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.

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.

Purpose

The Political Advisor works closely with the Head of the Sub Delegation and different departments in the Sub Delegation and provides advice on political and contextual developments, conflict and security dynamics. S/he provides high-level support and advisory to the Management, on how to navigates the complex bureaucratic and legislative environment of Sudan, the relations between different Sudanese authorities and the political environment based on a solid understanding of the role of each interlocutor and the relations between different bodies of Sudanese authorities and between individuals within these entities or outside. 
The Political Advisor is aware of the cultural peculiarities of communication with his/her peers and beyond in different military, authorities and diplomatic institutions, diplomatic protocol. S/he builds and maintains a personal network within their peers inside and outside the organization and represents the ICRC externally with official stakeholders at working level.

While the Political Advisor focuses primarily on political analysis, authorities liaising and stakeholder mapping in support to Kassala Management, s/he continues to retain support to management tasks in relation to networking and humanitarian diplomacy, relationship-management of political and high-level stakeholders, and field operations.

Reports to (role)

• Head of Sub-Delegation

Accountabilities & functional responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze the political, social, and humanitarian environment in Sudan to identify trends and developments that may impact operations.
• Produce high-quality reports, briefing notes, and analytical insights on regional dynamics, including tribal and political shifts, to support management decision-making.
• Build and maintain a robust network of contacts within local authorities, security forces, civil society, and influential community members.
• Develop and regularly update comprehensive stakeholder maps and contact databases to facilitate humanitarian access and institutional acceptance.
• Represent the organization in working-level meetings and promote its mandate as a neutral, independent, and impartial humanitarian actor.
• Closely follow the security situation in the Area of Responsibility (AoR) and provide regular updates and recommendations to ensure staff safety.
• Provide background information and guidance for operational planning, helping to define priority zones and areas for community engagement.
• Deliver briefings to residents and mobile staff on local culture, politics, and sensitivities to ensure culturally appropriate behavior in the field.
• Support the different departments of the Sub Delegation by identifying relevant interlocutors and assisting in the implementation of their activities.
• Accompany and support field teams on missions and coach staff on networking, representation, and field analysis techniques.

Desired profile and skills

• Strongly motivated by humanitarian work
• Able to work under pressure in a potentially dangerous environment

Certifications / Education required

• University degree or relevant professional experience.
• Fluent level (minimum C1) of English; a third language an asset.
• Computer proficiency.

Professional experience required

• Typically, 4–6 years’ overall professional experience.
• 3–4 years’ experience as a manager or program officer in similar fields or other organizations or governmental structures, ideally including 2–3 years with the ICRC.
• Confirmed analytical capacity in a similar field of activity.
• Ability to demonstrate the existence of a relevant network of contacts.

What we offer

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment.
• Competitive employment package with medical insurance.
• In-house training opportunities for personal development.

Additional information

• Type of role: National Staff
• Working rate: 100%
• Location: Kassala
• Type of contract: Fix-term contract (Extendable)
• Length of assignment: Six months (Extendable)
• Application deadline: 19 April 2026
• Desired starting date: June 2026