Intern, Global Health Security, IFRC Health and Care Department Geneva

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian network, with 191 member National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. IFRC uses the Triple R – response, resilience and respect – to deliver on Strategy 2030. IFRC responds to disasters and crises, ensuring timely, coordinated and locally led humanitarian action. IFRC supports its members in building community resilience in the areas of climate and environment, health and wellbeing, and migration and displacement. IFRC promotes respect for our fundamental principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality, including in our work on values, power and inclusion. The IFRC focuses throughout on our core mandate – our raison d’être – of strategic and operational coordination, humanitarian diplomacy, National Society development, and accountability.

IFRC is led by its Secretary General and has its Headquarters in Geneva and five regional offices in Africa (Nairobi); the Americas (Panama); Asia Pacific (Kuala Lumpur); Europe (Budapest); and MENA (Beirut) as well as representation offices, service centres and delegations across the globe.

The IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.

At Geneva level the Health and Care Department focuses on two strategic directions:

1. Health System Strengthening
2. Water System Strengthening

These two strategic directions are supported by four pillars:

1. Global Health Security
2. Global Health Protection and Universal Health Coverage
3. Global Water Security
4. Transformative Partnership

This internship is designed to provide practical experience in global health security and health systems strengthening within an international humanitarian organization. The intern will gain exposure to technical, operational, and policy aspects of IFRC's support to National Societies and their communities in preparing for, preventing, detecting, and responding to public health emergencies.

Job Purpose

1. To understand and contribute to the work of the IFRC’s Health and Care Department and support to National Societies focused on the Global Health Security Pillar.
2. The Global Health Security Pillar includes five focus areas:
   1. Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Readiness
   2. Emergency Medicine Response, Pre-hospital Care
   3. Community Health Workforce
   4. Surveillance and Screening
   5. Health Policy

Job Duties and Responsibilities

1. Support data collection related to IFRC Global Health Security priorities, including epidemic and pandemic preparedness and readiness, community health workforce, surveillance and screening, emergency medical response, and health policy.
2. Assist in the preparation of presentations, meeting summaries, concept notes.
3. Contribute to the documentation, synthesis, and dissemination of good practices, lessons learned, case studies, and National Society experiences.
4. Assist in maintaining information management systems, trackers and repositories related to Global Health Security initiatives and projects.
5. Assist in the development of communication and advocacy materials that highlight the role of Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies in the area of Global Health Security.
6. Participate in departmental meetings, learning opportunities, and cross-functional initiatives to gain exposure to IFRC health programming and humanitarian operations.
7. Undertake other tasks and special projects that contribute to the objectives of the Health and Care Department and the Global Health Security Pillar.

Duties applicable to all staff

1. Work actively towards the achievement of the Federation Secretariat’s goals.
2. Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles.
3. Perform any other work-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager.

Education

Required

• Be currently-enrolled in a university or equivalent level, or have graduated recently (normally within 1 year from the date of hiring) in an area that is compatible with the IFRC activities.

Experience

Preferred

• Experience with research and development of summary reports.
• Experience working in a multi-cultural environment.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Required

• Demonstrated core proficiency in (a) digital communication & collaboration, (b) basic digital content creation, (c) digital safety & security, (d) data literacy, and (e) problem solving with technology (including responsible use of AI assistants.
• Understanding of and commitment to IFRC’s mission and values.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver work products against deadlines.

Preferred

• Basic knowledge about health topics supported by the Red Cross and Red Crescent.

Languages

Required

• Fluent spoken and written English.

Preferred

• Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic).

Competencies, Values and Comments

Application Instruction

Please submit your application in English only.