Consultant, Movement Coordination Advisor

Organizational Context

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (“Movement”) is committed to enhancing its collective impact through closer cooperation and coordination both in normalcy periods as well as during crises and emergencies. The adoption of the Seville Agreement 2.0 (SA 2.0) in 2022 marked a significant shift in the Movement's operational approach, placing the host National Society (HNS) at the center of coordination as the convener. This new framework replaced the previous Seville Agreement of 1997, which operated under a "lead agency" model. The SA 2.0 aims to achieve greater collective impact by promoting an inclusive approach and complementary roles and responsibilities for each Movement component.

Transitioning to this new model requires a collaborative mindset that prioritizes collective Movement impact. A thorough understanding of SA 2.0 and its tools—such as the Mini-Summit, Joint Statements, and Movement Coordination Agreements—is essential for successful implementation.

Over the past two years, the implementation of SA 2.0 has underscored several priorities: the need for consistent guidance and continuous training for all Movement components, robust monitoring, and sustained commitment. Challenges include the complexity of effective coordination and the importance of strong pre-crisis relationships and operational Movement coordination platforms. Additionally, the experience highlights the critical need to invest in the HNS's institutional capacity as convener.

Sustaining these gains will require continuous investment in ‘Movement Coordination literacy,’ encompassing a deep understanding of the normative framework, training programs, and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing. Enhancing interoperability in key areas—such as resource mobilization, communications, security, and logistics—and ensuring the full operationalisation and adherence to SA 2.0 principles will remain vital for achieving the Movement's collective goals.

Job Purpose

Objective

To enhance the IFRC's effectiveness in Movement coordination, by ensuring adherence to the SA 2.0 framework and fostering a collaborative and inclusive approach to maximise Movement collective impact for people affected by crises and emergencies and stronger positioning as a Red Pillar.

Purpose and tasks

This position is part of the Operational Movement and Membership Coordination unit within the office of the Under-Secretary General National Society Development Coordination division (NSDC). The duties and responsibilities outline below contribute to the overall objectives and deliverables of the team.

The role supports the Operational Movement and Membership Coordination unit in facilitating the effective mainstreaming of the SA 2.0 following the conclusion of the Strengthening Movement Coordination and Cooperation initiative (SMCC) at the 2024 Council of Delegates. The consultant will continue the general work on Movement Coordination and additionally will focus on developing and coordinating the implementation of a two-year Movement Coordination Plan of Action.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Movement Coordination - general support

1. During normalcy periods, provide technical support and advice on Movement Coordination matters to IFRC Regional and Country Offices, including supporting the development of Movement Coordination Agreements (MCAs).
2. During crises and emergencies, provide support to IFRC country offices and operational teams to ensure effective Movement cooperation, by adequately implementing the set of Movement Coordination tools in large-scale emergencies.
3. Participate in Joint Task Forces to keep abreast of new emergencies and provide technical inputs related to Movement Coordination in IFRC Emergency Appeals and Operational Strategies.
4. Support the development and overall coordination of the IFRC-ICRC functional cooperation Plan of Action, including, among others, resource mobilisation, communications and humanitarian diplomacy.
5. Coordinate relevant units in the finalisation of the Well-Coordinated International Appeals joint guidelines.
6. Facilitate the implementation of the IFRC-ICRC Funding Modality Framework Agreement.
7. Support the enhancement of the interoperability of systems among Movement components.
8. Update the SMCC toolkit website in coordination with key stakeholders and make a proposal to transit the website into a Movement Coordination website.
9. Contribute to the coordination of the IFRC Way of Working Initiative, as required.
10. Contribute to other tasks of the USG office, as needed.

Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)

Seville Agreement 2.0 in Operations working group:

1. Act as IFRC coordinator for the working group, fostering a shared understanding of the SA 2.0 framework and unpacking key topics before crisis, aiming maximising the Movement collective impact.
2. Develop joint guidance and understanding on critical topics in the application of SA 2.0 in operations including membership coordination, transition contexts, surge, security management and coordinated resource mobilisation.
3. Provide guidance and support to IFRC delegations in crises and emergencies particularly in situations requiring a collective response of the Movement, to promote effective collaboration and alignment.

Seville Agreement 2.0 implementation:

1. Develop and facilitate the implementation of the first phase of the two-year Movement Coordination Plan of Action, to mainstream SA 2.0.
2. Real-time monitoring of SA 2.0 tools and support the development of related accountability framework.
3. Facilitate knowledge exchange among different IFRC regions and country delegations aiming at ensuring global consistency.
4. Support the development and coordination of targeted awareness and training initiatives pertaining to SA 2.0.
5. Support and coordinate the development of guidance and tools pertaining to SA 2.0.
6. Act as resource for the SA 2.0 Consultative Group and support the implementation of the agreed Plan of Action.
7. Support and coordinate the development of a Mini-Summit online tool available on the IFRC Go Platform.

Education

• Post Graduate degree in relevant humanitarian or Social Sciences studies.

Experience

• 10 + years of professional experience in the humanitarian field, including experience in operations management, program coordination roles or similar.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

• Strongly familiar with the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.
• Familiar with IFRC’s strategic direction (Strategy 2030 and agenda for renewal) and its underlying values, objectives and programmes.
• Experienced in the management of inter-agency initiatives.
• Demonstrated history of strategic document drafting and revision.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally through presentations or in writing, including with colleagues from different backgrounds and areas of expertise.
• Proficient in written and spoken English.

Competencies, Values and Comments

• The consultant will be line-managed by the Head of Operational Movement and Membership Coordination unit.

• While the Terms of Reference (TORs) refer to the whole 2025, the specific workplan detailed above covers only Phase 1 of the consultancy, in alignment with the currently available funding. Most of the tasks outlined above will continue and expand further during Phase 2, contingent upon securing additional funding.

• The consultant will be contracted by the IFRC, and the standard contractual terms will apply.