Head of Operations / Deputy Head of Regional Delegation
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
The Regional Delegation for the United States and Canada;
Resident position based in Washington D.C
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States **
(i.e. Citizen, Permanent Resident, or holder of work authorization)
Established in 1863, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) operates worldwide, helping people affected by conflict and armed violence by promoting the laws that protect victims of war. Serving as an independent and neutral organization, ICRC ensures humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence in accordance with the Geneva Convention of 1949. We are based in Geneva, Switzerland with 90 plus Delegations worldwide that employ over 20,000 people in more than 100 countries.
The ICRC Regional Delegation to the US & Canada, based in Washington D.C, is at the heart of our efforts to deliver on the ICRC’s mandate, including working to secure much-needed and widespread support for our work in conflict zones. We are responsible for promoting humanitarian action, principles and law. The delegation represents humanitarian perspectives in global policy and cutting-edge debates related to armed conflict. We cultivate active and relevant relationships with US government agencies, the US Congress, the armed forces, think tanks, civil society, donors, and the media.
Job Summary
The Washington Delegation of the ICRC is currently seeking a seasoned and competent professional to serve as our Head of Operations to join our senior leadership team. Serving as the Deputy Head of Regional Delegation and in coordination with the Head of Support, the Head of Operations will be a key contributor to the Delegation’s overall strategic direction with a focus on managing operational strategies, priorities, and objectives.
He/she will be responsible for ensuring a coherent and well-orchestrated approach to humanitarian Prevention and Protection activities within and from the US and Canada, as it relates to the ICRC’s mission. This includes leading liaison with various parts of the US government and supporting humanitarian dialogue on legal, military, and civilian protection issues. The Head of Operations will be responsible for managing the Communications, Armed Forces, Legal, and Protection departments, and will supervise the delegation’s overall planning and reporting processes. The position also oversees the delegation’s linkages with ICRC operational delegations in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. Furthermore, the Head of Operations reviews and oversees work related to the themes of Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency.
Core Responsibilities & Duties:
Supervision & People Management:
- Serves as the direct supervisor for the Coordinators of the Communication, Armed Forces, Legal, and Protection Departments. This includes but is not limited to effectively supporting and guiding each department; supporting employee growth and development, and serving as a key decision-maker on complex matters that are elevated to the incumbent.
- Responsible for ensuring a coordinated and transversal approach to Prevention and Protection approaches and activities in the US and Canada (in coordination with the Head of Regional Delegation and the Head of Mission in Ottawa, Canada).
- Orchestrates the Delegation’s Prevention and Protection activities and operations. Maximizes opportunities to understand and address protection concerns and their underlying causes across all programs.
Networking & Representation:
- Maintains and expands the network of delegation contacts, in coordination with the Head of Regional Delegation, Chancellery support team, and the Head of Mission in Ottawa and the respective Coordinators.
- In coordination with the Head of Delegation leads interaction across certain parts of the US Government (civilian and military).
Planning and reporting:
- Coordinates the Annual Planning exercise.
- Participates in the analysis of the overall situation and the definition and adaptation of operational approaches.
- Participates as required and supervises the institutional and public reporting.
Security management:
- Focal point for security-related issues in the delegation.
- Maintains contact between Security and Crisis Management Support Unit (SCMS) regionally (based in Panama) and at Geneva headquarters to ensure security management tools are in place, SCMS visits are organized, staff is trained in security management, etc.
- Ensures that security management tools such as the Minimum-Security Requirements, Contingency plans, etc. are implemented.
- Be available for the staff for any security-related questions/ doubts/ response.
Required Education & Experience:
- Masters-level University degree or equivalent in humanities, law, international relations or related field**.**
- 12-15 years overall professional experience**
- A minimum of 6-8 years of humanitarian field experience, including in management positions in operational contexts.**
- Experience in humanitarian diplomacy, policy work and/or high-level representation**
- Experience and expertise of institutional rules and regulations**
- Experience in leading and managing a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural team**
Preferred Experience:
- At least 3 years of ICRC field (protection and/or prevention) and management experience a significant asset**
- ICRC headquarters experience an asset**
- Reading and writing fluency in a second language (Preferably: French or Spanish)**
How to apply:
Application Process:
- For consideration, please forward your resume (preferably no longer than three-four pages) and cover letter including salary expectations and how you heard of the position to was_hr_services@icrc.org
- On the subject line of your email, please enter: Head of Operations Application
- Deadline to submit the application: October 3, 2021
- All applicants must confirm in their initial application that they have the right to work permanently in the United States.
- Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
· Desired Start Date: December 6, 2021
*Please note that applicants that are screened for consideration will be contacted directly.
No calls please.
Our Diversity Commitment. The ICRC is committed to creating a diverse, multicultural environment and strongly encourages women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTIQ+ to apply.