About the job

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to protect and assist people affected by conflict and violence and to promote the laws that protect victims of war. A neutral, independent and impartial humanitarian organisation, the ICRC is based in Switzerland. It employs 17,000 people in 100 countries and is financed mainly by voluntary contributions from governments and national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

The ICRC’s Regional Delegation for the Pacific is seeking a Regional Protection Coordinator, based in Canberra, Australia. The role is responsible for all protection activities in line with the priorities of the Regional Delegation and consistent with ICRC policies and frameworks. The role will involve representing the ICRC with external stakeholders on ICRC’s protection activity, managing a small team, and acting as a delegate for management. The role also provides remote support for protection-related activity for the ICRC’s Delegation in Tokyo, Japan.

The Regional Protection Coordinator will:

  • Lead the development and implementation of protection strategies, priorities and operational plans across the Pacific region, including support to the Tokyo Delegation as required.
  • Coordinate protection activities across the full program cycle, including assessments, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
  • Provide technical leadership and guidance on protection methodologies, approaches and standards, ensuring their consistent application across programs.
  • Represent ICRC’s protection activity with external stakeholders, maintaining strong networks and engaging in relevant forums and coordination mechanisms.
  • Lead and contribute to the development of clear, coherent and evidence-based protection messages for internal and external communications.
  • Lead multidisciplinary responses to protection concerns, working closely with colleagues across relevant technical areas to develop integrated humanitarian responses.
  • Identify opportunities for joint and complementary initiatives with other Movement components and external partners.
  • Oversee protection-related resources, including budget management and resource mobilisation, to support effective program delivery.
  • Contribute to analysis of the humanitarian environment and translate emerging protection concerns into relevant program priorities and actions.
  • Provide technical support, mentoring and oversight to staff involved in protection activities, including performance and competency development.
  • Act as the delegate for management during periods of absence, providing leadership, operational oversight and continuity as required.
  • Provides effective people management and leadership, supporting employee performance, development, wellbeing, team coordination and workforce planning to ensure a motivated, well-supported team and continuity of operations.

Skills and qualifications 

  • Typically, 10–12 years’ overall professional experience.
  • 5–7 years’ ICRC experience in the full range of protection activities (detention, missing, RFL, PCP) and other ICRC program or management roles.
  • Strong understanding of the ICRC’s work and the seven Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
  • Staff management experience.
  • Excellent command of protection methodologies and approaches.
  • Excellent analytical and reporting skills.

Conditions

The position is full-time (100%), open-ended contract, based in Canberra.

The role provides a competitive salary, plus 12% super and is eligible for salary sacrificing. The ICRC offers an additional monthly contribution to private health insurance.

Applicants must be entitled to lawfully reside and work in Australia and must be available to travel, domestically and internationally.

The ICRC offers flexible working arrangements, with a minimum requirement to work three days in the office (Canberra) per week.

How to apply

To apply, a letter of motivation and a CV with at least two referees should be sent electronically to canberra@icrc.org with the subject of “Regional Protection Coordinator”.

Deadline to submit applications: Friday, 30 October 2026 midnight (AEST).

Starting date: January 2027

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Prior to interview, the candidates will undergo a written test.

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