Intern, Localisation Policy

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 192-member National Societies. The overall aim of the IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.”  The IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of the IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.

IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas.  IFRC also has country cluster delegation and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

The Policy intern will support the IFRC's work related to the "localization of aid" which refers to support for greater investment in local and national responders to humanitarian emergencies, and an improved approach to coordination and partnership between international and local actors.

The IFRC is co-convener of a dedicated “Localisation Workstream” of the Grand Bargain, a high-level accord signed at the World Humanitarian Summit in 2016 involving major donors and humanitarian agencies (from the UN, NGOs, and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement) with various commitments related to the effectiveness and efficiency of humanitarian aid. 

The intern will support a number of projects related to Workstream as well as the interaction of IFRC members in its initiatives and dialogue.

The Intern will:

• Support the dissemination of information about the Workstream’s initiatives, including updating the Grand Bargain Localisation Workstream’s online platform and preparing updates for Workstream members, the IFRC network and other audiences.
• Undertake desk research on key issues related to the Workstream’s main topic areas.
• Provide back-office support for the organization of country level and donor state dialogues on localisation and high-level meetings at the global level, including with substantive research, logistics and administrative issues.
• Provide administrative support in organising webinars and for online meetings of the Workstream and its subgroups and in the layout and dissemination of reports and other products.
• Perform other task as may be required.

Duties Applicable to All Staff:

• Actively work towards the achievement of the Federation Secretariat’s goals.
• Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles.
• Perform any other work related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager.

Required

• Be currently-enrolled in a university or equivalent level, or have graduated recently (normally within 1 year from the date of hiring) in an area that is compatible with the IFRC activities.

• Enrolment in, or completion of an advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in international development, political science, humanitarian action, environment, or related field.

Required

• Experience in document layout and webpage design.

Preferred

• Work or volunteer experience in a local humanitarian organisation would be desirable.

Required

• Fluently spoken and written English.
• Strong writing and communication skills.
• Proven good judgment and ability to work with complete integrity and confidentiality.
• Ability to work within a multi-cultural, multilingual, multidisciplinary environment.

Preferred

• Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic).
• Knowledge about the humanitarian sector, the Grand Bargain and localisation would be very valuable.

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.

IFRC values equal opportunity, diversity and inclusivity. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, irrespective of sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, nationality, class, political opinions, ethnic or social origin, disability, religion, or belief.