HEAD OF DELEGATION

Contract

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

Reports to (role)

• Regional Director

What we do

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.

Purpose

As the official representative of the ICRC in Japan, the Head of Delegation engages with a wide range of stakeholders (official authorities; Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF); Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS); diplomatic and humanitarian communities, including donors; civil society representatives; the the media; and the private sector) in order to pursue a dialogue and meet the objectives of the delegation. Also this position has to secure respectful and financial support and to strengthen relations and coordination with Movement partners. S/he represents the institution in the public sphere and in high-level conferences, fora, debates and panels. Through her/his actions and interventions, s/he aims at positively influence Japanese laws and policies and topics of interest to the ICRC (IHL, future of warfare and humanitarian action, climate change and conflict, the NEXUS) and seek to acquire and possibly increase the diplomatic and financial support for our activities. S/he is proactive in working in close partnership with the JRCS and keeps a relationship of trust with the National Society in order to strengthen the Movement footprint and visibility in Japan and abroad.

The head of delegation leads and manages a team of 9 employees all based in Tokyo. S/he monitors and supervises the implementation of objectives and delegation budget management.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Analyses the political, humanitarian and security environment in Japan and the region in order to find opportunities to strengthen ICRC position and positively influence Japan on the policy (climate change and conflict, nexus and future of the humanitarian sector, etc.), law (IHL, NTW, PoWs, nuclear weapons, etc.), operational and funding/financial fronts (Japan is a DSG member). Positions the ICRC in the public domain and increases the visibility of the Red Cross in the Japanese market. Pursues and leads negotiations to clarify ICRC legal status in Japan.
• Represents the ICRC towards a large number of interlocutors and institutions with the main objective of having them briefed about ICRC operations worldwide and ICRC positions be they contextual or thematic. Chips in proactively to the institution's humanitarian diplomacy objectives be they global (G7, G20, UNSC, WEF, etc.), regional (Shangri-La dialogue, ASEAN, etc.) or national (Tokyo defense Forum, Hiroshima & Nagasaki commemorations, Humanitarian Congress Tokyo, Moot Court Competitions, etc.).
• Conducts a dialogue with her/his interlocutors (authorities, arms carriers, etc.) on prevention of protection concerns in accordance with the relevant strategies and objectives, with a view to reduce suffering and increase respect for IHL and other standards.
• Develops the appropriate attitude and ensures that opportunities for joint/or complementary activities with other Movement components are proactively sought (such as joint humanitarian diplomacy initiatives - TPNW, G7 - private sector engagement and the mobilization of resources for the International Movement Response - both financially and in terms of HR).
• Building on the ICRC's institutional and OP_ASIA Regional Strategic Frameworks (RSF), defines priority areas of interventions as well as the delegation strategies.
• Coordinates and supervises proper management of the delegation, in accordance with the ICRC's human resources and financial management policies, procedures and practices.
• Actively supplies to ICRC public communication and fundraising strategies, raising awareness about the work of the organization in a way that reinforces its influence, access and response.
• Ensures that the delegation maintains the highest level of security for its staff and property with vital accountability towards staff and donors, and manages crisis, such as the Covid pandemic.
• Ensures accurate communication with headquarters and the efficient flow of information within the delegation.
• Promotes a conducive and participative working environment, ensuring the monitoring, reporting and a smooth implementation of programs and activities in coordination with the RRN and OP_ASIA.

Scope & Impact

• Maintains and develops a relationship of trust and proximity with Japan (3rd economy in the world, G7 and G20 member and one of the three Asia-Pacific Region member of ICRC DSG.
• Manages the relationship with one of the strongest and most influential National Society in Asia.
• Contributes to global and regional humanitarian diplomacy objectives and funding efforts and to the shaping of humanitarian policies, laws and definition of tomorrow's humanitarian sector.

Relationships

• Internally, interacts within the delegation's management team and staff, staff committee, delegation counterparts in New York, Addis or operational delegations, RRN representatives (Regional Controller, HR partner, FAS regional, REM team, etc.) and several divisions and units at HQ.
• Externally, interacts and engages with a range of stakeholders such as national or regional authorities, militaries, the international community (including diplomatic representatives, humanitarian players and donors), civil society and private sector representatives as well as with media.
• Movement wise, interacts with and develops regular contacts with the National Society and the Federation.

Certifications / Education required

• University degree or equivalent.
• Japanese speaker and Fluent (min C1) in English - one other ICRC working language (French, Spanish, Arabic or Russian) an asset.
• Computer proficiency.
• ICRC courses such as Security and Crisis Management, Humanitarian Leadership and Management School, Law and Protection, Movement, Media, an asset.

Professional Experience required

• A total of 12–15 years' professional experience, ideally including at least 10 years in the humanitarian field.
• Confirmed experience in leading and managing large multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
• Excellent analytical skills and confirmed experience of defining strategies.
• Proven track record in handling prevention, humanitarian diplomacy and funding files.
• Confirmed capacity to maintain and further a large network and funding files.
• Knowledge of HR and financial policies and procedures.
• Experiences in an Asian context a strong added value.

What we offer

• An opportunity to practice your profession in a fast-paced humanitarian and multicultural environment.
• An outstanding opportunity to contribute and play a meaningful role in executive level.
• Competitive Rewards & Benefits, including access to further new opportunity in the future.
• Generous social benefits including pension plan, medical cover, etc.

Additional information

• Type of role: Resident
• Working rate: 100%
• Starting date: 01.08.2022
• Location: Tokyo
• Hardship : H0
• Job level: C3
• Length of assignment: 48 months
• Application deadline: 21/06/2022

Context

Open to Japanese nationals only.

Are you ready for the next chapter of your humanitarian career? Apply now!

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