Country: Switzerland
Closing date: 10 Feb 2020
Background
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian organisation, with 192 member National Societies. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, our work is guided by seven fundamental principles; humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.
Organisational context
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC or “the Federation”) is the world’s largest volunteer-based humanitarian network. The Federation is a membership organisation established by and comprised of its member National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Along with National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Federation is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The overall aim of the IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies 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.” It works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises. The Federation is served by a Secretariat based in Geneva, with regional and country offices throughout the world. The Secretariat is led by the IFRC Secretary General and provides the central capacity of the International Federation to serve, connect, and represent National Societies. The Secretariat’s focus includes providing support to the IFRC governance mechanisms; setting norms and standards; providing guidance; ensuring consistency, coordination, and accountability for performance; knowledge sharing; promoting collaboration within and respect for the RCRC Movement; and expanding engagement with partners. The Secretariat’s headquarters is organised in three main business groups: (i) Partnerships, including Movement and Membership; (ii) Programmes and Operations; and (iii) Management Services. The Partnership Division is in turn organised in three Departments, each of them led by a Director. Policy, Strategy and Knowledge department (PSK) is one of the department comprising the unit on Policy and Diplomacy. The Policy and Research intern will work in this unit.
Job Purpose
The Policy and Research Intern will be primarily focused on supporting the development of the IFRC’s flagship publication, the World Disasters Report (WDR). In regular production since 1993, the WDR addresses key policy and practice themes related to disasters in addition to drawing lessons from the most recent events worldwide. Now published every two years, the next edition that will be published in 2020 will address the global climate crisis, with a view to how to address gaps in financing and planning when it comes to community preparedness for climate-driven disasters.
The intern will also provide back-up support to other activities of the Policy and Diplomacy Unit to ensure a strategic, coordinated, consultative and results-based approach to the IFRC's external advocacy and internal policy development.
Job duties and responsibilities
The Policy and Research Intern will primarily support the development of the World Disasters Report. In support of the Senior Humanitarian Analyst, the intern will:
- Undertake desktop research as directed in connection with WDR themes
- Support with fact checking and editing of draft report text
- Support in the coordination of contributions from the various partners involved in the edition
- Support in consolidating and presenting relevant data
- Support planning for report production
- Support planning for communications about the edition as well as launch events
- The intern will also support other needs of the Policy and Diplomacy Unit as needed. Education
Enrolled in, or completed an advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in international development, political science, humanitarian action, environment, or related field.
Experience
Work or volunteer experience in the international humanitarian sector and/or climate research desirable.
Knowledge, skills and languages
Knowledge about the humanitarian sector, humanitarian and climate financing mechanisms, and climate change adaptation would be very valuable
Strong research and writing skillsProven good judgment and ability to work with complete integrity and confidentiality.
Ability to work within a multi-cultural, multilingual, multidisciplinary environment.
Fluent written and spoken English.
Competencies and values
Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism and Accountability.
Comments
An intern must meet the following criteria:
- 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.
How to apply: