Head of Policy and Humanitarian Affairs

International Committee of the Red Cross

UK & Ireland Regional Delegation 

Head of Policy and Humanitarian Affairs – Job Share (60% FTE) based in our London office, United Kingdom

About us

Set up in 2003, the London regional delegation focuses on pursuing humanitarian diplomacy and facilitating ICRC operations in the field. Through contact with the British and Irish governments, armed forces and members of civil society and other relevant parties, the ICRC seeks to influence policy and decision-making, so as to bolster support for IHL and principled humanitarian action. The ICRC works with the British Red Cross and the Irish Red Cross in various areas, notably to promote IHL and the international Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.

Our Diversity Commitment

ICRC celebrates diversity and we strive to make inclusion part of what we do every day.  We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination and we are committed to creating a diverse, multicultural environment.

Applicants with protected characteristics are strongly encouraged to apply.

About the role

The Head of Policy and Humanitarian Affairs manages a small, dynamic team based in London, who work with colleagues across the delegation and around the world to support its main objectives: (i) to contribute towards enabling ICRC action to protect and assist people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence; (ii) to influence the debate and secure improved decision-making on issues relevant to conflict, humanitarian action and international humanitarian law.

Reporting to, and working as adviser to, the ICRC Head (and Deputy Head) of Delegation, the Head of Policy and Humanitarian Affairs develops and oversees the implementation of the delegation’s policy and humanitarian diplomacy strategy in the UK, ensuring it is in line with the ICRC’s overall strategy. They are a member of ICRC’s global network of policy and humanitarian advisors, interacting regularly with the Policy and Humanitarian Diplomacy Divisions/Units at headquarters as well as with delegations around the world, supporting ICRC’s humanitarian diplomacy and policy dialogue. This is a role which requires working collaboratively and at pace on a wide range of issues relevant to the mandate of the ICRC and its global operations.

The Head of Policy and Humanitarian Affairs works closely with the British Red Cross ensuring optimal impact of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement’s policy and humanitarian diplomacy objectives.

This is an outward facing job, representing the ICRC at public events, with UK Government, Parliament and the wider humanitarian sector.

For a detailed role description, please refer to the accompanying Head of Policy JD.

Person specification (qualifications, skills & experience required)

Essential

•       Master’s degree in a relevant subject;
•       Strong experience (indicative 10+ years) in humanitarian policy advocacy, diplomacy, conflict analysis and/or a relevant policy position;
•       Strong understanding of the UK political and policy environment, with a solid grounding in security, defence and humanitarian issues.
•       Knowledge and experience of working in – or with - UK Government, as well as humanitarian/development organizations and think tanks;
•       Excellent written and spoken English. French or other second language a plus;
•       Proven experience in networking and influencing;
•       People management and leadership experience;
•       Confirmed analytical, negotiation and presentation skills.

Desirable

•       A solid understanding of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement;
•       Prior field experience with the ICRC or another humanitarian/development organization;
•       Foundational knowledge of International Humanitarian Law (IHL);
•       A good grasp of the impact of new technologies on conflict and humanitarian action.

Further Details

This post is part of a job share and will be offered as part-time (21 hours/ 3 days per week) resident appointment based in our London office. Your job-share partner also works 3 days per week, with one crossover day. The appointment will be offered on an open-ended contract from the beginning of October 2024 (or as soon as a start date is feasible).

The Head of Policy post receives a salary at C2 ICRC London grade and it will be pro-rata for this 3 day part time role (60% FTE); the salary scale below is indicative of the full time equivalent (100%)

(the final salary upon offer will be dependent on the successful candidate’s previous experience and relevant qualifications):

ANNUAL BASE SALARY £ (GBP)

Tier 1               Tier 2                   Tier 3

Min      Max      Min       Max       Min        Max

81,553 92,621 92,621 108,122 108,122 125,826

We currently operate on a hybrid office/homework basis, and there is an option to work from home for part of the week.