Operating Manager for Protection & Essential Services

Contract

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

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 of the position

The Department of Protection & Essential Services(PES) is home to ICRC’s programmatic capabilities and professional expertise. It provides the Department of Operations with strategic advice and ensures the right resources are in place to enable effective delivery. It oversees thematic files, strengthening synergies and promoting transversal approaches in support of achieving outcomes for affected people. It designs programmes and projects and co-creates the budgeting and implementation of field activities.

The Operating Manager (OM) ensures the optimal internal functioning of the PES department, working in close partnership and collaboration with the department’s director and heads of division, units and centres of expertise. On matters related to the functioning of the department, they are the leading speaking partner for functional partners (such as Finance, People & Culture, Technology and Information (T&I), Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO), etc.), Operating Managers in other departments, and represent the department in institutional bodies.

Core duties and responsibilities (1/3)

• Supervise the department's yearly headquarters Planning for Results (PfR) process, in collaboration with the different teams, and monitor its implementation throughout the year;
  • Compile the human and financial resources for the PfR and ensure they fit within the set budget envelops;
  • Coordinate and support the review and drafting of general and specific objectives and related indicators;
  • Monitor the progress of PfR implementation throughout the year and ensure timely submission of PfR and Monitoring for Results (MfR), following up on various costs expenses and full-time equivalent (FTE) consumption;
  • Manage the Production Book and ensure a regular follow-up with requesters and "Language and Publications" (LINPUB);
• Steer and supervise and steer the department's systems, data and processes-related matters;
  • Provide strategic guidance and run the Assist Data management and analytics team;
  • Interact with relevant partners such as "Resources and Mobilization Reporting", the Business Intelligence team and the "Planning & Monitoring" team, etc.;
  • In alignment with other departments and under the guidance and support of the Support and Digital Transformation Department, contributes to the establishment of functional data governance, associated bodies and processes;

Core duties and responsibilities (2/3)

• Directly handle the PES digital/data project portfolio manager, ensuring robust portfolio management, including prioritization among PES projects in line with the institution's overall strategic directions;
  • Oversee and contribute with strategic guidance to the continuous development, improvement and integration of digital tools, applications, functional support and processes of the department and the departmental data management and analytics;
  • Ensure that all projects are supervised, controlled and reported on, with communication and change-management frameworks in place to ensure effective adoption;
  • Ensure that interdependencies between projects are managed, raising issues and risks to the leadership team, with mitigation actions defined and undertaken as needed;
  • Ensure sponsorship and/or Steering Committee representation for digital/data projects;
  • Interact with relevant departments such as the Project Management Office, Tech & Data Board, etc.
• Oversee and strengthen compliance and risk-management practices across the department, ensuring effective risk identification as well as the definition and implementation of mitigation measures;
  • Acts as the focal point for distribution tracking, third-party partner due diligence, sustainable humanitarian impact, data protection, and assurance;
  • Coordinates internal audit processes related to the department;
• Oversee change management and internal communication at the level of the department;
  • Jointly with key partners, consolidates and prioritizes change management plans given available resources and departmental absorption capacity (HQ and FD);
  • Oversees the organization of intra-departmental meetings (e.g., town halls, leadership meetings, retreats, etc.), including setting objectives and agendas;

Core duties and responsibilities (3/3)

• Be the main focal point on all People and Finance matters, on behalf of the department's leadership and in close collaboration with the functional partners. Look after the department/division's organization design (OD) and be a primary contact for all matters that need validation at the departmental level.
• Be the department voice and representative within the Platform for Organization and Management (POM). The POM tackles issues related to ICRC's internal functioning. It is vital in ensuring coherence and efficiency in issue identification, decision-making and follow-up across departments.
• Coordinates the learning and development initiatives across the department, collaborating closely with the Learning and Development Division;
• Maintains an overview of the evolution of staff well-being within the department and orchestrates efforts aimed at promoting well-being and positive engagement;
• Manages the allocation of office space in line with internal guidelines and acts as the latter's focal point for workspace needs.
• Directly manage a specialized team, ensuring efficient support to managers, team members and the department's overall management. Oversee and support all areas related to PfR and budget control, systems, data processes, department portfolio, change and communication, administrative assistance and information management, etc.
• Understand and supervise the Performance Management & Development (PMD) activities for the team and ensure ongoing and continuous feedback and support for their personal development.

Relationships

• Internally, interacts with Department and division leadership, Platform for Organization and Management, Business Process Managers, Technology & Information Division, Ethics, Risk and Compliance Office (ERCO), Project Management Office, People and Culture (PAC), Finance and Administration (FAD) as well as peers in other departments. Regularly interacts with business partners across the organization (e.g. Controller, Finance Business Partner, HR Business Partner, Working Environment Group and Finance & Administration General Services Unit).
• Externally, interacts with a network of other organizations and represents the ICRC vis-à-vis key partners such as donors and suppliers, as required.

Education and experience required

• Typically, at least 15 years of professional experience, including 10 or more in project/programme management and strategic planning.
• Detailed understanding of the department/division business delivery requirements as well as external best practices in all areas under control
• Advanced university degree, preferably in business administration
• Confirmed project/programme management experience; proven track record in accompanying organizational change.
• Professional certification in project/programme management – e.g. Managing Successful Programmes (MSP), Projects in Controlled Environments (PRINCE) or Project Management Professional (PMP) an asset.
• Change management certification is an asset.
• Experience in organizational performance is an asset.
• Sound knowledge of ICRC policies and programming is an asset.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; knowledge of French is an asset.
• Computer proficiency. Advanced Excel, strong PowerPoint, Word and database skills.

What we offer

• The opportunity to practice your profession in a fast-paced humanitarian environment on a global level.
• The outstanding opportunity to contribute and play a meaningful role at an executive level.
• The opportunity for personal development & growth, including access to career and further development opportunities in the future.
• Adequate compensation & benefits package with social benefits, including pension plan, etc.

Additional information

• Location: Geneva
• Type of contract: open-ended (6 years)
• Grade: D1
• Activity rate: 100%
• Estimated start date: 1 January 2023
• Application deadline: 17 July 2022

Please note that if you are selected to participate in the case study, it will be during the first two weeks of August.

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 regions of the world.