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 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.

Purpose

The Humanitarian Affairs Advisor plays a key role in supporting the delegation to understand and influence the European Union (EU) policy and diplomatic environment. They also enable the delegation to shape its engagement in multilateral diplomacy with EU institutions on priority humanitarian policy issues and relevant operational matters. focus on EURASIA, AFRICA, and Afghanistan). They advise the delegation on EU humanitarian policy developments and trends related to security & defence (e.g.: CSFP/CSDP; preparedness; and EPF) and translates ICRC policy priorities into the EU context, cognizant of global dynamics.

Accountabilities & functional responsibilities

• Monitors and analyses EU policy positions (currently for the EU: Preparedness, Security & Defense Policy CSFP/CSDP, and EPF; updated in the in the delegation’s file distribution list when required) and dynamics related to humanitarian affairs as well as priority contexts including a specific focus on EURASIA, AFRICA and Afghanistan. This includes dialogue and meetings, but also attending/following hearings, conferences, workshops, external briefings and preparing related reports.
• Builds and maintains a network of EU stakeholders (EU Member States (incl. relevant Council working parties), ECHO, EEAS, INTPA, ENEST and FPI) connected to humanitarian policy affairs and beneficial to the delegation.
• Builds and maintains a network of EURASIA, Africa, and Afghanistan focused stakeholders to advance organizational objectives.
• Leads strategic engagement on the above-described issues through evidence-based humanitarian diplomacy initiatives and proactively creating opportunities for ICRC to intervene and contribute. Contributes to defining and achieving the delegation’s objectives in relation to policy/humanitarian diplomacy at EU level, including through cross-métier collaboration.
• In close coordination with EURASIA, Africa and Afghanistan operations coordinators and diplomatic advisors and humanitarian diplomacy focal points in relevant delegations, facilitates the operational dialogue with EU institutions and services. Nurtures a network of external stakeholders (as listed above) in charge of these operational contexts who can be mobilized when relevant and necessary to advance ICRC HD objectives.
• Develops and nurtures ICRC’s network to support the funding diversification strategy in close coordination with the Resource Mobilization EC Unit.
• Supports and advises the delegation (HoD, DHoD, other HAAs, and other métiers) in achieving diplomacy and policy objectives, through mapping engagement opportunities, and developing strategies and implementation plans for assigned thematic and operational files.
• Coordinates preparations in relation to ICRC’s participation in high-level humanitarian events such as the Senior Officials Meetings for Ukraine, Sudan, Sahel, and Afghanistan.  Analyses EU’s humanitarian agenda/new policy orientations and their implications for ICRC.
• Represents the ICRC in key fora independently
• Plans, prepares and facilitates (high-level) briefings and meetings between GVA/Field and the EU on relevant policy matters. For this, s/he ensures diligent and timely planning, preparation and reporting of missions to BRU and, when needed accompanies colleagues from HQ or field to external meetings.
• Supports engagement and coordination with other humanitarian stakeholders in Brussels (including but not limited to Red Cross EU office) as agreed with the HoD and DHoD.
• Keeps regular contacts on humanitarian and contexts issues with the policy and diplomatic advisers based in Geneva, as well as other (diplomatic) and operational delegations.
• Takes an active part in the annual planning (PfR) and budgeting process and monitors impacts/outcomes.

What we offer

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment
• Competitive salary ( annual salary 90k-100k depending on experience) and attractive benefits
• Open ended contract under Belgian legislation

Our values

• At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.

Reports to (role)

Works under the supervision of the Deputy Head of Delegation and interacts with other Humanitarian Affairs Advisors for EU, and relevant BRU staff.  Provides technical guidance the EU Policy Associate and interacts internally with:

• the delegation management team and advisors;
• Operations Diplomatic Advisers and Policy Advisers at headquarters;
• Resource mobilisation (REM) EU unit;
• other Humanitarian Affairs Advisors in other (diplomatic) delegations;
• and EURASIA and AFRICA region and Afghanistan Operations Coordinators and Advisors.

Independently interacts externally with EU and government officials, key humanitarian actors and think-tanks.

Scope & impact

Shapes the design of the delegation's policy/humanitarian diplomacy objectives. Contributes to designing and implementing the delegation’s objectives in relation to policy/humanitarian diplomacy at EU level. Participates in the annual planning and budgeting process (Planning for Results), leads on objectives for his/her portfolio and sets policy/diplomacy direction and monitors impact/outcomes. Determines work priorities related to the achievement of these objectives.

Certifications / Education required

• University degree in a relevant subject (e.g. international relations, social and/or political sciences).
• Master's degree or specialization in a related subject/policy issue a must.
• Fluent command of English and/or French
• Computer proficiency.

Professional experience required

• 10-12 years’ overall professional experience.
• At least 6-8 years’ experience in humanitarian action or political affairs.
• Prior ICRC field experience and/or experience with government Foreign Affairs or similar.
• Proven experience in cultivating networks and influencing others.
• Strategic understanding of national/regional relations and their interplay with humanitarian affairs.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational and presentation skills.
• Confident, collaborative and motivated self-starter.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of multilateral organizations/fora/agencies and platforms.