Head of Policy & Research Unit

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.

About the Policy and Research Unit

The Policy and Research Unit informs ICRC policy and practice through rigorous research, development of policy positions grounded in operational experience, anticipation of emerging trends, and engagement with diverse stakeholders. It projects the ICRC’s voice as an engaged thought leader in the humanitarian sector.
The Unit:

• Provides methodological guidance on research, Doctrine, and policy development and engagement
• Guided by the Institutional Strategy 2024-2027, ensures that research and policy findings inform humanitarian practice and influence the policies and practices of States and non-State entities
• Ensures coherence of main reference texts, policies and guidelines with ICRC principles and Doctrine
• Oversees Doctrine as a core source of guidance
• Supports policy partnerships with academic and research institutions
• Contributes to internal and external debates through expert input and publications
• Acts as Secretariat to the Ethics Review Board for Research and the Policy Planning Mechanism

Position within the organization

• Reports to the Director of the Departm