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) is the world’s largest humanitarian organisation, with a network of 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. 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 few to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and pace in the world.” The IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.
The 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 the IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.
The IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters is organised in three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination (NSDOC); (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalisation; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services. The IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The IFRC also has country cluster delegation and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat. This position will be based in the NSDOC Division in IFRC Headquarters.
Job Purpose
The Policy intern will support the IFRC's work related to the "localisation of aid" which refers to support for greater investment in local and national responders to humanitarian emergencies, and an improved approach to coordination and partnership between international and local actors.
The IFRC is co-convener of a dedicated “Localisation Workstream” of the Grand Bargain, a high-level accord signed at the World Humanitarian Summit in 2016 involving major donors and humanitarian agencies (from the UN, NGOs, and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement) with various commitments related to the effectiveness and efficiency of humanitarian aid.
The intern will support a number of projects related to Workstream as well as the interaction of IFRC members in its initiatives and dialogue.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
The Intern will:
- Support the dissemination of information about the Workstream’s initiatives, including updating the Grand Bargain Localisation Workstream’s online platform and preparing updates for Workstream members, the IFRC network and other audiences.
- Undertake desk research on key issues related to the Workstream’s main topic areas
- Provide back-office support for the organization of country level dialogues on localisation and high-level meetings at the global level, including with substantive research, logistics and administrative issues.
- Provide administrative support in organising webinars and for online meetings of the Workstream and its subgroups and in the layout and dissemination of reports and other products.
- Perform other tasks as required.
Education
Enrolment in, or completion of 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 a local humanitarian organisation would be desirable.
Knowledge, skills and languages
- Knowledge about the humanitarian sector, the Grand Bargain and localisation would be very valuable.
- Strong writing and communication skills.
- Experience in document layout and webpage design would be a plus.
- Proven 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; 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.
Comments
Internship applicants 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:
Applications are excepted exclusively through the iFRC's web-based careers page at: https://www.ifrc.org/en/who-we-are/working-with-us/current-vacancies/job-description/?id=67035.