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.
Purpose
The ICRC Delegate contributes to organizing and implementing one or more of our protection activities (Detention, Protection of Civilian Population, Protection of family links) and other operational projects and activities. Based at one of ICRC’s duty stations, the role will be dynamic, responding swiftly to operational demands and evolving situations in alignment with ICRC’s strategy for 2024-2027.
Accountabilities & Functional Responsibilities
As an ICRC delegate, your main duties will include:
- Situation Analysis: Contribute to comprehensive assessments of the general situation, including security, protection concerns, and the humanitarian needs of affected populations, aligning actions with the Delegation's strategic objectives.
- Network Development: Forge and nurture connections within your area of responsibility, engaging with diverse stakeholders such as affected communities, armed groups, local authorities, NGOs, National Red Cross/Red Crescent societies, community leaders, etc.
- Field Operations: Conduct field missions to assess the situation and evaluate protection concerns of victims of armed conflict and other forms of violence, ensuring timely and appropriate responses.
- Protection Activities: Implement contextual protection priorities, such as facilitating detainee visits, reuniting family members separated by wars and other situations of violence, and documenting violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law.
- Coordination and Collaboration: Collaborate with ICRC departments and the broader Red Cross/Red Crescent movement, actively contributing to the implementation of protection and assistance activities.
- Promotion of IHL: Plan and conduct dissemination sessions on IHL, ICRC activities and mandate to target audiences, fostering awareness and understanding. Security Management: Develop and maintain a dialogue with relevant actors, including security forces and arms carriers, to ensure security guarantees for ICRC field operations. Continuously monitor the security environment, promptly and regularly draft reports, and share updates on security incidents with relevant stakeholders.
- Reporting and Leadership: Produce timely and confidential internal and external reports, adhering to protocols and ensuring proper follow-up. Occasionally, take on leadership roles within teams as required.
Education & Professional Experience Required
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
- 2 years of work experience, including 3 months internationally in humanitarian work, development assistance, or in a field related to IHL (Protection, Assistance, Development)
- First aid certificate is a requirement at the deployment stage once selected.
Language Requirements:
- English: Professional proficiency (C1 Level) required
- Additional ICRC Operational Language (French, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Russian): Professional proficiency (C1 Level) required, with French being highly desirable and a strong asset.
Essential Skills Required
- Reporting Skills: Proficient in crafting clear and concise reports.
- Emotional Intelligence: Able to interact with diverse groups and a wide range of interlocutors. Exhibits a strong commitment to collaboration within a multicultural environment.
- Cross-cultural Awareness: Possesses cross-cultural awareness, ideally through international exposure.
- Adaptability: Demonstrates flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances while reacting appropriately.
- Autonomous Work Ethic: Capable of working autonomously and proactively.
- Effective Planning and Organization: Strong planning and organizational skills with a priority-oriented mindset.
- Resilience: Preparedness to operate in insecure and stressful environments with limited social outlets.
- Understanding of Security: Demonstrates understanding of security risks and adheres to ICRC security rules and procedures.
- Critical Thinking: Cognitive discipline that enables one to remain objective and self-controlled under all conditions, even extreme ones, allowing for a synthetic analysis of political and cross-cultural contexts.
- Digital Skills: Proficient in using digital tools, platforms, and AI to improve performance, collaborate effectively, and adapt to changing work environments. Applies security, data protection, and ethical standards while continuously developing digital capabilities and recognizing areas for growth.
Desired Profile
- Protection Experience: Experience in Protection topics such as detention, judicial guarantees, missing persons and their families, protection of civilians, internal displacement, migration, community-based protection, Gender-based Violence, child protection, urban violence, etc.) is considered an asset..
- Assistance Experience: Experience in emergency response that includes assistance in areas such as economic security, Water and habitat, and health is an asset.
- Community Engagement: Ability to work closely with affected communities. Humanitarian Motivation: Strong motivation for humanitarian work and a commitment to the ICRC's mandate and principles.
- Red Cross/Red Crescent Familiarity: Familiarity with the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement is a strong asset.
Our Operational & Field Constraints
- In line with the principle of neutrality, the ICRC does not assign personnel to a country of which they are nationals.
- Candidates must be in good health and will have to do a medical check-up prior to departure in the field.
- Candidates must possess a driving license (for manual transmission vehicles).
- Candidates must be prepared to accept unaccompanied postings (i.e. no spouse, partner, children or dependents) for at least the first 24 months.
What we offer
- Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment.
- A two-week orientation course and other opportunities for further in-house training.
- Attractive social benefits.
- Length of assignment: 12 months.
- Join an ICRC talent pool and be considered for future assignments elsewhere.
Additional Information
- Type of role: Mobile
- Working rate: 100%
- Starting date: Ongoing depending on our operational needs
- Location: Global Deployment
- Hardship : H0-H3
- Job level: B2
- Length of assignment: 12 Months (Extendable)
- Type of Contract: Max-term contract
- Application deadline: 07 June 2026
Our Values
At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.
