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.

Specifically for this role

In 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). They can significantly influence the fate of those affected by such situations by the way they exercise their power. Hence, maintaining a dialogue with law enforcement officials is an integral part of ICRC operations around the world to prevent and limit humanitarian consequences of armed conflict and OSV.

The Unit for Relations with Arms Carriers (DP_FAS) and more specifically the Program for dialogue with police and security forces (PGE Program) has primary responsibility for defining the concepts, guidelines, policies, working tools, rules and procedures governing the dialogue with law enforcement officials under the ICRC prevention approach. 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 aim to enhance 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

Dialogue with the authorities to facilitate acceptance of the ICRC.
Sensitize authorities on compliance with international norms.
Supports efforts to integrate International Humanitarian Law (IHL)/ International Human Rights Law (IHRL) and application of international rules and standards into police doctrine, training and relevant aspects of operations.
Expose 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).
Assess police activities and structure and see how they are aligned with Law Enforcement best practices and agreed standards regarding the use of force, evaluate the need for change and improvement.
Accompany the evolutions of structures, procedures and mindsets in the security forces for a better compliance to international norms.
Advise and support the delegation management and all relevant departments in their dialogue with Arms Carriers.
Contribute to 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 contribute to its access to areas with humanitarian concerns.

Main responsibilities

Provides country analysis of the Police and Security Forces organisation and compliance with humanitarian principles regarding the use of force and in relation to the 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/preventing the violation of humanitarian principles by law enforcement institutions.

Work closely with the Delegation management and transversally with the Delegations Protection and Prevention Departments in defining the strategy and carry out specific activities.

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

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

Expose 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

Profile

Very good command of English and French. Knowledge of another ICRC working language used in the field (Spanish, Arabic or Russian) is a strong advantage.

Police career: Former senior police officer (rank: minimum of Police Superintendent / Police Major). Minimum of 15 years' professional experience in police-related positions (or equivalent such as gendarmerie or another policing/law enforcement agency) - amongst which minimum 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 an asset

Confident using IT Office tools

Skills

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

Proven capacity to adapt to new environments and integrate within multidisciplinary teams

Charismatic speaker, proven instructor, sound capacity to 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.

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.

What we offer

We offer a variety of attractive benefits:

Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment;
A competitive employment package with attractive social benefits: a salary paid on thirteen months, an open-ended contract with a minimum assignment of two years; a competitive pension plan; medical and accident cover etc.;
Annual paid leave: 20–27.5 days;
Accommodation provided and paid by ICRC;
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;
Both non-family and accompanied positions are available (when possible and after a minimum of 6 months of seniority);
The opportunity to join our talent pool and be considered for future assignments elsewhere.

Please not that if selected, you will not be hired by ICRC until we offer you a specific mission/assignment.

How to join?

Work for ICRC Video | Delegate in charge of Relations with Police and Security Forces

Work with Us Pamphlet– Police and Security Forces Delegate

Ready to apply? You will need to upload your resume and a cover letter in English, as well as copies of your diplomas and certifications, passport and driving license. To apply for this opportunity, please click on the "Apply" button below and create/sign in to your account!

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

APPLICATIONS DEADLINE : 30/11/2021

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Added 2 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: careers.icrc.org