Regional Urban Livelihoods Specialist Amman

What we do

 The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and at the same time promote respect for international humanitarian law.  We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Role description

The ICRC defines Economic Security as the status of an individual, household or community that is able to cover its life and livelihoods obligatory expenditures in a sustainable manner, consistent with its environment, culture and customs. Within its global Economic Security approach in conflict affected countries, the ICRC implements Relief, Livelihood and Rehabilitation Programs in order to improve, restore or maintain food and economic security at household level. To achieve this objective Economic Security uses a combination of different interventions, such as cash and voucher programs, microeconomic initiatives, agricultural and livestock programs, and relief items distributions.

Under the supervision of the Head of Regional Affairs in Amman and in close interaction with the Economic Security (EcoSec) Unit in Geneva, the urban livelihoods specialist supports the delegations in the Near and Middle East Region in improving their understanding of urban economy actors and systems and to develop appropriate responses to better address specific urban population needs. S/he represents the ICRC in relevant urban humanitarian fora (alongside with Water and Habitat unit colleagues) and generally contributes to the elaboration of delegations’ strategies for urban response.

S/he does frequent mission in operational delegations (Irak, Syria, Yemen, IL/OT, Lebanon, Jordan) and develops close collaboration with respective EcoSec Coordinators

Main responsibilities

• Enhances the ICRC’s understanding and analysis of the impact of conflict on markets, the wider economy and ultimately the livelihoods of the affected populations living in urban settings;
• Supports delegations to assess and understand the needs of urban conflict-affected populations;
• Conducts comprehensive studies on the impact of conflict on urban populations, local markets, cash economy, access to jobs and essential services (on local, country and regional levels);
• Assesses dynamics of urban markets and actors;
• Recommends and contributes to the design of urban livelihood support programmes;
• Identifies lessons learned and good practices in urban EcoSec responses to improve EcoSec capacities in this field as well as to inform and guide delegations in appropriate responses; 
• Develops relevant tools and guidance for field colleagues, including training and coaching;
• Coordinates with relevant urban humanitarian and research fora in close coordination with the Water and Habitat unit and Policy colleagues;
• Contributes to ICRC policy on urban issues;
• Participate in internal/external workshops and seminars, and EcoSec-related forums
• Promote the principles of the Red Cross and of international humanitarian law;
• As a representative of the ICRC, maintain contact and negotiate with government authorities – civilian and military – in order to carry out the work as effectively as possible.

Desired profile and skills

• University degree in economics or equivalent field;
• Minimum 3 years field experience in a similar position;
• Previous experience in managing humanitarian projects in urban context;
• Professional experience in international humanitarian work and field missions abroad, especially in emergencies;
• Experience of work with the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is an asset;
• Experience in advocacy and policy work is a strong asset
• Sound understanding of the project cycle, establishing appropriate (SMART) objectives and indicators is required;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; good presentation skills; ability to represent ICRC in international forum.
• Very good organisational, managerial, planning, reporting skills;
• Excellent command of English is desired; knowledge of Arabic and French is an asset;
• Fully conversant with word processing and spreadsheet software;

• Strongly motivated by humanitarian work;
• Ready to work in difficult contexts and spend time in the field, or to manage programs without direct access to the affected population;
• Possessing good capacity to analyse and summarise complex situations;
• Excellent ability to work under pressure in a potentially dangerous environment;
• Strong capacities to coach staff members;
• Ability to take relevant decisions within a given framework;
• Open-minded and adaptable, empathic and diplomatic;
• Readiness and capacity to work in a multidisciplinary team involving other sectors linked to the economic security, and collaborating with Red Cross and Red Crescent movement' members.

Our operational and field constraints

• In line with the principle of neutrality, the ICRC does not assign personnel to a country of which they are nationals
• Candidates must be in good health and will have to do a medical check-up pior the departure in the field
• Candidates must possess a driving license (for manual transmission vehicles)
• Candidates must be prepared to accept unaccompanied postings (i.e. no spouse, partner, children or dependents) for the first two missions (minimum 12 months each) or total of 24 months

What we offer

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment
• A two-week orientation course and other opportunities for further in-house training
• Generous social benefits
• Length of assignment: 24 months
• The opportunity to join an ICRC talent pool and be considered for future assignments elsewhere

Deadline of application 30th November