Head of Support

Who we are

The ICRC is a neutral, independent and impartial humanitarian organization that seeks to protect and assist people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence. It is present in more than 80 countries around the world, and part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent network.

Context

The Western Balkans Regional Delegation (RD) includes the ICRC Mission in Pristina (Kosovo), the Delegation in Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and the Regional Delegation (RD) in Belgrade, which covers eight countries. The RD also hosts the EURASIA Regional Resource Network (RRN) supported by dedicated services.

Belgrade additionally hosts a physically separate structure, namely the ICRC’s Global Setup, covering Global Shared Services (GSS) and various headquarters decentralized positions (DCPs).

The Head of Support (HoS) will oversee the design and functioning of integrated support teams serving all Belgrade-based structures (RD, RRN and Global Setup). At the ICRC, the support is composed of Finance & Administration (F&A), Human Resources (HR), Logistics, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

As Belgrade is a pilot for mutualizing support services between the RD and the Global Setup, the HoS will lead the integration process and manage joint support teams.

Purpose

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is seeking a skilled and experienced Head of Support (HoS) to lead and oversee integrated support services (Human Resources, Finance & Administration, Logistics, ICT) in its Belgrade Regional Delegation. This role is central to ensuring the effective functioning of support teams across the multiple structures of the ICRC set-up in Belgrade, namely the Regional Delegation (RD), the Regional Resource Network (RRN), and the Global Setup.

Key responsabilities

Mutualization of Support Services

• Lead the implementation of the mutualization of support services between the Regional Delegation (incl. RRN) and the Global Setup, ensuring alignment with global pilot objectives.
• Define, establish and monitor joint processes and procedures across Finance, HR, Logistics and ICT to enhance efficiency and role clarity.
• Ensure transparent communication and effective change management to foster collaboration and mitigate resistance.
• Monitor performance indicators, report progress and identify opportunities for efficiency gains, cost optimization and knowledge-sharing.
• Ensure that HR rules for staff at the Global Setup and at the Regional Delegation are harmonised and applied equally.

Functional Oversight

• Oversee and support the work of managers in Finance, HR, Logistics, and ICT, ensuring compliance with institutional standards, legal frameworks, and audit requirements.
• Act as the employer representative for all staff, ensuring fair treatment, diversity, and compliance with HR policies.

• Approve and oversee financial, HR and logistics policies, ensuring alignment with operational priorities, as well as institutional reporting and budgetary frameworks.

Compliance and People Management

• Ensure safety, security, and ethical standards are upheld across all support functions.
• Act as a liaison between the Head of Delegation and support teams, resolving disputes and ensuring smooth operations.
• Coach, guide, and evaluate direct reports, fostering talent development and team motivation.

Certifications / Education required

• University degree (or equivalent) in business administration or other university degree, if combined, with higher education degree in General Management, Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain, HR and Information Systems.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Excellent digital literacy.

Desired Skills and Competencies

• Typically 10-12 years professional experience.
• 5 + years of Proven experience in management large (preferably multidisciplinary) teams in or outside of the ICRC, ideally in capacity of senior Finance, HR, Supply Chain, Information systems or General Manager.
• Comprehensive knowledge of and exposure to Finance, plus at least one of the other three functions under supervision.
• Strong expertise in change management, process optimization, and fostering collaboration across diverse teams.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Additional information

• Type of role: Head of Support 2 (800283)
• Working rate: 1 FTE (100%)
• Starting date: Q1 2026 (January)
• Location: Belgrade Regional Delegation (Vladimira Popovica 38-40, Belgrade, Serbia)
• Hardship: H0
• Job level: C2
• Length of assignment: Open-ended contract
• Type of position: Resident contract
• Application deadline: 9 November 2025

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. This is a unique opportunity to lead a transformative initiative in a dynamic, multi-stakeholder environment. If you are passionate about driving efficiency and collaboration while supporting the ICRC’s humanitarian mission, we encourage you to apply.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. If you are interested in this position, please send us your CV and Motivation letter in English.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.