with a focus on working in a multilateral environment.
  • Experience working with diverse stakeholders across many disciplines, to achieve impact, institutional and policy change.
  • Experience in humanitarian policy and programmes, particularly in conflict contexts.
  • Experience working with governments in a diplomatic setting.

Preferred

  • Experience of working in a Secretariat and/or familiarity the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Required

  • Humanitarian policy and programming in or pertaining to conflict contexts.
  • Negotiation and influencing experience.
  • Proven excellent communication skills, written and spoken and engagement with governments and inter-governmental organisations.
  • Demonstrated track record in innovating, contributing to a learning culture, sharing knowledge and new approaches to engaging partners.
  • Ability to follow, analyse and synthesise various trends and debates to provide evidence-based recommendations.
  • Proven ability to organise and steer meetings in a multilateral context.
  • Excellent project management, attention to detail and a general administrative competence, including minute-taking, computer skills and financial literacy.
  • Demonstrates self-motivation, adaptability and flexibility to respond to rapidly changing events.
  • Ability to work within a multi-cultural, multilingual, multidisciplinary environment.
  • Fluency in Microsoft office tools.
  • Demonstrated core proficiency in (a) digital communication and collaboration, (b) basic digital content creation, (c) digital safety and security, (d) data literacy, and (e) problem solving with technology (including responsible use of AI assistants).

Languages

Required

  • Fluent spoken and written English.

Preferred

  • Good command of another IFRC official language or UN language (French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese or Arabic).

Competencies, Values and Comments

Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability.

Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust.

Application Instruction

Please submit your application in English only. 

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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.