Director General of the International Committee of the Red Cross

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an impartial, neutral, and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect and assist the victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. The ICRC strives to prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening international humanitarian law (IHL) and universal humanitarian principles.

The ICRC is recruiting for its future Director General, an experienced leader with an outstanding track record of senior-level leadership, operational and people management, and commitment to the mission and values of the organization.

Mission

The Director General will assure the effective leadership and management of the organization for the swift delivery of humanitarian services to people in conflict and other situations of violence, and the promotion of international humanitarian law.

They will ably navigate the complex political, legal, socio-economic, and security dynamics associated with humanitarian action; and implement a culture of quality delivery, agility and performance management, honoring the institution’s past and reaching its future ambitions.

Main duties and responsibilities

The Director General heads the ICRC Directorate and is responsible to the President and the Assembly of the ICRC for the activities of the organization as a whole, including:

• Operationalizing the delivery of the Institutional Strategy across the diverse functions of the organization.
• Promoting collaboration and ensuring decisive and coordinated action on strategic priorities and challenges across the organization.
• Steering large-scale priority projects and organizational transformation processes.
• Supervising institutional risks, ensuring they are adequately assessed and managed and the relevant governing bodies are regularly informed.
• Working with the President and relevant governing bodies to develop and implement strategies for the long-term financial sustainability of the ICRC, including working with the Chief Financial Officer for optimal management of financial resources and risks.
• Ensuring effectiveness and accountability in the ICRC’s performance vis-à-vis individuals and communities affected by armed conflict and other situations of armed violence, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Working closely with the President to shape and cultivate relations with external partners, including state parties to the Geneva Conventions, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, peer organizations in the sector, the private sector, academic circles, and other strategic partners.
• Collaborating with the President to sustain and further the organization’s public profile and support.
• Fostering a working environment that promotes responsible leadership, integrity, accountability, staff engagement, and diversity.

Profile and skills

• Leadership: A proven track record of effectively leading complex organizations with clarity of purpose and strategic vision. At least 20 years of progressively responsible management experience in the public, non-profit and/or private sector.
• Operational Management and Development: Strong operational management skills and demonstrated capacity to lead large-scale projects and transformation processes within a dynamic environment
• Humanitarian Sector Expertise: Extensive experience in the humanitarian sector, including a deep understanding of the challenges and complexities of operating in conflict zones, is highly desirable.
• Global Relations: Demonstrated experience operating in a multistakeholder environment, including states, donors, peer organizations, and other strategic partners.
• Interpersonal Skills: Proven expertise in fostering a working environment that promotes responsible leadership, integrity, work ethic, accountability, staff engagement, and diversity.
• Education: An advanced university degree in a relevant field is required.
• Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English and French is essential. Proficiency in additional relevant languages is an asset.

What we offer

Global Impact: Play a pivotal executive leadership role in a dynamic global humanitarian environment, shaping strategies, fostering accountability, and ensuring ICRC’s mission.

Competitive rewards and benefits.