What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and 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 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.

Role description

The ICRC and war-affected communities are regularly faced with challenges related to weapon contamination (WeC). Such contamination can be of a conventional or a non-conventional type (CBRN – Chemical, Biological, Radioactive, or Nuclear) and include unexploded or abandoned ordnance, landmines, and weaponized or industrial toxic agents. Weapon contamination impedes relief work and hinders civilians’ access to essential materials and services. For a more extensive read on ICRC’s response to weapon contamination: https://www.icrc.org/en/document/overview-mine-action

The Risk awareness & safer behavior (RASB) delegate contributes to identifying the risks and patterns of behavior that expose people to the effects of weapon contamination and developing and promoting measures aimed at reducing this exposure. Your role is to reduce the impact of weapon contamination on ICRC staff. Operations and affected communities by ensuring that the WeC program at the country level is meeting its objectives. You also assess the need for new projects and activities, provide information and advice for the security assessments of ICRC operations, and help promote IHL instruments related to weapons.

WeC Activities

While program content varies depending on the context, WeC activities include, the development and implementation of risk awareness and safer behavior (RASB) programs, often in partnership with National Societies; capacity building for national authorities in blast trauma care and explosive ordnance disposal to international standards; and, where needed, helping National Societies’ preparations for a CBRN response. WeC colleagues also contribute to security assessments and mitigation measures for ICRC staff and operations and analysis for Protection on the conduct of hostilities issues.

Responsibilities

As part of the WeC team and in relation to the country or countries that you cover:
• Develop a detailed understanding of the weapon contamination situation and provide ICRC management with hazards identification and risk assessments of the likely impact on staff, operations, and civilians in affected areas.
• Define, manage and implement the WeC objectives, priorities, strategies, plan of action, and the associated budgets.
• Develop the necessary strategies, plans of action, and tools for the promotion and implementation of the Red Cross/ Red Crescent movement guidelines on Risk Awareness and Safer Behavior.
• Develop the tools for collecting, assessing, and managing weapon-related data and enhancing understanding of local knowledge attitudes and practices.
• Develop and maintain standing operating procedures (SOPs) and other guidelines for WeC-related activities. Ensure that lessons learned in operational activities are integrated into the development of related tools, methodologies, and procedures
• Monitor and evaluate ICRC and Movement weapon contamination operations, including RASB activities, and propose improvements to the way activities are integrated and implemented in the delegations covered.
• Provide training, mentoring, and orientation to Red Cross or Red Crescent National Societies on RASB activities.
• Contribute to ensuring staff safety and the continuation of ICRC and movement operations in situations where conventional or non-conventional weapon contamination poses a hazard.
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with national authorities (including military authorities), UN agencies, and other relevant organizations to maximize the impact of the ICRC’s work and for identifying priority areas for cooperation.
• Liaise and coordinate with victim assistance and legal specialists on weapon contamination issues to ensure institutional coherence.
• Represent the ICRC in Mine Action and other relevant fora.

Requirements

Core requirements:

• At least 3 years of program management or training/capacity development experience in the field of weapon contamination or humanitarian mine action.
• Experience in data collection and data management (Excel, Device magic, Tableau).
• At least 3 years of experience representing before governments and external partners.

Additional requirements:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience); or a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.
• Strong communication skills and good knowledge of behavior change practices.
• Proven experience working constructively with teams under considerable pressure.
• Excellent oral and written English. Skills in any other ICRC-recognized language are an asset (French, Russian, Arabic, and Spanish).

Our operational & field constraints

• In line with the principle of neutrality, the ICRC does not assign personnel to a country of which they are nationals.
• Candidates should possess a driving license (for manual transmission vehicles).
• Candidates should be prepared to accept unaccompanied postings (i.e., no spouse, partner, children, or dependents) for at least the first 6 months up to 24 months.
• Candidates selected need to be ready to undergo a medical check-up prior to departure in the field.

What we offer

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment.
• Opportunities for further in-house training.
• Competitive salary and attractive social benefits.

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment.
We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.