Traineeship in Migration within the Operations Thematic Unit

International Committee of the Red Cross

Requisition ID: 19570

Region: Europe (HQ)

Contract type: Traineeship

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 advise and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Purpose of the position

The Associate will contribute to the work of the Operations Thematic Unit, which provides thematic expertise as a pool of specialists within the Division of Protection and Crucial Services, supports delegations in the field, and sets the methodology and positioning in six important areas of work (i.e. Sexual Violence, Health Care in Danger, Access to Education, Internally Displaced Persons, Migration and Child Protection) strongly anchored in the ICRC’s mandate to address the vulnerabilities and strengthen the resilience of people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence.

The Associate position available will focus on Migration (including refugees). The incumbent will provide support to the unit’s work on this specific file, forming a team with two migration advisers based in Geneva, one of them being the institutional lead on the file, and interacting with five regional migration advisers based in the field. They will have opportunities to autonomously develop and implement projects and gain an in depth understanding of ICRC protection and assistance work.

Reports to (role)

Global migration Adviser

Accountabilities & Functional responsibilities

The Associate is encouraged to:

  • Contribute to the Unit’s work to support and guide field delegations on operationalizing the ICRC approach to migration, especially to integrate new developments and adapt responses to context-specific challenges;
  • Assist with the monitoring of migration-related developments and activities in priority operational contexts to ensure strategies are developed optimally and to identify and promote standard methodologies;
  • Assist in developing guidelines and training materials on methodologies and topics linked to the protection of migrants (including refugees);
  • Provide summaries of external reports and contribute to reports for promoting protection concepts internally;
  • Support the Unit with different stages of project development;
  • Update relevant communication platforms, such as internal and external webpage or communities of practice tools;
  • Assist with the preparation of and reporting on internal and external meetings and events;
  • Provide other logistical and administrative coordination support for the Unit.

Certifications / Education required

  • University Degree (ideally in international humanitarian law, human rights, humanitarian action, international relations, migration/displacement-related topics, political or social sciences, etc.). Masters an asset;
  • Proficiency (oral and written) in English and French. Another language is an asset (especially Spanish or Arabic);
  • Proven interest in protection and humanitarian work. Experience with an organization working on issues related to migration/displacement is an asset;
  • Interest in pursuing an operational career in the humanitarian sector;
  • Proven ability to research, analyze, and synthesize information;
  • Experience with drafting and editing reports, position papers, speaking points etc.;
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely (written and oral);
  • Comfortable working in a team, good interpersonal skills;
  • Good level of autonomy/independence in leading work;
  • Proficient user of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point);
  • Experience with information management tools such as SharePoint, and skills for producing content for internet/intranet purposes;
  • Experience with a National Red Cross or Red Crescent Society is an asset;
  • The Operations Thematic unit actively encourages applications from a gender-inclusive and diverse range of candidates. We will provide equality of opportunity and foster a team culture that adopts and exemplifies our dedication to gender equality, diversity and inclusion.

Professional Experience required

As per the ICRC rules for Traineeships, applicants should have maximum two-year relevant work experience in migration (on a paid contract) following their last degree.

Additional information

  • Location: Geneva
  • Type of contract: Traineeship
  • Length of assignment: 12 months
  • Relocation: Not provided for traineeships
  • Visa/permit: legitimacy card provided
  • Gross monthly salary: 3723,2 CHF
  • Estimated start date: 19 September 2022
  • Application deadline: 14 August 2022
  • Application documents required: diplomas, work certificates, scan color of passport – please upload it on your profile.

How to apply

Please apply via this link.

Pre-selected candidates will be invited for a written test in the week of 29th of August 2022.


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