Innovation Process Manager

What we do

As Innovation Process Manager within our Innovation Team at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), you will be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking team dedicated to fostering improvement for progress through intentional and anticipatory innovation. As part of our overall efforts to help the institution continually evolve, adapt, and anticipate in today’s fast-changing world, you will play a pivotal role in driving innovation and fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement within our organization. You will ensure the seamless functioning and development of a new innovation process and establish an innovation community. You also formally deputize the Head of Innovation during absences and support the overall functioning of the team as well as the implementation of innovative solutions that serve the needs of communities affected by conflict and other situations of violence.

Within the context of our mission to facilitate innovation and create value for our stakeholders – from ICRC staff to affected populations – your position will be key in ensuring innovation initiatives and efforts that are in alignment with and support to our Institutional Strategy.

Your role will also be informed by our purpose, which underscores the importance of intentional and anticipatory innovation in driving organizational evolution and progress. By supporting the Head of Innovation and Innovation Officer, as well as our specialists in Foresight & Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence, as well as an Innovation Associate, you will actively contribute to advancing our commitment to innovation excellence while upholding the highest standards of respect, honesty, and transparency.

We are in the process of refining our approach to innovation by establishing a lean innovation process and innovation community. We follow a lean approach gearing all our processes, tools, and community engagement towards serving best our stakeholders.

Purpose of the position

Your purpose is to lead the establishment and oversight of the organization’s innovation process and community. Your role is primarily focused on empowering the innovation team and wider community to drive initiatives forward while ensuring the smooth functioning of the innovation process.

This position is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and you are expected to be available for field-missions.

Main duties and responsibilities (1/2)

Establishing and Optimizing the Innovation Process

You will take the lead in designing, implementing, and continuously optimizing the organization’s innovation process. This involves creating a framework that enables the smooth progression of ideas from conception to implementation, while also allowing for flexibility and adaptability in response to changing needs and circumstances.

Empowering the Innovation Community

Your role is to empower the innovation team and wider community to take ownership of innovation initiatives and drive them forward. This includes providing guidance, resources, and support to enable community members to run initiatives autonomously while fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment for idea generation and development.

Facilitating Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

You will facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing among members of the innovation community, creating opportunities for cross-functional collaboration, idea exchange, and learning. This involves leveraging the collective intelligence and diverse perspectives within the community to generate innovative solutions to complex challenges.

Providing Strategic Guidance and Support

While primarily in a supportive role, you will provide strategic guidance and support to the innovation team and community members as needed. This includes offering advice on innovation methodologies, problem-solving techniques, and project management best practices to ensure the successful execution of innovation initiatives

Main duties and responsibilities (2/2)

Ensuring Smooth Functioning of the Innovation Process

Your role is to ensure the smooth functioning of the innovation process, identifying and addressing any bottlenecks or challenges that may arise. This involves monitoring progress, identifying opportunities for improvement, and implementing solutions to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the innovation process.

Driving Continuous Improvement

Your ultimate goal is to drive continuous improvement in the organization’s innovation process and community. This involves fostering a culture of experimentation, learning, and adaptation, where feedback is welcomed, and lessons learned are used to inform future initiatives. Success is measured not only by outcomes but also by the ongoing refinement and enhancement of the innovation process itself.

Learning and Development

Throughout your tenure, you will have access to learning and development opportunities aimed at enhancing your understanding of humanitarian innovation and developing your skills and capabilities in this field.

Education required

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Innovation Management, Engineering, Social Sciences, or a related discipline. A master’s degree or certification in innovation management or a related field is desirable but not mandatory.

Experience required

• Typically 10 years of professional experience in innovation management, project management, or a related field.
• Proven experience in designing, implementing, and optimizing innovation processes within a complex organization.
• Demonstrated track record of empowering and fostering collaboration within diverse teams or communities.
• Experience in coaching, mentoring, or training individuals in innovation methodologies and best practices.
• Familiarity with innovation tools, methodologies, and frameworks such as design thinking, lean startup, agile, etc.
• Experience in facilitating cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Languages

Full working proficiency in English is required. Proficiency in additional languages (French, Spanish, Arabic) is desirable but not mandatory.

Desired profile and skills

• Ability to think strategically and translate organizational goals and priorities into actionable innovation strategies and initiatives.
• Demonstrated creativity and openness to new ideas, approaches, and methodologies.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to foster collaboration, build consensus, and empower others.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and address challenges and opportunities.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex ideas and concepts clearly and effectively.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances, overcome obstacles, and remain resilient in the face of uncertainty.
• A collaborative and inclusive approach to working with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• A focus on driving results and achieving tangible outcomes while also prioritizing continuous improvement and learning.
• A genuine passion for innovation and a commitment to driving positive change within the organization.

Additional information

• Location: Geneva
• Type of contract: Open-ended (4 years)
• Grade: C1
• Activity rate:100%
• Estimated start date: 17 June 2024
• Application deadline: 5 May 2024

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