Traineeship in the Security and Crisis Management Support Unit/ International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

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.

In order to fulfill its humanitarian mandate, it is imperative for the ICRC to have effective security and crisis management that identifies and mitigates against risks that threaten our global workforce, assets, and reputation, and provides the framework for a rapid and professional response when a serious security incident or a large-scale emergency occurs. The Security and Crisis Management Support Unit (SCMS) bears chief responsibility for security policy and the provision of operational support through guidance, training, and field missions, as well as facilitating and instigating emergency procedures.

The 4 main functions of the unit are: 1) Research, Analysis and Development, 2) Security and Safety Risk Management, 3) Crisis Management, and 4) Capacity Building.

Purpose

This position will focus primarily on the capacity-building function of the Security and Crisis Management Support unit’s work. The Security and Crisis Management Support unit provides a series of courses on security and crisis management for ICRC staff in the field, oversees the content of personal security training for field personnel, contributes to the training provided by other units within the ICRC and provides tailored training modules and workshops.

Reports to (role)

The successful candidate will be reporting to the Global Capacity Building Coordinator.

Accountabilities & Functional responsibilities

• You will be supporting the continuity and resumption of Capacity Building activities which have been affected during the COVID-19 Crisis.
• You will be responsible for incorporating into SCMS-led trainings the Gender, Diversity, Inclusion (GDI) dimension and exploring the relevancy to create a training module.
• Your strong organizational skills will be key to support the delivery of these courses in collaboration with our Learning and Development department in Geneva and with our regional training centers. You will be asked to update, organize course materials, assist the targeting participants, sending invitations to staff for training, and maintain course archives.
• You will participate in the facilitation of courses and workshops held in Geneva and help us to improve our didactic techniques.
• You will centralise and develop enhanced content for the Critical Incident Management (CIM) course.
• You will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of a number of didactic tools produced by the SCMS unit to assist staff in the management of security and safety risks, including videos and virtual reality tools, such as our newly developed Safety and Security Risk Management videos.
• You will be responsible for updating and editing the Security Wiki, the institution’s reference library on security and crisis management as well as supporting us with other internal communication pieces on the SCMS Intranet to highlight the work of the unit to other departments and field delegations.
• In the face of operational crises, you will support the running and minute-taking of Crisis Team meetings.

Certifications / Education required

Bachelor’s degree in social sciences (master’s degree an advantage).

Professional Experience required

A maximum of 24 months of professional experience, ideally in the humanitarian sector, in security and crisis management or in capacity building.

Desired profile and skills

• Some relevant work experience (including internships, volunteering work) but no more than 2 years of work experience in total, including traineeships (applicants with more than this will automatically be excluded from consideration).
• Insight into the ICRC and its mandate, and an understanding of the wider Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.
• Demonstrated interest in the field of security, risk management, or crisis management and response.
• Experience organizing and/or facilitating workshops, conferences, or training courses.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English essential. Working proficiency in French an asset, including additional command of any of the following languages: Arabic, Russian or Spanish.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Creativity and resourcefulness in finding solutions.
• Flexible and adaptable.

Additional information

• Location: Geneva
• Type of contract: Traineeship
• Length of assignment: 12 months
• Relocation: Not provided for traineeships
• Visa/permit: legitimacy card provided
• Gross monthly salary: 3723,2 CHF
• Estimated start date: 01/03/2022
• Application deadline: 16/01/2022
• Application documents required: diplomas, work certificates, scan color of passport – please upload it on your profile

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to create an inclusive working environment. We welcome application from all qualified candidates.