Officer, Operations

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies (NSs). The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by NSs with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.

IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. IFRC also has country cluster delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

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.

In Iran, the IFRC supports the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) in delivering large-scale humanitarian assistance in response to complex and evolving crises. This includes the implementation of a multi-sector Emergency Appeal and several DREF operations, requiring strong operational coordination, accountability, and integrated programme management.

Job Purpose

The Operations Officer will support the overall management and coordination of IFRC-supported emergency operations in Iran, including a complex Emergency Appeal and multiple DREFs. The role ensures effective end-to-end operational management, including planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and compliance across all programme support functions (PMER, Finance, Logistics, HR, and Administration).

Working in close collaboration with IRCS and Movement partners, the Officer will ensure that operations are timely, accountable, well-coordinated, and aligned with IFRC standards and donor requirements, while strengthening national capacity and systems.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Operational Coordination & Management

• Support the overall management and implementation of the Emergency Appeal and DREF operations.
• With the support of Head of Operations and IRCS, assist the coherent operational planning, prioritization, and resource allocation across pillars/sectors.
• Maintain an integrated operational approach linking response, community action, and readiness/preparedness, as per the operational strategy
• Support contingency planning and readiness for potential escalation of needs.

Project & Program Management

• Ensure sound project cycle management (assessment, planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and closure).
• Track progress against operational plans, targets, and KPIs.
• Support revision processes (EA/OS/DREF revisions, extensions, budget adjustments) as required.
• Promote integration across sectors (health, MHPSS, CVA, etc.) and alignment with national strategies.

PMER (Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting)

• Ensure timely and high-quality development of operational plans, updates, and reports (SitReps, Ops Updates, Final Reports).
• Support establishment and use of monitoring systems and tools.
• Ensure data quality, analysis, and evidence-based decision-making.
• Track indicators, risks, and operational performance.

Finance & Compliance Oversight

• Monitor operational budgets, expenditures, and burn rates in line with approved plans.
• Ensure compliance with IFRC financial procedures and donor requirements.
• Support financial forecasting, pipeline analysis, and resource tracking.
• Flag risks and propose corrective actions where needed.
• Support IRCS in preparing financial reports and conduct financial verification with IFRC finance team

Logistics & Supply Chain Coordination

• Coordinate closely with logistics teams to ensure timely procurement, warehousing, and distribution.
• Monitor supply pipelines and address bottlenecks affecting program delivery.
• Ensure adherence to IFRC logistics standards and procedures.

Risk Management & Accountability

• Support development and maintenance of operational risk registers.
• Ensure mitigation measures are implemented and monitored.
• Promote accountability to affected populations and compliance with safeguarding (PSEA, PGI).
• Ensure audit readiness and proper documentation across operations.

Coordination & Representation

• Support coordination within the Movement (IRCS, IFRC, ICRC, PNS).
• Liaise with technical teams, regional support, and partners as required.
• Contribute to external coordination mechanisms when needed.

Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)

Capacity Strengthening

• Support IRCS in strengthening operational systems, processes, and capacities.
• Provide mentoring and technical guidance on project management, PMER, and compliance.
• Promote localization and national ownership of operations.

Education

• University degree in relevant area (e.g. public health, disaster management, international development) - Required
• Basic Delegates Training Course or IMPACT. Surge, RCRC technical or operations management training or equivalent experience and technical competencies -Required

Experience

• At least 3-5 years of disaster management experience - Required
• Field experience in coordinating crises or public health, projects and activities - Required
• Experience in project cycle management including proposal development, budgeting and reporting, monitoring and evaluation - Required
• Good knowledge and relevant work experience in the regional context - Preferred
• Work experience with RC/RC - Preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Required:

• Effective team and project management skills
• Good analytical skills, including understanding of results-based management or other approaches to programmatic quality assurance
• Good mentoring and capacity development skills
• Ability to work well in a multicultural team
• Excellent stress management skills
• Demonstrated accountability

Languages:

• Fluent spoken and written English and Persian - Required
• Good command of another IFRC official language (Arabic or French ) - Preferred

Competencies, Values and Comments

Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability.
Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust.
Functional competencies: Strategic orientation; Building alliances; Leadership; Empowering others.
Managerial competencies: Managing staff performance; Managing staff development.

IFRC Disclaimer

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.

If you appointed to or undertake a role within IFRC, whether as staff, staff on loan or secondees, you will be subject to the organization's Code of Conduct, which is available here and on our website.

Note: All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which include prior professional conduct checks and review of criminal records. IFRC will request a conduct check from all prior employers for a period of 5 years, including but not limited to employers who like IFRC participate in the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.

IFRC ensures equal employment opportunities.