Background
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with 190 member National Societies. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, our work is guided by seven fundamental principles; humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.
Organizational Context
The Standing Commission (SC) is the trustee of the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, which is the supreme deliberative body for the Movement, meeting every four years. Between Conferences, the Standing Commission provides strategic guidance in the interest of all components of the Movement. Its functions are described in article 18 of the Statutes of the Movement (https://www.icrc.org/eng/assets/files/other/statutes-en-a5.pdf) and have been further supplemented in resolutions of the Council of Delegates (CoD) and International Conference. The Standing Commission consists of the highest leadership of ICRC and the International Federation and five elected members. The Standing Commission performs its duties as trustee of the International Conference in preparation and follow up of Movement statutory meetings and promotes the Movement Vision and harmony within the Movement. It aims to dedicate part of its work to a think tank format to identify issues of critical importance for the Movement and to carry out or encourage background papers and other studies to be carried out in crucial areas. Initially its focus is on analysis of global and humanitarian trends and their implications for the Movement as background for discussions and decisions at the Council of Delegates, the main deliberative body for Movement issues. The aim is to foresee and encourage Movement-wide policies, where needed, for deliberation in the Council of Delegates, enabling harmonious coordination and cohesion in action, building on the strengths and specific mandates of each component. The Standing Commission is the only permanent statutory body of the Movement, where all components are represented and which meets on a regular basis, it is supported by a small secretariat in Geneva, currently located at the ICRC.
Job Purpose
To facilitate and support the work of the Standing Commission, including the carrying out of its regular functions, its meetings and those of any working groups, as well as supporting or over-seeing any research or other projects as may be decided by the Standing Commission. She/he also promotes the activities of the Standing Commission and contributes to enrich the connection between the Standing Commission and National Societies, including through communication tools such as the regular newsletter.
The Secretary plays an active role in the preparation and follow-up of the International Conference and Council of Delegates, as a member of the Joint Organising Committee.
The Secretary is also responsible for the management of the Standing Commission’s administration and finances.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Contribute to delivery of the Standing Commission work plan. This may include leading or coordinating specific areas of work or study attributed to the Secretary in the work plan;
- Assist the SC Chair and members in the execution of the decisions by the SC;
- Ensure the substantive preparations for Standing Commission meetings, including preparation of working documents and background papers of varying complexity.
- Contribute to the preparation and follow-up of the International Conference and Council of Delegates and represent the Commission in the Joint Organizing Committee for the International Conference and the Council of Delegates Upon request, represent the Chair and the Commission on issues within the SC mandate at global, regional and other stakeholder consultations and meetings;
- Coordinate the work of any SC working groups: participate in their meetings, prepare consultations as needed, in conjunction with the ICRC and the International Federation and other stakeholders and with other organisations as relevant;
- Prepare speeches for the Chair and members at global and regional level or other prioritised meetings as required; prepare speaking notes for the Chair and SC members who chair working groups;
- Handle general correspondence and draft correspondence for the Chair or members, as needed;
- Prepare the SC Newsletter to the components of the Movement and permanent missions in Geneva; Manage the SC website.
- Ensure liaison between the SC and the Geneva institutions
- Participate in meetings and work relevant to the SC and the Movement,
- Represent the Commission in meetings between the ICRC and IFRC in the absence of the Chair and maintain regular dialogue with the SC ex-officio members and their designated staff.
- Liaise with the Permanent Missions and other humanitarian bodies in Geneva on issues identified by the Standing Commission and in close coordination with the ICRC and IFRC.
- Policy and Research Keep abreast of substantive issues related to the SC work and of main substantive issues related to the humanitarian sector.
Budget and administrative duties
- Prepare and manage the SC annual budget and finances, prepare financial updates, annual accounts and ensure audit/review of finances to the SC (some accountant support available);
- Ensure smooth preparation and records of all Standing Commission meetings and those of any working groups, including preparing agendas, decisions and minutes of meetings;
- Provide or ensure all other services, related to the preparations and follow up of meetings, including logistics, travel services etc. for meeting participants.
Education
University degree, MA level or equivalent in area relevant for the position
Experience
- At least 15 years´ experience from the humanitarian sector, including Geneva/ global level and substantial knowledge about and experience from the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, its global governance, legal foundations, overarching statutory and policy basis and its specific issues
- Documented experience in the drafting of governance and policy text and of scientific research writing and methods.
Knowledge, skills and languages
Required:
- Strong understanding of governance and humanitarian policy of international organizations, and particularly of those of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
- Strong understanding of governance of global organizations in the sector
- Political instinct and diplomacy
- Good organizer and project manager
- Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize and present findings, draw practical conclusions, make recommendations and propose solutions in a clear and timely manner
- Strong skills in speech-writing, reporting from meetings, and writing of minutes and decisions
- Demonstrated capacity to work both independently and with teams from other parts of the Movement
- Fluently spoken and excellent written English
- Familiarity with scientific research principles and writing
- Familiarity with basic budget and finance management
Preferred:
General knowledge of governance and humanitarian policies of international organizations, large NGOs and or government development agencies
Knowledge of other statutory working languages (French, Spanish, English)
Competencies and values
National Society Relations. Results Focus & Accountability. Teamwork. Communications. Professional Mastery. Leadership. Managerial Effectiveness. Innovation.
Comments
This position reports to the Chair of the Standing Commission. For legal, contractual reasons the person in the position is currently formally employed by the International Federation Secretariat in Geneva.
Standing Commission of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, website: standcom.ch.
The Federation is an equal opportunity employer.
Apply: http://www.ifrc.org/en/who-we-are/working-with-us/current-vacancies/job-description/?id=3530