Head of Field Transport, Clearance & Freight Solutions (TCFS)

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, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Purpose of the position

The Head of Field Transport, Clearance & Freight Solutions (TCFS) supervises and develops global transport and clearance services within the ICRC, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective solutions in line with applicable laws, international standards, and the ICRC Logistics Strategy. The role provides strategic and technical guidance to Regional TCFS Managers and Clearance Officers worldwide and serves as lead buyer for all TCFS services.

Main duties and responsibilities

Management & Leadership

• Provide technical guidance, coaching, and mentoring to Regional TCFS Managers and Clearance Officers.
• Ensure consistent application of ICRC transport, clearance, and freight procedures across delegations.
• Support the professional development of staff through training and accompaniment.

Operations & Compliance

• Propose, test, and validate transport solutions and new routes for global operations.
• Supervise international transport and customs clearance activities, ensuring adherence to IMO, ICAO, and dangerous goods regulations.
• Ensure compliance with ICRC financial, administrative, and risk-control frameworks.
• Act as technical adviser for decision teams on customs or personal effects litigation.

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Support procurement in Incoterms selection and benchmarking.
• Lead negotiations of freight rates and contracts with service providers.
• Oversee tender processes, supplier evaluations, and selection tables.
• Develop and maintain a global network of freight forwarders, carriers, and customs agents.

Performance & Reporting

• Monitor TCFS KPIs and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure accurate use of ERP (JDE) and transport management tools.
• Report regularly to management on global TCFS performance, risks, and corrective measures.

Relationships

• Internal: Delegations’ management, Regional Logistics & Operations, Supply Chain Management Support (SCMS), Finance & Administration.
• External: Logistics service providers, freight forwarders, and customs authorities.

Education and experience required

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in logistics, freight forwarding, international transport, or equivalent.
• Minimun 15 years of professional experience.
• At least 10 years in international transport and freight forwarding.
• Expertise in sea/air operations, customs documentation, and supplier negotiations.
• Proven leadership with strong accountability and people management skills.
• Ability to foster teamwork and cross-functional collaboration.
• Expert knowledge in international transport.

Desired profile and skills

• Advanced expertise in governance, compliance, and tender processes.
• Skilled in representing the organization with a client-focused approach.
• Strong experience in coaching and mentoring teams.
• Proficiency in Transport Management Systems (TMS).
• Knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, particularly JD Edwards (JDE), is an asset

Languages

• Fluent in English and French (spoken & written).
• Knowledge of Spanish, Arabic, or another ICRC language is a strong asset.

Our Operational and field constraints

• In line with the principle of neutrality, the ICRC does not assign personnel to a country of which they are nationals.
• Candidates must be in good health and will have to do a medical check-up prior to departure in the field.
• Candidates must possess a driving license (for manual transmission vehicles).

What we offer

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment.
• Online trainings and onboarding course.
• Generous social benefits.
• Join an ICRC talent pool and be considered for future assignments elsewhere.

Additional information

• Type of Position: Mobile
• Type of Contract: Open-Ended
• Estimated Start Date: 1st February 2026
• Location: Global Field Deployment 
• Application Deadline: 8th October 2025  

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 .