Intern, Federation-wide Data Systems

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. The Strategic Planning Department is part of the Office of the Secretary General. The intern, Federation-wide Data Systems is part of this team.

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.

Since 2010, IFRC has maintained the Federation-wide data bank and reporting system (FDRS) that enables the collection of data from National Societies. FDRS is designed to collect data on key indicators from Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies (NS) that reflect their human and financial resources as well as their reach. Since 2017, this data has also been published and visualized in a web application (fdrs.ifrc.org).

The platform provides IFRC staff, National Societies, partners, researchers, and other stakeholders with immediate and engaging access to data and analysis about our membership. It allows better understanding of the true scale and scope of Red Cross and Red Crescent humanitarian assistance and provides greater transparency about our collective efforts.

As part of the global Federation-wide Data Systems team, support Federation-wide data systems to enable standardized collection, analysis, and visualization efforts and work with colleagues, including FDRS focal points in 192 National Societies and IFRC regional and county offices to improve data accuracy. 

1. Data management systems and environments: Design and maintain data management systems and data pipelines to ensure key Federation-wide data collection and monitoring processes are aligned and further analysis of patterns, trends, and relationships is possible.

2. Data collection, cleaning and quality assurance: Engage with regional and NS colleagues to ensure that the quality and coverage of Federation-wide data collection is improving and meeting the targets established. Provide guidance and support on key performance indicator definitions and data collection standards. Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and data validation process to ensure data quality before its publication.

3. Data analysis, visualization, and storytelling: Propose and prepare regular analysis reports based on various Federation-wide datasets as well secondary datasets to analyse historical data and come up with forecasts and models subject to testing and refining.

4. Everyone Counts report: Support the development of the Everyone Counts report, published every other year, for deep/thematic analysis of data collected via the FDRS and other Federation-wide data systems. Contribute to the data analysis and visualization, solicit content and stories, and support drafting, editing, and layout.

5. Communication/Coordination: Liaise with colleagues within the IFRC secretariat in Geneva and in regional offices to validate National Society data and information. Monitor the fdrs@ifrc.org email account and action/ direct queries in timely manner. Respond to any other Federation-wide data related queries.

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.
• An advanced university degree in applied data science, information management, econometrics, or statistics.

Required

• Proven experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, Looker).
• Previous experience in data extraction via the use of APIs.

Preferred

• Experience using Python, DAX, R, or Stata (scripting, analysis, and/or development) and collaborative platform (GitHub, Gitlab).

Required

• Fluently spoken and written English.
• Highly developed research, reporting and analytical skills.
• Familiar with the Red Cross and Red Crescent network and/or international humanitarian and development work.
• Proficiency in querying and manipulating raw datasets for analysis using Power Query (M) / Tableau Prep Builder, SQL, Python, or R.

Preferred

• Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic).
• Ability to develop and maintain Kobo/ODK Forms (xls forms).
• Understanding of database structures, ETL development and automation.
• Advanced Experience with Microsoft Power Platform.

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.