Economic Security Delegate

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide 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.

Role description

The ICRC defines Economic Security as the status of an individual, household or community that is able to cover its life and livelihoods obligatory expenditures in a sustainable manner, consistent with its environment, culture and customs. Within its global Economic Security approach in conflict affected countries, the ICRC implements Relief, Livelihood and Rehabilitation Programs in order to improve, restore or maintain food and economic security at household level. To achieve this objective Economic Security uses a combination of different interventions and modalities, such as cash and voucher programs, microeconomic initiatives, agricultural and livestock programs, and relief items distributions.

The Economic Security Delegate is responsible for planning and implementing Economic Security programs in compliance with ICRC guidelines and standards.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop a comprehensive overview and understanding of livelihoods, socio-economic context and related political and environmental issues;
• Instigate and participate in assessments of the economic security situation of crisis-affected populations;
• Contribute to the identification of beneficiaries, selection of appropriate interventions, and formulation of projects proposals;
• Implement, monitor and evaluate activities according to objectives and plan of actions, such as cash transfer programs, livelihood support or emergency relief;
• Participate in internal/external workshops and seminars, and Economic Security-related forums
• Promote the principles of the Red Cross and of international humanitarian law;
• As a representative of the ICRC, maintain contact and negotiate with government authorities and other parties to the conflict – civilian and military – in order to carry out the work as effectively as possible.

Desired profile and skills

• Ideal age: 25 to 40 years;
• University degree in the field of economics, anthropology, agronomy, veterinary, nutrition, public health or strong equivalent experience in the humanitarian field;
• Minimum 3 years field experience with some or all of the typical economic security interventions, including emergency relief, livelihood interventions and support to structures and services, using various modalities such as in kind assistance, cash transfer programming or building capacities;
• Professional experience in international humanitarian work and field missions abroad, especially in emergencies;
• Experience of work with the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is an asset;
• Sound understanding of the project cycle, establishing appropriate (SMART) objectives and indicators is required;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Good organisational, managerial, planning, reporting skills;
• Excellent command of French and English is desired; any other language knowledge (e.g. Arabic, Spanish, Russian) is an asset;

• Fully conversant with word processing and spreadsheet software;

• Strongly motivated by humanitarian work;

• Ready to work in difficult contexts and spend time in the field, or to manage programs without direct access to the affected population;

• Possessing good capacity to analyse and summarise complex situations;

• Excellent ability to work under pressure in a potentially dangerous environment;

• Strong capacities to recruit, manage, coach and motivate a small team of specialists and generalists;

• Ability to take relevant decisions within a given framework;

• Open-minded and adaptable, empathic and diplomatic;

• Readiness and capacity to work in a multidisciplinary team involving other sectors linked to the economic security, and collaborating with Red Cross and Red Crescent movement' members.

Our operational & field contraints

• 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 licence (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
• Generous social benefits
• Length of assignment: 12 months
• Join an ICRC talent pool and be considered for future assignments elsewhere

To apply, please visit: http://bit.ly/Ecosec