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Delegate in charge of Relations with Police and Security Forces

Multiple locations

  • Organization: ICRC - International Committee of the Red Cross
  • Location: Multiple locations
  • Grade: Senior level - Senior
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Criminology, Extremism, Police Affairs and Anti-Corruption
    • Security and Safety
  • Closing Date: Closed

What we do

 

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and 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.

 

Specifically for this role

 

In situations of armed conflict and particularly in other situations of violence (OSV), the role of law enforcement officials may have key humanitarian consequences due to their responsibilities (maintenance of public order and security, prevention and detection of crime and provision of assistance) and the powers they have been granted (arrest and detention, search and seizure, use of force and firearms). Law enforcement officials can significantly influence the fate of those affected by such situations in the way they exercise their powers. Hence, maintaining a dialogue with law enforcement officials is an integral part of ICRC operations around the world to prevent and limit the humanitarian consequences of armed conflict and OSV. 

The Unit for Relations with Arms Carriers (FAS) and more specifically the programme for dialogue with police and security forces (PGE Program) has the primary responsibility for defining the concepts, guidelines, policies, working tools, rules and procedures governing the dialogue with law enforcement officials. Moreover, PGE delegates contribute to delegation strategies and activities where their specific PGE expertise is required to support management and the relevant departments. 

The ICRC does not provide operational/tactical advice (“how to do the job”), instead, it initiates and strengthens thinking processes on operational practice, lessons learnt, integration of the law and compliance that are fully owned by the law enforcement authorities themselves.

 

Role description

 

ICRC delegates to the police and security forces (PGE Delegates) work as part of one or several ICRC delegations around the world depending on the number of countries they are tasked to cover. They are responsible for contributing to the dialogue between the ICRC delegations and arms carriers (AC), notably, but not exclusively, Police and Security Forces, with the strive to improve understanding of the ICRC's role and its operational procedures among these forces and to support national efforts for the dissemination and integration of international human rights law and humanitarian principles.

 

Mission

 

  • Foster dialogue with authorities to facilitate acceptance of the ICRC.
  • Sensitize authorities on compliance with international norms.
  • Supports efforts to integrate International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL) and application of international rules and standards into police doctrine, training, education, and relevant aspects of operations.
  • Expose arms carriers to relevant law and the ICRC’s mandate and activities through bilateral dialogue and appropriate training initiatives (including pre-deployment briefings for police contingents).
  • Assess police activities and structure and see how they are aligned with best practices of law enforcement and internationally agreed-upon standards regarding the use of force and evaluate the need for change and improvement.
  • Accompany the evolutions of structures, procedures, and approaches in the security forces for better compliance with international norms.
  • Advise and support the delegation management and all relevant departments in their dialogue with arms carriers.
  • Participate in the delegation’s strategy and plan of action to respond to the humanitarian consequences and in its activities to alleviate suffering from armed conflict and OSV.
  • Contribute to the delegation’s security assessments and to its access to areas with humanitarian concerns.

 

 

Main responsibilities

Provides analysis of the organization of the police and security forces and their compliance with humanitarian principles regarding the use of force and in relation to ICRC operations in the country.

 

Handles all operational and thematic issues pertaining to dialogue with police and selected other arms carriers and advises on the humanitarian implications of alleged IHRL violations namely the excessive use of force, illegal arrest and detention and ill-treatment providing technical advice on protection to civilian population interventions.

 

Provides real-time technical analysis of conflict/violence dynamics and advises and supports delegations on dialogue with arms carriers.

 

Provides expertise on the setting of a dedicated / tailor made PGE programme aiming at tackling and preventing violations of humanitarian principles by law enforcement institutions.

 

Works closely with the Delegation management and transversally with the Delegation’s Protection and Prevention Departments in defining the strategy and carrying out specific activities.

 

Maintains and develops a network of contacts, ensuring substantive engagement with police command structures and institutions (At a National and Regional level).

 

Supports efforts to integrate IHL/IHRL and application of international rules and standards into police education, doctrine, training, and relevant aspects of operations.

 

Exposes arm carriers’ to relevant law and the ICRC’s mandate and activities through bi-lateral dialogue and appropriate training initiatives (including pre-deployment briefings for police contingents).

 

Provides technical advice on the humanitarian implications of the evolution of the use of force, arrest and detention, search and seizure, and other relevant topics related to law enforcement.

Desired profile and skills

 

Professional Profile

Ideal age: 40 to 55 years old.
 

Police career: Minimum of 10 years professional experience in police-related positions (or equivalent such as Gendarmerie or another policing/law enforcement agency) - amongst which minimum of 5 years of recent operational experience in the following fields: crowd control, training, judicial/criminal investigation, and leadership.
 

Minimum of 1 year of international deployment abroad (cumulative) in a relevant position for policing (law enforcement).
 

Good knowledge of the international principles for the use of force and firearms
 

Knowledge of international humanitarian law / international human rights law and the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement is a strong asset
 

Confident using IT Office tools

 

 

Skills

Strong motivation and commitment to humanitarian work and the ICRC values and principles.
 

Confirmed capacity to adapt to new environments and integrate within multidisciplinary teams.
 

Confident speaker confirmed instructor with a sound capacity to build a network and negotiate.
 

Able to work under pressure in a potentially dangerous environment.
 

Ready to travel.

 

Languages

 

English mandatory at a C1 level (according to the European framework of the reference for languages).

 

A second language amongst French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian or Portuguese with a minimum of B2 level (according to the European Framework of the Reference for Languages - CEFR / CEF / CEFRL) is required, with a strong preference for French. 

 

In conclusion, proficiency in at least 2 of the 5 ICRC languages of interest, including English, is strictly mandatory.

 

Our operational & 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 prior to departure in the field.
  • Candidates must possess a valid driving licence (for manual transmission vehicles.
  • Candidates must be prepared to accept unaccompanied postings (i.e. no spouse, partner, children or dependents) for at least the first 6 months and when the mission allows it only.
  • Successful candidates must agree to a background/reference check before being offered a mission.

 

What we offer

 

  • Rewarding work in a rich, multicultural and expansive operational humanitarian organisation;
  • Attractive employment package and social benefits: a salary paid on a basis of thirteen months, an open-ended contract with a minimum assignment of two years; a competitive pension plan; medical and accident coverage etc.;
  • Annual paid leave: 20–27.5 days (depending on age);
  • Accommodation provided and financed by ICRC when deployed internationally;
  • One paid return ticket home every year;
  • ICRC staff integration course, a one-week specialist course, and a short mentoring mission in the field; opportunities for further in-house training and career opportunities with ICRC;
  • All assignments are categorized into four levels of hardship, some of which are compensated with financial incentives and extra leave.
  • The opportunity to join our talent pool and be considered for future assignments elsewhere, including at our HQ in Geneva once suitable experience has been acquired.

 

Please not that this is a pool selection. If selected, you will not be officially hired by ICRC until we offer you a specific mission/assignment.
 

 

Ready to apply?

 

Upload your CV and a cover letter in English, as well as copies of diplomas and certifications, passport and driving license. To apply for this opportunity, please click on the "Apply" button below and create/sign into your account!


The ICRC is a global organization that benefits from a uniquely diverse workforce and the inclusion of a wide range of experiences and skills.

 

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to create an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

 

Application Deadline: 10/12/2022

This vacancy is now closed.
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