Diplomatic Adviser (multiple positions)

Contract

This is a ICRC - Open-ended contract. More about ICRC - Open-ended contracts.

Reports to (role)

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What we do

The ICRC’s Policy and Humanitarian Diplomacy Division

The ICRC’s Policy and Humanitarian Diplomacy Division is part of the Department of International Law, Policy and Humanitarian Diplomacy and plays a central role in developing and delivering the main institutional policy and diplomacy objectives of the ICRC. The Division works closely with departments and delegations across the institution to shape strategic policy objectives, design and deliver diplomatic strategies, and influence key ICRC stakeholders. The Division also works closely with the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement on areas of mutual policy and diplomatic interest.

Humanitarian diplomacy (HD) supports the feasibility, acceptance and integrity of operations/field action, as well as the organisation’s legal and policy initiatives, particularly with States, international organisations and regional organisations. The Division is also responsible for the oversight of internal policy that guides the action of the ICRC and for the development of fundamental doctrines that define how the ICRC’s Mission should be carried out. The ICRC relies on the Policy and Humanitarian Diplomacy Division to develop and deliver intellectually sound, principled and compelling policy positions that resonate with the ICRC’s Mission and are easy for others to understand and communicate. Members of the team therefore need to be in close interaction with the ICRC’s operations, intellectually strong, diplomatically skilled and engaging communicators with good political instincts.

The Division includes a diplomatic team, a policy team, and an outreach team, and oversees the ICRC’s delegation to the United Nations in New York.

Purpose of the position

The Diplomatic Advisor supports the ICRC’s bilateral and multilateral diplomatic engagements on a range of contexts and issues that stem from operations across the globe. They do so by bringing a 360 view of the political and diplomatic environment, by helping to surface, develop and tailor the substance of diplomatic engagements, and by building a well-structured, deliberate and joined up approach to HD efforts. The Diplomatic Advisor has a sound grasp of ICRC’s strategic orientations and programs, with a particular focus on the organisation’s main theatres of operation and policy agenda, and is expected to move comfortably across contexts and issues.

They interact with representatives of States, Secretariats of regional and international bodies, UN officials, NGO representatives and a range of other stakeholders. Internally, they work closely with the Department of Operations, the Office of the President and the New York Delegation, and interact with a range of experts from across different Departments. They maintain regular contact with ICRC delegations in diplomatic hubs (Addis, Brussels, Paris, London, Washington, Moscow, Djakarta, Beijing, Delhi, Dubai, Nairobi, Canberra and Tokyo).

The Diplomatic Advisor reports to the Head of the Diplomatic Team.

Main duties and responsibilities 1/2

Analysis:

• Listens to and understands the main views and policy objectives of states and multilateral/international actors;
• Monitors policy and geopolitical developments and identifies implications for the ICRC’s positioning in the short, medium and long term, including during acute crises;
• Ensures that analysis provided by Delegations is actionable and duly integrated in the broader diplomatic thinking of the institution.

Strategic advice:

• As strategic partner to Operations/Regions, advises on diplomatic processes, fora and actors, proactively contributing to the identification and planning of HD priorities;
• Informs the institution’s global diplomatic plans, priorities and messaging.

Influencing strategies and expert advice:

• Plans, implements and tracks progress on cross-regional diplomatic initiatives prioritized by the institution;
• Provides expert support, as needed, on other diplomatic initiatives developed by delegations and specialized Units and Divisions at HQ;
• Works closely with the New York Delegation to build and sustain a strategic engagement with UN Security Council members.

Main duties and responsibilities 2/2

Narratives and messaging:

• Develops clear, concise and timely internal and external-facing HD material;
• Translating ICRC operational observations, challenges and policy positions into compelling diplomatic asks (e.g. speaking points, thematic briefs, policy briefs, reports, Q&As, blog posts, podcasts etc.).

Crisis response:

• Ensures swift and timely two-way communication and a coherent diplomatic steer with delegations in relevant diplomatic settings
• And supports high level engagements at HQ, notably with the Office of the President.

Capacity-building:

• Works with Operations to ensure that the HD set-up in delegations is adequate, and staffed and supported appropriately, including in operational delegations.

Networking and representation:

• Cultivates and maintains an effective external network of experts and stakeholders of relevance for key operational contexts/issues, in close coordination with Operations;
• Represents the Division and the ICRC internally and externally, as needed.​​​​​​​

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Required experience and skills

• A masters level education that evidence skills in relevant areas;
• Minimum 10 years of work experience, including experience in or exposure (e.g. through field missions) to humanitarian work in crisis or conflict settings;
• Experience in a diplomatic role or in advocacy roles involving engagement with states;
• Sound knowledge of international relations and global trends affecting humanitarian action worldwide, of states’ policy and diplomatic decision-making processes, and of the functioning of multilateral organisations;
• Strong analytical and writing skills (shortlisted candidates will be asked to take a written test);
• Ability to communicate complex issues in a simple and compelling way;
• Ability to think and work with a short, medium, and long-term horizon;
• Strong sense of initiative, curious and solution-oriented with excellent people skills and a team mentality;
• Availability for occasional trips/field missions;
• Fluency in English (written and oral). Working knowledge of French is a distinct advantage; Arabic, Spanish is a plus.

Values

Commitment to ICRC values:

• Impact - we focus on the difference we make for people
• Compassion- we act with caring
• Respect – we respect and value difference, acting fairly and equitably : The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
• Collaboration – we are more than the sum of our parts

Additional information

Location: Geneva, Switzerland Type of contract: Open ended contract Length of assignment: 48 months Activity rate: 100% Estimated start date: Early-January

Application deadline: Deadline extended exceptionally to 12 September 2022 23:59

Are you ready to explore the next chapter of your career? Apply now!

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

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.