Officer, Project Humanitarian Diplomacy and International Humanitarian Law

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 192-member National Societies. The overall aim of the IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” The IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises. The IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of the IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. The IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services. The IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The IFRC also has country cluster delegation and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

In February 2022, a new phase in the armed conflict in Ukraine started. The intensification and spread of hostilities have affected all of Ukraine, causing massive humanitarian needs across all sectors and destroying essential civilian infrastructure. Millions of people are displaced in Ukraine, more than 7 million people have fled to other countries. IFRC and DRC have launched a major Emergency Appeal for Ukraine and Impacted Countries that is coordinated on European regional level – with numerous country level operations ongoing. ICRC, IFRC, DRC and numerous Partner National Societies are integrating their capacities to provide coordinated crisis response in Ukraine and impacted countries. The operational structure will be fully integrated into existing structures at Country / Country Cluster and Regional Office level to ensure full synergies with the overall regional work.

The Project Officer will become a member of the Danish Red Cross (DRC) Operations Unit in Ukraine and will play a vital role in the execution of the DRC Ukraine Country Strategy. Collaborating with the IHL and HD Project Manager, the Project Officer will contribute to further strengthening the partnership and operational cooperation with the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS), as well as with other RCRC Movement and external non-RCRC partners. Working closely with the IHL and HD Project Manager, the Project Officer will help realize the objectives within the URCS-DRC projects with IHL and/or HD components and will play a crucial role in supporting smooth and proper project implementation.

The Project Officer is expected to contribute to project coordination and implementation within the relevant projects falling under this position. Additionally, the Project Officer will assist URCS in project-related issues and provide support when needed, serving as a trusted focal point for several departments to ensure a smooth and effective project implementation. Moreover, the Project Officer will play a key role in maintaining and coordinating with external partners, especially in cases where DRC collaborates with others in a consortium, ensuring timely and aligned efforts within the overall project.

•    Support the DRC IHL and HD Project Manager in monitoring project progress and quality through various project tools, standards, and field visits.
•    Assist the DRC IHL and HD PM in facilitating coordination between URCS IHL and HD staff and project or support staff from DRC.
•    Collaborate closely with URCS counterparts to ensure effective project implementation and provide continuous and necessary support from DRC, including meeting donor requirements.
•    Support URCS in contributing to and/or coordinating training/workshops and other events.
•    Assist the DRC IHL and HD PM in facilitating coordination and cooperation with external partners (non-movement partners) with whom DRC and URCS are implementing projects within the Consortium.
•    Serve as a key link and facilitator connecting URCS with consortium partners and their respective partners.
•    Support the DRC IHL and HD Project Manager in coordinating with other relevant RCRC movement and external partners to promote cooperation, synergies, and knowledge exchange at the regional and national levels.
•    Maintain regular contact with relevant consortium partners to monitor the consortium project’s aligned and timely implementation.
•    Support DRC project managers in collecting and reviewing relevant reports and data from different departments in URCS regularly, according to the plans.
•    Be responsible for facilitating the proper achievement of project documents for DRC and partners.
•    Provide assistance to the DRC Project Manager in contributing to reporting, monitoring, and evaluation of the relevant projects.
•    Perform any other project-related tasks that may be necessary or assigned by the DRC Head of Operations, including technical and managerial support to URCS preparedness, response, and recovery projects supported by DRC.
•    Participate in relevant coordination and planning meetings and assist with their facilitation.
•    Maintain day-to-day communication with URCS staff following the DRC partnership approach.
•    Keep day-to-day communication open with DRC delegates, Project Managers, and other DRC Country team members.
•    Handle any other tasks as identified by the line manager.

Duties applicable to all staff:
1.    Actively work towards the achievement of the DRC’s goals
2.    Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles
3.    Perform any other work-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager

Diploma from higher-level educational background in a relevant field, project management, international relations, humanitarian and/or social sectors

• Relevant professional experience, preferably from the development and humanitarian sector.
• Proven experience in working with projects or multi partner coordination experience.

• Sharing the RC/RC principles and values
• Good communication skills
• Strong analytical skills in political, socioeconomics and security areas is an asset
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
• Good stress management skills
• Self-supporting in computers [Windows, Microsoft Office, database, e-mail (Outlook) etc.]
• Knowledge and understanding of one or more of the following technical areas: International Humanitarian Law, Humanitarian Diplomacy/Advocacy, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support and Youth Engagement is an asset
• Fluently spoken and written English and Ukrainian
• Knowledge of Russian is optional

Available and able to work in high risk and volatile context with the possibility of travel within Ukraine (as security situation allows) with DRC colleagues, or URCS and/or partner counterparts for monitoring, assessments or other project related purposes.

Able to handle a heavy and varied, and at times unpredictable workload.

Having patience and being able to not be stressed out in situations of delays or unexpected situations.

Understanding that process and local partner ownership are key to achieving results in culturally and politically sensitive environment.

Excellent communication, coordination, negotiation, networking, and facilitation skills.