Movement Cooperation Specialist for Support to NSD

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and 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, coordinated and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict and/or any other situations of violence. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the largest humanitarian network in the world.

Context

Since the escalation of the conflict in February 2022, the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) and ICRC operations and responses increased significantly. Today, around 5,000 URCS staff and over 7,000 active volunteers are engaged in implementing URCS programs at national, regional and local levels through 24 regional and around 200 local branches throughout government-controlled areas (GCA). The ICRC, with its six structures and over 600 staff in Ukraine (GCA), responds to the most urgent needs of the population, mainly in areas close to the frontlines. With its co-convener role as per the Seville Agreement 2.0 and Joint Statement, the ICRC is strengthening its partnership with the URCS and enhancing joint and coordinated Movement response to address the humanitarian needs of the population affected by the IAC. Since 2014, the URCS and ICRC have been working in partnership to develop the URCS capacities in areas of Emergency Response, Economic Security, Water and Habitat, Restoring Family Links, Healthcare (MHPSS, First Aid, Health promotion) Communication, IHL, Risk Awareness and Safer Behaviour programs, Security and Risk Management, Governance, branch development and volunteer management. 

Purpose

As part of the delegation’s Cooperation team, the Movement Cooperation Specialist for Support to National Society Development (NSD) is the focal point for issues related to organizational/programmatic development of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) who, as the Movement Convener, is at the centre of the collective Movement response. In particular, the Cooperation Specialist for support to NSD is responsible for ensuring the URCS has the required capacity and competency, policy governance as it scales up its operations in response to the conflict. This means maintaining and strengthening knowledge and systems to facilitate well-coordinated (internal and external), high-quality NSD support to the URCS in accordance with the URCS strategies, the NSD plans and Longitudinal study on NSD in Conflict (case study on Ukraine).

Accountabilities & Functional responsibilities

The role holder establishes plans of action, manages budgets, and oversees funds allocated to the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) by the ICRC for National Society Development (NSD) support, including branch and volunteer development (BraVo) projects. They provide technical advice while ensuring that ownership of NSD and BraVo initiatives remains with the URCS. The Cooperation Specialist collaborates with the IFRC and other National Societies active in Ukraine to ensure coordinated support, aligned with URCS strategic objectives and the Movement Cooperation Agreement.
Working closely with the Cooperation Coordinator and team, the role holder develops strategies for engaging with the URCS and analyzes internal dynamics that may impact ICRC operations. They also coordinate with teams across Kyiv and sub-delegations to set and implement cooperation objectives in line with ICRC Movement policies. The position focuses on URCS organizational development, capacity building, finance development, digital transformation, accountability, risk management, and volunteer management.
 
INTERNAL

• Manages the ICRC's investment in URCS for National Society Development and ensures financial efficiency by monitoring expenditures and reviewing budgets.
• Represents the ICRC in Movement Coordination mechanisms, including technical committees supporting NSD (finance, digital transformation, BraVo).
• Coordinates with various departments to align on URCS development priorities and contributes to implementing recommendations from the 2024 external review.

 
SUPPORT TO URCS

• Supports the implementation of NSD, BraVo, and the Movement Cooperation Agreement with URCS and other Movement partners in the country.
• Provides technical assistance to URCS in revising/developing its National Society Strategy, coordinating support from Movement partners, and ensuring compliance with NSIA funding.
• Assists URCS in developing monitoring systems to evaluate and report progress, while ensuring activities meet objectives, timelines, budgets, and compliance.
• Oversees Finance Development delegate, identifies opportunities for technical support, and serves as the focal point for the French Fund Maurice de Madre FFMM, volunteer insurance, and Funds and Medals.

Additional responsibilities

• Follows up on all work-related messages and correspondence with the relevant contacts and departments.
• 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 so as to improve the ICRC’s understanding of the environment and humanitarian trends and responses.
• Represents the ICRC in an appropriate way during activities, in meetings and in the field, and avoids any activity that may reflect negatively on the ICRC’s image.
• Takes responsibility for their own professional learning and development.

Coordination and Collaboration with Movement Partners
 

• Collaborates with URCS, IFRC, and National Societies to enhance interoperability, innovation, and learning.
• Ensures well-coordinated, high-quality support to URCS, maintaining strong relationships and effective communication with Movement partners on NSD and BraVo activities.
   

Relationships

• Internally - interacts with the Head of Operations – Movement Affairs, the Cooperation Coordinator, Movement Cooperation team, other departments at the delegation and sub-delegations, the NSD and legal advisors within MOUV division at headquarters.
• Externally - develops and maintains close relations and a network of contacts at the URCS, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and pNS’ at various Organisational levels and matters related to NSD and branch development.

Professional Experience required

• Min 10-12 years’ work experience in a field relevant to Movement Cooperation and/or National Society Development
• 5-8 years of international humanitarian work experience with the ICRC, another partner in the Movement (NS and/or International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies) or another humanitarian aid organization, preferably in a developing-country/conflict context.
• At least 5-7 years’ experience in coaching, facilitating, managing and/or supporting staff.
• Strong background in organizational development and capacity strengthening (i.e., Organizational (Corporate) Governance, Compliance, Accountability, Risk Management and volunteer engagement, change management).
• Experience in building the technical capacities of partner organizations (e.g., leading workshops and training sessions to strengthen the skills of staff, volunteers, and board members in humanitarian principles, project management, and fundraising strategies.)
• Experience in development of strategic plans to align organizational objectives with community needs.
• Experience in coordinating with multi-stakeholders to mobilize resources and enhance program delivery at the national and local levels.
• Experience in conducting organizational assessments and developing tailored interventions to address identified gaps in leadership, financial management, and operational effectiveness.
• Experience in designing and implementing capacity development frameworks, including governance compliance and risk management frameworks.

Language and Personal Attributes

• Excellent English (Speaking, Writing). 
• Strong Culturally adaptable and sensitive to local dynamics.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinker with a problem-solving approach.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.

Additional information

• Type of role: Mobile
• Working rate : 100%
• Location: Kiev, Ukraine
• Length of assignment: 18 months
• Application deadline: 10.11.2024

Please note that URCS will be consulted on shortlisted candidates.

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We encourage applications from all qualified people.  
 

Our Values

• At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this