Coordinator, Humanitarian Diplomacy

Organizational Context The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies (NSs). The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by NSs 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.” 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 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 are organized into four main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Coordination, (ii) Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization, (iii) Management and Accountability and (iv) People and Strategy. The IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. IFRC also has country cluster delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat. The Country Cluster Delegation (CCD office in Delhi supports the National Societies of Bhutan, India, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka. The incumbent will be based in Delhi. The IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. Job Purpose Reporting to the Head of Delegation, and under technical supervision of the Regional Head, HD and Regional Liaison, the Coordinator, Humanitarian Diplomacy seeks the smooth delivery of Humanitarian Diplomacy, strategic partnerships and resource mobilization (SPRM) activities for the IFRC CCD Delhi. The post holder is responsible for supporting the HoD in the development, coordination, and execution of IFRC's HD and SPRM strategies for CCD Countries- India, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka. Job Duties And Responsibilities Humanitarian Diplomacy (HD) Provide strategic advice and act as a trusted adviser to the Head of Delegation in matters pertaining to humanitarian diplomacy, strategic partnerships, and resource mobilization. Identify key decision-makers, power centres and policy opportunities both internal and external to the RCRC Movement for the Head of Delegation in the advancement of the IFRC’s HD agenda in India, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka, facilitating, preparing and following up on engagement. Facilitate close dialogue with key stakeholders, diplomatic missions and donors including by preparing regular briefings, bilateral meetings, and donor or mission briefings as well as visits. Supporting the HD strategy for IFRC CCD, taking in to account the challenges outlined in Strategy 2030. Ensure the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the Head of Delegation’s strategic outgoing correspondence, policy position papers and briefs by coordinating with relevant internal stakeholders, providing analysis on political and humanitarian issues, complex contexts and stakeholders. As advised and directed by the Head of Delegation, working closely with National Societies on HD strategy and messages, and providing appropriate support and advice to NSs. Support the IFRC CCD Senior Management Team (SMT) with advice on humanitarian diplomacy, strategic partnerships, and resource mobilization issues to ensure overall organizational coherence and alignment on positioning, including on national and regional policy dialogues. Coordinate with the IFRC Programmes team, Operations team and Communications staff on rapid emergency communications response to humanitarian challenges and crises impacting India, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka to highlight their needs, to support positioning, and to support fundraising efforts. Strategic Partnerships Development of clear engagement strategies for partners and systemic ways of engagement where needed in collaboration with Partner National Societies. Support coordination with the Host NS and the IFRC Membership, supporting via multilateral and bilateral channels, to ensure an IFRC-wide approach while liaising with the ICRC on relevant matters. Support strengthened cooperation with multilateral and international financial institutions, development banks with country presence, UN agencies, and specialized funds. Ensure the management of all information/data related to partnerships/funding in India, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka is kept fully up to date in the IFRC’s customer relationship management (CRM) system. As directed by the Head of Delegation, working closely with National Societies counterpart on strategic partnerships strategy and messages, and providing appropriate support and advice to NSs. Resource Mobilization Aim for strong coverage of IFRC emergency appeals and Unified Plans in India, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka, working with regional SPRM, maintaining an overview of the funding situation, continuously identifying gaps in funding, developing funding plans, and pursuing new funding opportunities. Support strategic donor and partner stewardship (i.e. Governments), including provision of continuous contextual and progress updates, Support development of funding proposals to a high standard and compliant with internal guidelines/procedures. Education Required University-level degree in a relevant field (e.g. international relations, development studies, law, political science, public administration) or equivalent in qualifying experience. Preferred Qualification or certification in project management. Experience Required At least 10-15 years of relevant professional experience in advocacy, partnerships, multi-stakeholder engagement, donor relations, or resource mobilization. Experience in managing external relations with diplomatic missions, international organizations, and other key actors. Solid experience in networking and building relationship with internal and external stakeholders. Preferred At least 5 years of experience within the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement and/or other humanitarian organization(s) will be preferred Preference will be given to candidates with field experience in high-risk and/or fragile context(s). Candidates Who Have Demonstrable Experience In Project/funding Proposal Preparation. Experience in grant management. Knowledge, Skills and Languages Required Proven good judgment and ability to work with complete integrity and confidentiality, acting as a model of highest integrity in personal capacity and at team level Professional credibility, strong analytical and problem-solving skills Excellent communication, interpersonal, influencing skills, networking, and representation skills. Ability to negotiate while maintaining effective working relations Ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-lingual and cross-functional environment Ability to translate strategy into reality/practice Ability to work under pressure and in a demanding environment while keeping a consistent, courteous, and positive attitude towards others Developed soft skills such as adaptability, empathy, high-level of individual ethics Ease with public speaking and engagement with external stakeholders Ability to work in situations of uncertainty and rapid change Proven skills to foster and identify need for confidentiality Candidate should be fluent spoken and written English Preferred Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic) Demonstrated internal and external accountability Comprehensive understanding/knowledge of IFRC policies, procedures, and IFRC-wide approaches. Comprehensive knowledge of major donor policies, regulations, and approaches Competencies, Values and Comments VALUES: Respect for Diversity, Integrity, Professionalism and Accountability CORE COMPETENCIES: Communication, Collaboration and Teamwork, Judgement and Decision making, National Society and Customer Relations, Creativity and Innovation, and Building Trust MANAGERIAL COMPETENCIES: Managing staff performance and Managing staff development FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES: Strategic orientation, Building alliances, Leadership and Empowering others Show more Show less