Intern Executive Office

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies (NSs). The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by NSs with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.”  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 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 are organized into four main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Coordination, (ii) Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization, (iii) Management and Accountability and (iv) People and Strategy.

The IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas.  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 has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.

Job Purpose

Under the guidance of the Senior Executive Officer, the Intern will assist in managing the internal and external activities of the Secretary General's office. The intern will provide administrative and logistical support to ensure the office's efficient operation. This role involves assisting with day-to-day tasks, coordinating meetings, preparing documents, and supporting the broader IFRC initiatives. The intern will gain valuable experience in organizational management and contribute to achieving the IFRC’s Agenda for Renewal. The position is based in the Executive Office and reports directly to the Senior Executive Officer, Executive Office.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in Research and Preparation of Briefing Materials: Support by conducting research, coordinating, drafting, and editing briefing materials for the Secretary General’s meetings. Ensure that these materials are kept up-to-date and accessible.
• Administrative and Organizational Support: Help analyze administrative and organizational issues related to the Executive Office, exercise discretion and judgment in their management, and keep the Senior Executive Office informed as appropriate.
• Support on Policies and Procedures: Provide assistance to IFRC staff and external partners on Executive Office policies, procedures, and guidelines to align with the Strategy 2030 and the Agenda for Renewal.
• Coordination of Inputs and Information: In coordination with relevant offices, develop and maintain an up-to-date repository of concise and helpful country and donor profiles for leadership and management team members.
• Drafting and Editing Correspondence: Assist in ensuring the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the Secretary General’s strategic outgoing correspondence, including liaising with managers and colleagues, analyzing issues, and drafting and editing documents.

Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)

• Information Sharing System: Support the update of various databases and the maintenance of a system for timely and efficient sharing of information between delegations, Regional Offices, the Global Leadership Team, and the Secretary General.
• Meeting and Event Support: Provide the needed logistics for successful meetings and events, coordinating necessary support such as preparing notes, reports, and records of meetings and ensuring effective dissemination and follow-up action.
• Day-to-day Management: Assist in the day-to-day management of the Executive Office and carry out daily management functions in the absence of the Senior Executive Officer.

Education

• Current university student or recent graduate in public administration, social sciences, international relations, law, humanities, or other relevant field of study. 

Experience

• Knowledge of current developments and global trends
• Knowledge of the work of international organizations
• Interest in management and leadership support
• Interest in humanitarian diplomacy and international relations

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

• Proficient computer skills and use of online platforms
• Fluent in English with strong writing skills
• Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish, Arabic) is preferred

Competencies, Values and Comments

Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability
Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust