Movement Cooperation Coordinator for the US

Movement Cooperation Coordinator for the US

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

The Regional Delegation for the United States and Canada

Resident position based in Washington, D.C.

Eligibility Requirement: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for ICRC.

This is a full-time position but open to 80% activity rate if the incumbent would prefer.

CONTEXT

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a neutral, independent and impartial organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal violence and to provide them with assistance. The ICRC directly provides, as well as helps coordinate the international relief activities conducted by the Red Cross and Crescent Movement in situations of armed conflict. It also endeavors to prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening international humanitarian law (IHL) and universal humanitarian principles.

PURPOSE

Based in Washington D.C., the Movement Cooperation Coordinator serves as the American Red Cross’s (ARC) focal point for the ICRC. They also are the delegation’s focal point for all matters related to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which includes key engagements with the ARC and the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) Delegation in New York (for matters outside of United Nations affairs), ensuring alignment and coherence between ICRC and Movement components in the U.S. context. The person will also support the Head of Mission in Canada in their engagements with the Canadian Red Cross (CRC) with respect to strategic Movement issues.

They work closely with other colleagues within the delegation, ICRC Headquarters in Geneva (GVA HQ), and field delegations to foster positive relationships between the ICRC and Movement actors in the U.S. to maximize joint humanitarian outcomes. In particular, they foster an environment of trust, good coordination practices, and open dialogue to strengthen the ICRC-ARC relationship and to influence key stakeholders in support of the ICRC’s humanitarian mission.

In addition, they work closely with the delegation’s management to develop and implement the delegation’s Movement cooperation strategy in line with the ICRC's Movement strategic priorities and provides regular analysis of Movement dynamics and trends that could impact the ICRC’s operations. This includes identifying areas of potential synergy, and mitigating risks associated with divergent interests. ARC plays an active role in several key Movement initiatives, including the fundraising hub, Restoring Family Links (RFL) leadership and implementation platforms, and the Movement Cash Peer Working Group, making it an essential partner for the ICRC. Strengthening this partnership will enhance joint humanitarian efforts and ensure greater alignment on strategic priorities, ultimately reinforcing both institutions’ influence and effectiveness within the Movement.

RELATIONSHIPS

Transversal:

• Internally, they interact frequently with the Washington Delegation senior management team and all members of the delegation, the Movement America’s Head of Sector based in GVA HQ, and others within the Movement Cooperation and other Divisions as needed. Coordination also takes place with the Ottawa Mission to seek coherence of cooperation approaches; occasionally, exchanges take place with the ICRC NY delegation.
• Externally, they develop and maintain a network of contacts at the ARC and occasionally with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Delegation in NY.

Hierarchical:

• They report to the Head of Regional Delegation (HoRD). When representation and/or negotiation calls for a higher level of intervention, they brief and advise GVA HQ-based leadership under the leadership of the HoRD.

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Is a member of the delegation's management team and takes part in setting its operational strategy, notably by promoting and clarifying the strategic role of the National Societies (NS) and other Movement components active within the U.S. context and their respective capacities.
• Provides strategic input to delegation management on Movement dynamics, identifying opportunities for collaboration and risk mitigation related to Movement relationships.
• Guides the development of joint initiatives and strategic partnerships and enhances the cooperation skills of the delegation’s management and staff; oversees risk-management and accountability activities related to Movement partnerships; identifies and proposes partnership opportunities that will result in real humanitarian impact; acts as focal point and lead coordinator for key joint initiatives with Movement partners in the U.S. as appropriate.
• Develops and maintains a comprehensive view of Movement affairs and priorities globally; ensures that the delegation is aware of ICRC initiatives as they relate to the Movement globally; is connected to and contributes to the implementation of the ICRC’s institutional strategic objectives as they relate to the Movement; advises the delegation’s management and staff on the ICRC’s position within the Movement, relationship management and coordination activities.
• Coordinates the engagement of ICRC visitors to Washington and other parts of the U.S. with the ARC; supports the coordination of ARC field visits to delegations and to GVA HQ.
• Supports the NS with the preparations of the Movement's Statutory meetings (Council of Delegates, International RCRC Conference, regional statutory meetings) and implementation of the decisions.
• Guides the delegation in finding proper models for Movement cooperation in terms of leadership, operational coordination, communication, and fundraising. Supports both ARC and CRC (Canadian Red Cross) to develop their staff on international assignments by securing the facilitation of at least one “IMPACT” course per year.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Follows up on all work-related messages and correspondence with the relevant contacts and departments.
• Makes sure that deadlines for annual objective planning for the budget and quarterly monitoring are met.
• Is aware of the delegation’s objectives and has a good knowledge of the Movement and other contacts relevant to the position.
• Collects and shares information to improve the ICRC’s understanding of the environment and humanitarian trends and responses as it relates to the Movement.
• Is responsible for the appropriate Cooperation filing and archiving.
• Takes responsibility for own professional learning and development.

GENERAL DUTIES

• Understands and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
• Understands and adheres to the ICRC Code of Conduct
• Understands the roles of the components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
• Respects and observes staff regulations and security rules at all times
• Represents the ICRC in a professional manner at all times
• Develops and maintains a pleasant and conducive working environment with colleagues and line managers.
• Performs all duties with the highest level of confidentiality in the interest of the employees and the ICRC.
• May be asked to perform tasks not covered in this job description and to provide support to other departments when necessary.

REQUIREMENTS

• An in-depth understanding of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.
• 10-15 years of experience with the ICRC, IFRC, and/or a National Society highly desired; equivalent experience in a diplomatic or policy advisor role may be considered, but exposure to the Movement and humanitarian operations is a must.
• Ability to represent the ICRC in high-level strategic settings, advocate for the ICRC’s priority, and influence key decision-makers.
• Strong planning, organization, and strategic assessment skills, with the ability to align NS priorities with ICRC operations.
• Excellent diplomatic and interpersonal skills, capable of managing complex relationships with key stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking with strong analytical skills, particularly in advising on Movement cooperation and ICRC’s Movement engagement strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports and analyses.
• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred.

What We Offer:

• Join a leading multi-disciplinary humanitarian organization – part of the world’s largest humanitarian network
• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment
• A full-time resident position based in D.C.
• Competitive salary
• Lucrative benefits package that includes:
• Robust health and dental insurance plan
• 20 paid vacation days (annually)
• 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday
• 7 paid sick/personal days (annually)
• 11.5% Employer contribution for our 403b retirement plan
• Exciting professional development program
• A hybrid working model with flexible scheduling and partial teleworking options in coordination with HoRD