The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a neutral, independent organisation ensuring humanitarian protection and assistance for people affected by armed conflict and other violence. The Regional Delegation for the UK and Ireland engages with the British and Irish Governments on matters of humanitarian concern, builds support for the ICRC’s global operations and furthers understanding of international humanitarian law (IHL). The Delegation also maintains a close relationship with the British and Irish Red Cross Societies.

This role is 21 hours a week

The Head of Policy and Humanitarian Affairs manages a small dynamic team based in London, who take the lead, as requested, on the delivery of relevant strategies in the UK and Ireland, the main objectives of which are twofold: (i) to contribute towards enabling ICRC action to protect and assist people affected by armed conflict (AC) 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 of Delegation (advising as well his deputy), the Head of Policy and Humanitarian Affairs develops and oversees the implementation of the delegation’s policy and humanitarian affairs strategy in the UK and Ireland, ensuring it is in line with the ICRC’s overall strategy. He/she is 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, thus contributing to policy formulation and ICRC’s humanitarian diplomacy.

He/she works closely with the British Red Cross and Irish Red Cross ensuring optimal impact of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement’s policy and humanitarian diplomacy objectives.

This is an outward facing job as he/she represents the ICRC with the authorities and the wider humanitarian sector.