Policy Adviser

Contract

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

Reports to (role)

Head of Policy

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and 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.

Main duties and responsibilities (1/2)

The Policy Advisor is responsible for overseeing, developing, advising on, and communicating key internal and external policies of the ICRC, and for leading work on strategic policy objectives as determined with the Head of Humanitarian Diplomacy and Policy Division. The main duties of the Policy Advisor are as follows:

Leads and promotes policy

• Leads research and analytical work on policy anchored in ICRC operations and develops significant knowledge and expertise in these areas through analysing qualitative and quantitative evidence, from ICRC operational programmes and secondary source material.
• Produces timely and concise policy positions and recommendations, in collaboration with other colleagues / departments as appropriate.
• Contributes subject-matter and methodological advice to the policy-related reflections and products led by other departments.
• Promotes the findings of ICRC research and related policy positions through internal and external public speaking, as well as in bilateral engagements with representatives of States, international organizations and non-governmental organizations.

Main duties and responsibilities (2/2)

Anticipates trends and positions the ICRC

• Maintains a sophisticated understanding of the global policy environment and anticipates emerging trends. Identifies strategic issues or emerging policy and operational developments that require new or updated institutional policies, positioning, guidance or doctrine, and acts as an institutional convener to agree on the required steps to develop them.
• Maintains a regular exchange with ICRC leadership, including in diplomatic delegations, to factor in their perspectives on these trends and their relevance for the ICRC.
• Performs the needed background research and drafts policy notes/briefs.

Works with others

• Works closely with the Regions’ Diplomatic Advisors on informing and contextualizing policy, in support of impactful engagement plans and plays an active role within the team by contributing ideas and other support to the Division’s overall objectives.
• Works closely and collaboratively with colleagues across the various Departments and Delegations.
• Engages widely outside the ICRC with strategic policy partners, policymakers and actors of influence to develops an effective external network to the benefit of the ICRC.

Education and experience required

The Policy Advisor needs a solid understanding of trends in the humanitarian sector, and experience of humanitarian policy and practice. S/he also needs a proven ability to think, research, write, represent and persuade at high level. In particular, s/he needs the following experience and expertise:

Proven experience of communicating complicated issues in a simple and compelling way, orally and in writing.

• Proven experience in researching and developing policy positions and recommendations.
• Proven experience of diplomacy, advocacy or policy initiatives, including high level engagements.
• 7-10 years’ experience in the humanitarian and/or policy sector; experience working with the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement a plus.
• A sophisticated understanding of international relations and global trends.
• Good knowledge of a range of academic institutions and policy think-tanks engaged in subjects related to conflict and humanitarian action.
• A Masters level qualification that gives clear evidence of strong intellectual skills; PhD considered a strong asset.
• Command of spoken and written English and fluency in French; other languages a plus.
• A good knowledge of and proven ability with IT programmes and digital engagement.

Desired profile and skills

We are looking for a positive communicator who is sensitive to different cultures and able to work well independently and in a team. In particular, we are looking for the following skills and attributes:

• Curiosity and tenacity.
• Empathy for the people ICRC serves as well as for frontline staff, and a drive to make a positive difference for both.
• Communication and influencing skills.
• Team player who thrives in a multicultural setting.
• Inter-personal skills and the capacity to work respectfully with a wide range of different stakeholders, internally and externally.
• The ability to work fast and slow, that is, to produce quality content quickly in response to changing circumstances as well as to delve into topics in greater detail in longer-term projects.

Additional information

• Location: Geneva
• Type of contract: Permanent
• Grade: C2
• Activity rate: 100%
• Estimated start date: January 2023
• Application deadline: 6th of November 2022

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 encourage applications from all regions of the world and specifically non-Western countries.