HEAD OF OPERATIONS & DEPUTY PERMANENT OBSERVER

ICRC DELEGATION TO THE UN (NEW YORK)

US CITIZENS OR RESIDENTS (GREEN CARD HOLDERS) ONLY

The ICRC Delegation in New York City plays a key role in humanitarian diplomacy. The ICRC is a Permanent Observer to the United Nations. Key international policies that originate at the UN in New York affect the ICRC’s field operations and development of the law and policy; ICRC NYC engages in humanitarian diplomacy about countries where the ICRC is operational, and on thematic priorities with UN Member States, UN entities and others.

PURPOSE

The Head of Operations (HoOps) / DHoD is responsible for the definition of ICRC thematic priorities and the implementation of related programs and activities. He/She is responsible for engagements with the UNGA. He/She makes sure that operational priorities and programs are aligned with the strategic orientations of the delegation, which are set by the Head of Delegation (HoD). In collaboration with the HoD and Head of Support (HoS), the HoOps leads and implement the annual planning for result process and defines the yearly operational budget of the delegation, which are validated by the HoD/HQ. He/she ensures the daily security and crisis management and shares with the management team the responsibility for compliance with duty of care obligations and code of conduct. He/She is also responsible for external networking and representation as well as for the strategic engagement with MOUV partners.

Functional Responsibilities:

• Contributes to analysing and identifying the political and humanitarian environment in the UN and, based on assessments and findings, defines strategies, in line with the orientations of the Delegation set by the HoD.
• Shapes the design of the delegation’s policy/humanitarian diplomacy objectives and contributes to designing and achieving the ICRC’s objectives in relation to policy/humanitarian diplomacy at the global level.
• Ensures a proper implementation and monitoring of ICRC programs and activities within the allocated and approved budget, with a focus on planning and result-based management.
• Ensures that opportunities for joint/or complementary activities with other Movement components are proactively sought by the persons in charge of the different departments under his/her supervision; Nurture direct communication and engagement with IFRC office and National Societies working in NYC.
• In collaboration with the HoS, who is responsible for the overall budget oversight, the HoOps defines the budget for programs under his/her supervision, which is submitted to the HoD for validation.
• In coordination with the HoD, contributes to maintaining and strengthening the ICRC role as a neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian actor, positioning the organization and ICRC operations globally with a view to gaining maximum access to affected populations.
• Represents the ICRC towards selected audience and engages with multiple stakeholders to ensure acceptance for ICRC operations and policies and reinforce the image of the institution.
• Ensures proper communication within the core management team (HoD and HoS) as well as the optimal flow of information within the delegation.
• Has direct management responsibility over 5 staff of the delegation (subject to evolve) and develops with them a culture of inclusiveness, effectively utilizing resources across the delegation so that the expertise and experience across the different departments can contribute to ensuring a strong operational response.
• Identifies needs in terms of human resources (set up, profiles) and adequately addresses HR issues in accordance with the ICRC rules and procedures, and in coordination with the HoS.
• Internally, interacts with the Head of Delegation, the Head of/Deputy Heads of Delegation of the network of London, Moscow, Paris, Washington, Beijing, Brussels, AU Addis and with the Policy and Humanitarian Diplomacy Division at headquarters.
• Externally, independently interacts with UN agencies, humanitarian players and think-tanks.

REQUIRED BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE:

• University degree in a relevant subject (e.g. international relations, social/political sciences)
• Master’s degree or specialization in a related subject/policy issue a must.
• Fluent command of English and another UN language, knowledge of other UN languages a plus (French, Arabic, Spanish, Russian or Chinese)
• Computer proficiency

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• 10 years overall professional experience with at least 5 years’ experience in humanitarian action or political affairs.
• Proven people management experience required
• Prior ICRC or National Society field experience and/or experience with government Foreign Affairs or similar
• Proven experience in cultivating networks and influencing others, in particular expert diplomatic knowledge and skills
• Strategic understanding of national/regional/global relations and their interplay with humanitarian affairs
• Knowledge of, and experience with multilateral organizations/fora/agencies and platforms

Salary Range

• USD 120’000 – 150’000 based on experience