TRAINEESHIP IN THE OFFICE OF THE HEAD OF THE ASSISTANCE DIVISION

Position

H.E.L.P. course revision associate

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.

Reporting line

The associate reports to the Head of the H.E.L.P. course revision

Purpose

The Health Emergencies in Large Populations (H.E.L.P.) course was created in 1986 by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in cooperation with the University of Geneva and the World Health Organization (WHO). The course aims to enhance professionalism in humanitarian responses during acute and protracted crises caused by armed conflict, natural disasters and disease outbreaks.

Since its start, H.E.L.P. courses have taken place in various parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and Latin America. More than 4,300 health professionals and humanitarian workers from the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, United Nations agencies, Ministries of Health, Non-governmental organizations, Armed Forces and academic institutions have attended the course.

In 2018, H.E.L.P. courses are conducted by the ICRC and partners, i.e. academic institutions, the WHO and/or Red Cross & Red Crescent National Societies in Switzerland (Geneva), USA (Baltimore, Honolulu), Japan (Fukuoka), Benin (Ouidah), Cuba (Havana), India (Delhi), Iran (Tehran) and Lebanon (Beirut). 

The H.E.L.P. course uses a public health approach and focuses on the management of operations in humanitarian crises with an emphasis on decision making. It fosters a multidisciplinary approach and brings out critical challenges, principles and dilemmas. 

Currently, a thorough revision of the course is underway. Updates include a reduced on-site training time (went from three to two weeks) and new course content and learning methods. A revised set of learning objectives has been prepared and at present, session development plans (25) and educational materials are being prepared by subject specialists. A pilot of the partly revised course took place in Geneva in June 2018.

To support the development of the session development plans and learning materials, the ICRC Assistance Division seeks the contribution from an associate / intern who will be working closely with the head of the H.E.L.P. course revision and others involved in this work. The associate will be a member of the overall Assistance team.  

Main responsibilities:

• Liaise with content specialists to prepare learning materials such as case studies, exercises and presentations.  
• Assist content specialists with the completion of the session development plans
• Compile materials for a learners’ toolbox 
• Complete guidelines for course facilitators
• Participate in the development of a platform/database for facilitators to ensure that relevant materials will be readily available in all course locations

Educational background and experience required

• Bachelor or Master's degree in Public Health
• Knowledge or interest in adult learning  
• Familiarity with PowerPoint, photo/image editing and/or creation (e.g. Photoshop, Illustrator)
• Good knowledge of distance learning an asset
• Degree in pedagogical studies and education sciences an asset

Desired profile and skills

• Responsible and well organized
• Interest in public health interventions in humanitarian crisis
• Understanding of ICRC Assistance programmes an advantage
• Excellent oral and written English. French or Spanish an advantage 

Abilities and further characteristics

• Initiative and creativity
• Team working skills
• Ability to carry out tasks independently
• Interest in innovative tools for learning
• Open-minded, with a willingness to learn about the ICRC and humanitarian action

Additional information

Activity rate: 100%

Starting date: 7th january 2019

Deadline to apply: 9th December 2018