Job Detail

What we do

 

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide 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 of the post

 

The mission of the Economic Adviser consists in developing constructive engagement with business actors on their responsibility to carefully manage the impact of their operations, in particular in areas of armed conflict or in challenging security environments. This mission is carried out through: direct engagement with business actors; indirect engagement through industry associations or multi-stakeholder initiatives; the development of guidance tools for business actors and other stakeholders involved in ‘business and human rights’ and ‘business and conflict’ issues; support to field activities fostering responsible business practices; and support to ICRC field operations in their own dialogue with business actors; among other means.

Main duties and responsibilities

 

Under the supervision of the Economic Adviser, the post holder will be responsible for:

 

• Assisting with the day-to-day management of various work streams such as: a joint project with the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF); the ICRC’s engagement with Chinese business actors and engagement with organizations such as the World Economic Forum, the United Nations Global Compact, and various other stakeholders in the business and human rights field.


• Fostering internal and external communication on the mission and activities of the Economic Adviser and consolidating the unit’s communication and engagement strategy.


• Keeping close watch on trends, issues and policy developments in the fields of ‘business and human rights’ and ‘business and conflict’; and regularly producing synthetic oral and written analysis.


• Carrying out ad hoc research work on ongoing work streams, such as sustainable finance and military use of artificial intelligence, and supporting the development of new projects.


• Liaising with a wide-range of internal and external stakeholders to ensure smooth running of the various work streams and proper positioning of the ICRC.


• Preparing and coordinating participation by ICRC stakeholders in conferences, seminars or workshops involving business actors, including compiling briefing materials and talking points.


• Developing an overview of the ICRC’s relationship with the private sector, and the capacity to participate constructively in a range of related work streams.


• Ensuring business continuity in absence of the Economic Adviser.

Education and experience required

 

• A Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g. international relations/affairs, international economics, international law, humanitarian action, development, peace/conflict, business, communication, etc.).


• A minimum of six months prior experience with an international organisation, a business company, an industry association, a government, an NGO or a Red Cross or Red Crescent Society.

Desired profile and skills

 

• Demonstrated interest in ‘business and human rights’ or ‘business and conflict’ issues.


• Demonstrated interest in international affairs and diplomacy, humanitarian issues and the ICRC.


• Ability to think strategically, to express ideas clearly, both orally and in writing, and to work both independently and as part of a team.


• Experience with client-oriented work and external relations, and ability to easily interface with high-level stakeholders.


• Experience with developing communications, marketing or business development strategies.


• Flexibility and ability to deliver high-quality results under time pressure.


• Capacity for research and analytical writing, high level of attention to detail.


• Creativity and capacity to think outside the box and generate ideas and initiatives.


• Excellent command of English and a good command of French. Successful applicants will be tested in both languages. Languages in addition to English and French will be considered an asset.


• Available for 1 year, starting in September 2019 if possible.

What we offer

 

• Full-time paid traineeship of 12 months based at the ICRC headquarters in Geneva



• Experience in business and human rights, and in the humanitarian sector

Important information

 

For candidates to be eligible, they must not have more than one year of professional experience after their most recent university degree (or two years maximum if one was a traineeship).

 

 

Application information

 

Your application should consist of a personal statement (in lieu of cover letter) and a curriculum vitae. Additional documents will not be accepted.

 

Personal statement (in lieu of cover letter):

• The personal statement should be clearly articulated in two sections, addressing the two following points:

1. In your academic and/or professional background, how were you exposed to responsible business conduct and what are the most relevant skills and qualities that you developed?


2. What main challenges, in the field of responsible business conduct, do you think the ICRC should be addressing in priority, and why?

• Your personal statement must not exceed 500 words, all inclusive.

 

Curriculum vitae:

• The curriculum vitae must not exceed two pages.


• It should provide clear indications on the dates (year + month) when academic diploma/s was/were obtained and when professional experience/s was/were started and ended.

Additional information

 

• Location: Geneva


• Type of contract: Traineeship


• Type of position: Resident


• Activity rate: 100%


• Length of assignment: 12 months


• Estimated start date: 01/09/2019


• Application deadline: 15/06/2019