Working at the ICRC can fulfil a lifelong ambition for “the right people, in the right place, at the right time”. We sat down with our Talent Manager, Carole El Eter, to ask about her journey and her work in talent management, and get some tips for aspiring ICRC delegates.

1. Can you tell us about your journey in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and at the ICRC?

My journey began years ago when I dived into the world of humanitarian aid, volunteering with the Lebanese Red Cross out of a profound desire to have a meaningful impact on my community. Little did I know that this decision would shape my career in the movement and that I would meet my life partner.

Although I had a stable job in banking, I felt drawn to humanitarian work. Eventually, I took the plunge and worked with the French Red Cross as a regional administrator for the Middle East for two years, making regular field visits to the different delegations to support their programmes.

Working at the ICRC was still one of my main goals and I applied three times but was rejected because I needed more experience. My fourth application got me an administrator job in the field. I worked in different roles in the field and at headquarters but took a break when I gave birth to my first child. I worked on fascinating topics such as talent management, HR partnering, and diversity and inclusion, which inspired how I address different recruitment situations now.

2. What is the role of a talent manager?

The talent manager role has two main aspects. First, it involves guiding employees in their careers, creating and maintaining an environment of trust and advising on their performance. Secondly, it consists of partnering with operational management at headquarters and in the field to fill positions with "the right people, in the right place, at the right time". Overall, it requires communication, strategic thinking, negotiation, analytical and active listening skills.

3. What is pool recruitment? How does the ICRC apply equality, diversity and inclusion in the recruitment process for mobile pools?

Pool recruitment involves compiling a list of candidates available for mobile positions. First, we advertise the vacancies or campaigns. Then we select individuals based on their availability and the specific requirements of roles in the field. Language skills are very important at this point and for the next three to four assignments, because delegates are expected to spend a lot of time in direct contact with people affected by armed conflict and other violence. Recruitment is a strategic, rigorous process to ensure we have the right people ready to fill vacancies as they arise.

I strive to incorporate equality, diversity and inclusion principles in my daily work and strategic workforce planning initiatives. A few years ago, for instance, we took steps to ensure equal numbers of men and women in our candidate pool. We used various strategies to achieve a 50/50 split, in line with our equality targets. However, it's essential to recognize the complexities we face, especially with middle-management positions in deprived regions, where it may be impossible for families to come too. While some people are willing to accept an extended separation, others find this very difficult. We therefore have to navigate these challenges thoughtfully and sensitively, while striving for fairness and inclusivity.

4. What is the typical career path for a delegate?

The career path of an ICRC delegate combines a range of opportunities and strategic decisions tailored to the individual's background and aspirations. Entry-level delegates start with a year-long assignment, which sets the stage for their future endeavours within the organization.

After their second year, delegates choose between specializing in protection or pursuing a management career in operations. Specialized staff have different career pathways.

Following their first two successful assignments and several training courses, including security management and protection essentials, the pool member is ready to take up their first managerial role on an 18-month assignment. Depending on the types of assignment they take up and how well they perform, they will next lead bigger teams in more-complex environments until they become a head of delegation, managing ICRC teams, budgets, diplomatic relationships and operations in a specific country where we operate.

5. Do you have any tips for someone interested in working as an ICRC delegate?

First, work on your languages. To succeed in this career, you need to get close to people, understand their cultures and listen to their needs. Speaking their language helps you to connect with them emotionally and makes your response even more impactful and meaningful. That’s why speaking the ICRC languages is a requirement, from the beginning of your career until you start taking up managerial roles in operations. Even in more senior managerial roles, languages are an asset that help you gain trust and credibility.

When you start out as an ICRC delegate, you will be sent mainly to places whose languages you speak. So the more languages you have, the more experience and exposure you will get from various ICRC contexts. Applicants are more likely to be selected and sent abroad if they speak other languages, such as Arabic, Russian and Spanish, as well as English and French.

My second recommendation is to get exposure whenever possible with other organizations whose work is aligned with the ICRC’s in different countries and contexts. International exposure to other situations is important because it indicates how adaptable and flexible you are.

Finally, I advise you to take the time to reflect whether this type of role and career is what you really want. Although the ICRC takes staff security very seriously and duty of care is one of our top priorities, being on the front line, close to affected people and the first to respond to a situation comes at a price. It often means that a delegate could be caught up in security incidents and risky situations. The decision to apply not only impacts you but also the people close to you and your environment. Think carefully before you apply.

Learn more about the delegate position here.