Reports to (role)

Head of Analysis and Evidence Unit

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 direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Working closely with the other departments, and in coordination with the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and other partners, the A&E Unit as part of the PES Department is a technical lead for evidence-based programming, supporting the organization on all matters related to situation monitoring and early warning, multidisciplinary needs assessment, targeting and management of affected people, operational information management, thematic analysis, monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning.

The Geodata & Analytics team is part of the A&E Unit since January 2023. Previously it was hosted under the Water and Habitat unit, and then under the Digitalization of Operations unit. The global team in Geneva and Belgrade is tasked to support a pool of approximately 45 experts spread across field locations.

Purpose of the position

The Analysis & Evidence Geodata & Analytics Lead is the coordinator of all geospatial components in relations to needs assessments, monitoring, evaluation, situation, and problem analysis to ensure evidence-based and outcome-oriented programs on a global scale.

Furthermore they are in charge to oversee the architecture of the global technical infrastructure to support GIS and remote sensing activities.

At global level, the job holder focuses on building A&E teams’ capacity in relation to geospatial analysis for evidence-based programming, fostering exchange between the various field layers of A&E, defining and disseminating updates and new institutional tools and techniques, and contributing to / advocating for the strategic development of the A&E file. They maintain a constant relationship with field teams, as well as HQ counterparts involved in the GIS work.

The Analysis & Evidence Geodata & Analytics Lead is one of the key senior level positions in the A&E Unit. They represent the geo-analytical part of the team vis-à-vis other team leaders and unit management. They manage all geospatial solutions offered by the unit, ensuring the offer is up-to-date and relevant for the type of work A&E carries on.

Main duties

• Understands and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement;
• Understands and adheres to the ICRC Code of Conduct;
• Understands the roles of the components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement;
• Respects and observes staff regulations and security rules at all times;
• Represents the ICRC in a professional manner at all times;
• Develops and maintains a pleasant and conducive working environment with colleagues and line managers;
• Performs all duties with the highest level of confidentiality in the interest of the employees and the ICRC;
• May be asked to perform tasks not covered in this job description and to provide support to other departments when necessary.

Main responsibilities (1/2)

Management of Geodata & Analytics team

• Manages the Geodata & Analytics team in HQ, BSSC and functionally manage such positions in regional hubs;
• Supports the talent management of the pool of A&E GIS specialists (approx. 45 staff);
• Maintains the A&E technical network for exchange of experiences and lessons learnt between delegations, regions and HQ/BSSC, fostering and nourishing a global community of practice;
• Provides technical advice, onboarding and coaching to A&E staff and other relevant ones outside the unit, strengthening the institutional capacity and visibility of the A&E function;
• Develops, maintains and updates as relevant the learning and development plan for A&E staff with technical responsibilities in GIS.

Core institutional deliverables

• Leads and advises on the development and implementation of geospatial analysis and provides other technical guidance, defining A&E GIS standards;
• Designs and delivers internal workshops and training on geospatial analysis and its application;
• Develops guidelines, tools and training modules for staff within the A&E Unit and the Protection and Essential Services Department more broadly;
• Leads reviews and centralized evaluations for internal learning and strategic and operational decision-making;
• Is in charge of core institutional deliverables that include geo-data management, remote sensing and GIS applications;
• Coordinates the collection, processing, storage and dissemination of geospatial data across ICRC Offices;
• Acts as A&E focal point for Operations during crisis and emergencies. Supports, activates and organizes the A&E workforce to deliver quick and relevant response during the rapid deployment phases;
• Engages with thematic files for which s/he is the focal point on a regular basis to ensure a coordinated approach and a seamless knowledge management between A&E and other relevant entities.

Main responsibilities (2/2)

Oversee geo-related digital infrastructure

• Manages Geodata & Analytics technical and digital solutions, in close coordination with the Technical Solutions Lead and his/her team;
• Oversees the global coherence and consistency of métier data, alignment to data policies, procedures and guidelines;
• Manages and oversees the GIS infrastructure and data workflow to and from GIS within the wider ICRC data ecosystem;
• Designs and contributes to the evolution of the GIS solutions to ensure an easy access to GIS tools and platforms;
• Manages and optimizes the data life cycle (design, acquisition, validation, analysis, communication) to produce geo-analyses, visualizations and predictive models for ICRC publications or internal use.

Promotion of geo-based integration into A&E products

• Promotes of geo-based integration into A&E products at global level;
• Defines multi-year plan of action for the A&E Unit’s Geodata & Analytics work, ensuring its applicability and leading on its implementation;
• Provides high-level support and advice to delegation, regional and HQ management, strengthening A&E capacity and visibility within the organization in the context of geodata and analytics for evidence-based programming;
• Represents the ICRC to external partners/stakeholders and takes part in fora, meetings and workshops related to geo data and IM;
• Ensures that delegations and regions remain abreast of key A&E developments in terms of geospatial analysis and coordinates their rollout by the A&E Unit with all the relevant stakeholders;
• Liaise with relevant projects developed by the organisation that have a A&E technical component;
• Perform other duties as required.

People management responsibilities

• Engages in ongoing and continuous feedback and support, particularly for employees under his/her functional supervision, but also other staff members;
• Organizes regular meetings within his/her team to ensure optimal coordination of the work and proper flow of information;
• Coordinates and supports the employees under his/her functional supervision in their personal development by coaching and advising them on internal and external training and development possibilities.

Education and experience required

• Typically, 12-15 years of professional experience with 8-10 years in GIS, Geospatial analysis, remote sensing, Humanitarian Information Management or a closely related area;
• Master degree in geography, cartography, GIS, information management, engineering, geometrics, computer or earth sciences from an accredited/recognized institute;
• Very good command of English and a second operational language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian);
• Strong leadership skills to effectively manage a team of geodata and analytics professionals. This includes the ability to prioritize projects, allocate resources, and provide guidance and support to team members;
• Proven field experience as an GIS specialist or equivalent role in other organizations;
• Relevant humanitarian experience in ICRC, Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, UN agencies or NGOs.

Desired profile and skills

• High level of expertise in GIS, web mapping, and maintenance of spatial database systems, including proprietary and opensource;
• Expert knowledge and deep practice of GIS software: ESRI solutions (Portal, Geo-event, Image Analysis server, ESRI Mobile Data Applications) and GIS architecture, FME – FME server, Remote sensing with Deep learning practice;
• Familiarity with programming languages and scripting for automation, data manipulation, and geo-analysis is also valuable;
• Experience in analyzing, interpreting and presenting information for decision making purposes;
• Proficiency in data analytics and visualization tools and techniques. This includes knowledge of geostatistical analysis, data mining, data modeling, and the ability to derive insights from complex geospatial datasets. Familiarity with tools like Tableau and/or PowerBI, Python, SQL, data visualization platforms and graphic design is beneficial;
• Advanced GIS mapping, data visualization and spatial analysis skills, in producing both static and dynamic/interactive maps for disaster response;
• Strong data and database management and analysis skills;
• Strong programming skills and/or knowledge of GIS related scripting to automate geospatial analysis and map production;
• Experience with other data visualization software a plus;
• Experience working with external partners, especially academia and research institutions a plus.

Additional information

• Location: Geneva
• Type of contract: Open ended (4 year rotation required)
• Grade: C2
• Activity rate: 100%
• Estimated start date: 01.09.2023
• Application deadline: 23.07.2023

Are you ready to explore the next chapter of your career? Apply now!

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all regions of the world.