Developing Head of Emergency Operations Program

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 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.”  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 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

Developing HEOps learn how to lead and strategically position the IFRC and National Societies in complex and large-scale disaster operations to maximise the value that IFRC can bring to affected populations.   

Program participants will learn to: 

• Make an analysis of the political, military, social, economic, and humanitarian context and to develop a clear vision and strategy for the emergency response together with an Operational Strategy with clear and measurable objectives. 
• Lead the operation on behalf of the affected country/region, under the supervision and guidance of a mentor HEOPs, ensuring appropriate links with IFRC structure and host National Society. 
• Ensure that the progress of the operation is routinely monitored against the key deliverables and milestones articulated in the response strategy and plan. 
• Secure the buy-in and compliance of all Movements actors and make sure that adequate Movement Coordination frameworks are in place. 

 Program participants are expected to: 

• Develop their Personal Develop Plan and aim to achieve  80% of the outlined targets
• Commit to develop priority area targeted for personal development through various learning methods (reading, analysis, training, simulation, monthly peer exchange activities) 
• Commit to minimum 1-month operational deployment during the program
• Familiarize themselves with specific IFRC Secretariat Disaster Response procedures and policies.
• Commit, once certified, to deploy at least once per year in a leadership position for the IFRC. 

• Relevant university degree or equivalent qualification within a relevant field 
• Training in advanced disaster management skills  
• Experience of medium or large-scale emergency preparedness and response, emergency needs assessment, project design and implementation. 

• Coordination within the RCRC, humanitarian contexts and external partners 
• Leading multi-disciplinary and geographically remote teams in insecure and challenging situations

• Ability to think strategically while under pressure, with limited information 
• Diplomatic skills and experience of representing an organisation at the highest level 
• Skills in strategic and operational planning 

How to apply 

• Review the program brochure and HEOps job description linked within this advert. 
• Download and complete the Application Form.
• Prepare a Nomination Letter from your NS or employer confirming they support your availability for at least three months for the mentoring programme. Have it signed by the HR Director of your NS or employer.
• Candidates should apply through this portal and attach their CV along with the application form and nomination letter.  

Any questions about the application process or the program should be sent to dheops.info@ifrc.org  

PLEASE NOTE APPLICATIONS THAT ARE INCOMPLETE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED