Regional Director

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies (NSs). The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by NSs with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.

IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. IFRC also has country cluster delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional offices and delegations) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.

The Regional Director leads the IFRC’s work in the region and is a member of the Secretary General’s Global Leadership Team (GLT) and reports to the Under-Secretary General, National Society Development and Operations Coordination (NSDOC). The Regional Director also coordinates activities closely with the Under-Secretary General, Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization (GRHDD), and the Under-Secretary General, Management Policy, Strategy & Corporate Services MPSCS), to ensure effective coordination across the IFRC Secretariat.

The following roles report directly to the Regional Director: The Deputy Regional Director, the Heads of Delegation in the region as well as identified IFRC leads for different thematic, operational, and technical areas in the region.

IFRC Regional Offices in Africa and the Americas. Candidates are expected to be flexible as regards location and organizational priority.

Job Purpose

Under the overall leadership of the Secretary General and the direct line management of the USG-NSDOC, the Regional Director provides vision, leadership, strategic guidance, and effective management of the IFRC Secretariat’s work and resources in the region of assignment, including in the relevant strategic areas of National Society development, operations coordination, partnerships and humanitarian diplomacy, and management.

The Regional Director will guarantee the implementation of the IFRC Secretary General’s Agenda for Renewal, ensuring that the member National Societies are at the centre of IFRC’s work in the region and will be responsible for providing organizational and operational excellence in support of National Societies, guiding the adaptation of the global agenda to the local context and the vulnerable people and communities that the Federation serves. The Regional Director is also responsible of promoting multi-year, multi-stakeholder programs at large scale, ensuring that membership coordination benefits the strategic goals we aim to achieve as one Federation.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Please see here the full job duties and responsibilities. 

Education

Required

• Post-graduate degree in management, humanitarian or development issues, or other relevant area; or a first-level university degree combined with extensive relevant experience.

Experience

Required

• At least 15 years of professional experience in coordination, humanitarian operations, social or economic development, institutional development, diplomacy, partnerships, and government relations. 
• At least 10 years of experience in effectively managing and motivating teams and direct supervision of staff.
• Proven leadership and management experience, including in the areas of human resources management, financial management, digitalization, administration, and organisational risk management.
• Experience in developing strategy, developing tools and guidance, providing technical assistance and in establishing and maintaining networks.
• Good understanding of IFRC policies and strategies as well as a demonstrated ability to translate these into an operational context.

Preferred

• Demonstrated success in programme planning, budgeting and financial management, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation.
• Professional experience in a National Society.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Required

• Fluent spoken and written English. 
• Good command of another IFRC language (French, and/or Spanish, and/or Arabic) or language relevant in the region.
• Sound knowledge and practical understanding of the IFRC and its institutional dynamics.
• Ability to manage and coach people and work with sensitivity in a multi-cultural environment and in virtual or/and dispersed teams.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills, including in public speaking.
• Ability to conceptualize strategic approaches and translate them into practice and results.
• Ability to network effectively and influence and inspire others, including the membership, governments, other agencies, and own peers, staff, volunteers, and partners.
• Focus on quality and standards, results, and accountability.
• Capacity to multi-task, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Capacity for teamwork and trust-building, including in National Society relations.
• Management style that inspires, builds confidence as well as finds creative and constructive solutions to difficult issues.  
• Ability to work in a cross-cultural and cross-functional environment.
• Ability to drive for change and improvements and ability to deliver strategies in a challenging environment.

Competencies, Values and Comments

Values: Respect for Diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability.

Core Competencies: Communication; Collaboration and Teamwork; Judgement and Decision Making; National Society and Customer Relations; Creativity and Innovation; Building Trust.

Managerial Competencies: Managing Staff Performance; Managing Staff Development.

Functional Competencies: Strategic Orientation; Building Alliances; Leadership; Empowering Others.

Application Instructions

Please submit your application in English only.

IFRC values equal opportunity, diversity and inclusivity. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, irrespective of sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, nationality, class, political opinions, ethnic or social origin, disability, religion, or belief.