Traineeship in Diplomatic Support

Internship Human Resources

Overview

Support humanitarian diplomacy initiatives and engage diplomatically.

You have:

• A Master's degree OR 5-year undergraduate degree in a relevant field (e.g. international relations, international politics, international law, humanitarian action, development, peace conflict studies, etc.)
• Between one and two years of relevant professional experience after graduation
• Prior work experience with the UN, an NGO or diplomatic mission at HQ or in capital
• Demonstrated prior experience engaging in diplomatic settings or supporting senior leadership in high-level external engagements
• Sound understanding of global affairs and international dynamics
• Ability to think strategically and to express ideas clearly, both orally and in writing
• Excellent analytical and writing skills
• Capacity to work fast in response to tight deadlines, with attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Basic knowledge of international humanitarian law and human rights law
• Excellent English, basic knowledge of French; Arabic/Spanish strong asset

Contract

This is a ICRC - Traineeship contract. More about ICRC - Traineeship 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

The ICRC’s Policy and Humanitarian Diplomacy Division

The ICRC’s HQ Policy and Humanitarian Diplomacy Division (DP_POL) is part of the Department of International Law and Policy, and plays a central role in developing and delivering institutional policy and diplomacy objectives of the ICRC as well as overseeing the ICRC’s delegation in New York. The Division works closely with the ICRC’s Presidency, the Department of Operations and 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 International Federation and National Societies on areas of mutual policy interest.

Reports to (role)

Operations Manager.

Accountabilities & Functional responsibilities

The Division relies on two Associates to support its work. Each Associate spends one year with the Division and works as an integral part of the team and the wider organization. Associates are specially selected for their mix of intellectual, practical and inter-personal skills.

Depending on needs, associate might have a broad range of responsibilities, from representing the ICRC in certain fora and acting as a sounding board for policy angles, to research projects, administrative support, and event organizing. Each Associate is expected to make the most of their time with the ICRC and to reach the end of the year with a clear sense of personal and professional development.

The Role of the associate, diplomatic support, is to support the Division in ensuring a strategic, concerted and impactful humanitarian diplomacy (HD) engagement with states and other actors of influence.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Conduct background research and analysis on key stakeholders, thematic and context-specific policy and diplomatic developments to support the design and delivery of effective humanitarian diplomacy strategies;
• Provide organizational and substantive support to policy and humanitarian diplomacy-related meetings, panels and events organized by the ICRC, including through the development of concept notes, background material, identification and coordination of speakers and drafting of meeting reports;
• Support in the preparation of briefing files for senior leadership’s engagement with states and regional organizations, liaising with internal stakeholders as required;
• Support the Division’s active participation in regular workstreams and meetings of the Department of Operations/Regions (preparatory work, follow-up) to ensure a good connection to key operational contexts and developments;
• Play an active role in the thinking and teamwork of the Division;
• Support the Division in running internal HD-related platforms (planning, background documents, reporting);
• Support the Division in updating or drafting thematic briefs and other key HD documents (e.g. diplomatic notes, key messages, positions).

Required profile and skills

• A Master’s degree OR 5-year undergraduate degree in a relevant field (e.g. international relations, international politics, international law, humanitarian action, development, peace/conflict studies, etc.);
• Between one and two years of relevant professional experience after graduation;
• Prior work experience with the UN, an NGO or diplomatic mission at HQ or in capital;
• Demonstrated prior experience engaging in diplomatic settings, or supporting senior leadership in high-level external engagements;
• Sound understanding of global affairs and international dynamics;
• Ability to think strategically, and to express ideas clearly, both orally and in writing;
• Excellent analytical and writing skills;
• Capacity to work fast in response to tight deadlines, with attention to detail;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Basic knowledge of international humanitarian law and human rights law;
• Excellent English, basic knowledge of French; Arabic/Spanish strong asset;

Desired qualifications / experience

• Work experience in a humanitarian setting with the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, UN or NGO

What we offer

A 12-month paid traineeship contract, based at ICRC headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland

Please note that while the traineeship will offer the successful candidate exposure to various ICRC teams and aspects of the ICRC’s work, Associates do not have preferential treatment or fast-tracked access to recruitment processes for other ICRC positions.

Additional information

• Location: Geneva
• Type of contract: Traineeship
• Lenght of assignment: 12 months
• Relocation: Not provided for traineeships
• Visa/permit: legitimacy card provided
• Gross monthly salary: 3723.20 CHF
• Estimated start date: 19/04/2022
• Application deadline: 20/02/2022
• Application documents required: diplomas, work certificates, scan color of passport - please upload it on your profile

Additional information

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter of no more than 700 words and a CV (Word or PDF format), in English. Any documents other than the two listed above will not be considered. In you cover letter, please answer the following questions:

• How does your background and previous experience relate to this position?
• What is your interest in applying to this specific position at the ICRC? What can you bring to the Division and the ICRC?

Deadline for the receipt of applications: 20.02.2022 (by midnight Swiss time). Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Owing to the high number of applications, only the selected candidates will be contacted for a written test, which will be followed by a skype interview. Please be aware that the ICRC has other Traineeship positions with separate application processes (for further information see the ICRC website). The application process for ICRC delegate positions is also a separate one. No information on these can be provided

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Potential interview questions

Added 4 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: careers.icrc.org