Officer, Women as Humanitarian Leaders

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 to prevent and alleviate 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 is 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, the Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The IFRC also has country cluster delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

The IFRC Africa Regional Office based in Nairobi, Kenya supports forty-nine (49) National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in sub-Saharan Africa. Through its country cluster support teams and country offices, it provides coordination, financial, and technical support for disaster operations and longer-term development programmes throughout the region. The IFRC Africa Region has established a Women as Humanitarian Leaders Initiative to support and empower women within the IFRC Secretariat and African National Societies. This initiative aligns with global IFRC gender and inclusion commitments, as well as the Pan African Conference's commitment to achieving at least 30% female representation in management positions.

The Women as Humanitarian Leaders Officer will support the operationalization of this initiative, ensuring that African women within the IFRC and National Societies have access to opportunities for leadership development, mentorship, networking, and capacity-building.

The Women as Humanitarian Leaders Officer will be responsible for coordinating activities related to the Women in Leadership Initiative in Africa. This includes organizing leadership development programs, supporting mentorship and coaching initiatives, facilitating networking opportunities, and advocating for increased female representation in governance and management structures.

While this position is organically placed under Head of Corporate Services, the incumbent will support the Chair of the Women as Humanitarian Leaders in Africa steering committee and implement actions according to the guidance provided from the steering committee with technical lead from the Regional Lead PGI.

It is worth to mention that this position should support coordination of activities across the region therefore this is considered a bilingual position English/French.

Coordination and Secretariat Support

• Provide secretariat support to the Women in Leadership Africa Steering Committee and working groups.
• Maintain and update an online platform for sharing documents and resources related to women’s leadership activities.
• Support the organization and facilitation of online webinars, technical training, and networking meetings for women in leadership.
• Coordinate with external organizations to develop and maintain mentoring and coaching programs.
• Support the drafting of concept notes, reports, and policy recommendations related to women’s leadership in Africa.
• Additionally, the position will support the development and roll-out of Humanitarian Leadership Operations for Corporate Services.

Capacity Building and Mentorship

• Organize bi-annual leadership training workshops for women in IFRC Africa and National Societies.
• Support the identification and selection of women for skill development and certification programs in leadership and management.
• Facilitate mentorship and coaching programs to connect aspiring female leaders with experienced women in leadership roles.

Networking and Advocacy

• Promote active participation of women in the GlowRed network and other leadership forums.
• Facilitate regional networking opportunities and collaboration among female leaders.
• Advocate for increased representation of women in governance and management structures within the IFRC and National Societies.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Track progress on women’s participation in leadership roles and provide periodic reports.
• Conduct surveys and collect feedback to assess the impact of the initiative.
• Contribute to strategic discussions on gender equity and inclusion within IFRC Africa.

Other Responsibilities

• Actively work towards the achievement of the IFRC’s goals and gender commitments.
• Abide by and uphold the principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the line manager or steering committee.

Duties applicable to all staff.

• Actively work towards the achievement of the Federation Secretariat’s goals.
• Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles.
• Perform any other work-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager.

• University degree in Social Sciences, Gender Studies, International Development, or a related field. Required.

• Working or volunteering experience with a Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in Africa. Preferred.
• Knowledge of the RCRC Movement. Preferred.
• Working experience in gender and inclusion programming, particularly related to leadership development. Preferred.
• Working experience in organizing capacity-building initiatives, mentorship programs, and networking events. Preferred.

• Self-supporting in computer skills. Required.
• Ability to work in a diverse and multicultural environment. Required.
• Advanced written and spoken English. Required.
• Fluency in written and spoken French. Required.
• Ability to organize and host online meetings. Required.
• Strong project coordination and organizational skills. Required.
• Highly organized, with the ability to create a team approach. Required.
• Knowledge of the IFRC gender and inclusion commitments and policies. Required.

• Excellent relationship-building skills; ability to build and strengthen internal and external networks, and establish effective partnerships, with National Societies. Required.

• Skilled in analytical and strategic thinking. Required.

• Core Competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust.
• Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability.
• Functional competencies: Strategic orientation; Building alliances; Leadership; Empowering others.
• Managerial competencies: Managing staff performance; Managing staff development.