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 NSs 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 four main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Coordination; (ii) Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; (iii) Management and Accountability; and (iv) People and Strategy.
IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. IFRC also has country cluster offices and country offices throughout the world, as well as services hubs. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional and delegations) 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.
The Ethical Practices Department oversees four main functions of IFRC: (i) fostering of an ethical culture; (ii) safeguarding and prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse and harassment; (iii) protection, gender and inclusion (PGI); and (iv) risk management.
The Director, Ethical Practices Department, reports directly to the Chief of Staff and Under Secretary General, who leads the People and Strategy Division. The position is located in the IFRC Headquarters in Geneva.
The Director is responsible and accountable for providing day-to-day management and operational support to the requirements of the organization in the areas of ethics, safeguarding and prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse and harassment, PGI, and risk management to promote trust and accountability to affected populations, partners, donors, and staff.
The Ethical Practices Department is a new entity that brings together multiple functions into one strategically aligned department. It directs IFRC’s work in ensuring that the organization operates in accordance with highest ethical standards, leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of ethical policies and practices, provides leadership and direction to IFRC’s work around safeguarding and prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse and harassment and PGI in programmes and operations, and fosters a strong risk management approach for the organization.
The Director will be responsible for a unified structure and approach that creates greater synergies for the new team’s operations and delivery. The Director manages and convenes the heads of each pillar, who support the Director as the departmental management team, responsible for setting shared goals and monitoring the progress of the department’s work plans. The Director plays a central role in achieving this transformation by fostering an ethical and transparent culture as well as enhancing the work of IFRC and the impact of programmes and operations. The Director has the following duties and responsibilities:
Required
Advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in risk management, corporate ethics and compliance, corporate governance, social impact, law, human rights, or other relevant field of study; or a first-level university degree combined with extensive relevant experience.Preferred
An internationally recognised professional qualification in safeguarding, child protection and/or risk management.Required
Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in an international organization in one or more of the following areas, ethics, protection, gender and inclusion, safeguarding and risk management. Experience working in the international humanitarian sector with a strong track record in building teams and working through teams to deliver sustainable organizational change. Extensive experience of managing diverse teams in a global environment. Extensive experience in long-term strategy development and implementation at global level. Excellent strategic and analytical skills. Ability to diagnose complex problems, generate effective solutions and communicate compelling strategic courses of action.Preferred
Familiarity with a wide variety of donor rules and regulations Red Cross/Red Crescent knowledge and experience.Knowledge and Skills
Required
Demonstrated managerial skills and leadership experience. Service mind-set and effective interpersonal skills. Discretion and ability to identify and handle sensitive issues and confidential information. Distance management skills and experience. Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of large-scale budget management. Solid experience of ensuring accountability and compliance. Strong organizational and project management skills.Preferred
Excellent understanding of the global Red Cross / Crescent Movement.Languages
Required
Fluent spoken and written English.Preferred
Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic).Values: Respect for Diversity, Integrity, Professionalism, Accountability.
Core Competencies: Communication, Collaboration & Teamwork, Judgement & Decision Making, National Society & Customer Relations, Creativity & Innovation, Building Trust.
Managerial Competencies: Managing Staff Performance, Managing Staff Development.
Functional Competencies: Strategic Orientation, Building Alliances, Leadership, Empowering Others.