Head of Operations 1

The Head of Operations / Deputy Head of Delegation supports the Head of Delegation in managing the ICRC delegation in Brussels, overseeing humanitarian policy matters, operational priorities, and programmes aligned with strategic orientations. The role involves managing teams, coordinating with partners, and representing the ICRC in external forums.

Responsibilities

• Actively participates and advises the Head of Delegation in analysing the national and regional political and humanitarian environment.
• Contributes to identifying the humanitarian (diplomacy) needs and establishing the delegation's overall strategies, operational priorities, plans of action and related budget, and ensures timely and accurate internal reporting.
• Facilitates, coordinates and/or supervises and monitors the implementation of specific policy and protection related objectives, liaising with other delegations as required, in alignment with the ICRC's human resources and financial management procedures and policies.
• Actively maintains and develops a network of contacts within the authorities, International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, diplomatic and donor community at the operational level, and any other influential stakeholders.
• Contributes to public communication and the promotion of international humanitarian law, raising awareness about the ICRC's mandate and mission in order to increase acceptance of and access for the organisation and support for its operations.
• May be involved in complex policy or operational negotiations with high-level contacts that may impact the ICRC's reputation and operations beyond the area directly covered by the delegation.
• Represents the ICRC towards external stakeholders and in key fora.
• Manages directly teams dealing with policy, diplomacy & other programmes and provides clear direction and priorities and ensures close coordination with the Resource Mobilisation (REM) team in Brussels.
• Coaches, facilitates and fosters individual growth to enable stimulating development of the team.
• Addresses HR issues in accordance with the ICRC rules and procedures, and in coordination with the HR Manager; identifies needs in terms of human resources: recruitment, training or coaching.
• Coordinates the delegation’s relations with Movement components in Brussels.
• Supports and advises colleagues on broader movement-related developments and their impact on the delegation’s approach.
• Promotes a conducive participative and inclusive working environment, ensuring a fluid and transparent flow of information within the delegation.
• Is responsible for all safety and security aspects related to the functioning of the delegation.
• Acts as Head of Delegation during the latter’s absence.

Requirements

• University degree or equivalent.
• Fluency in English and French (both oral and written).
• Computer proficiency.
• 12–15 years’ of relevant professional experience, ideally including at least 3 years of experience with the ICRC (preferably field coordination/management experience) or the Movement.
• Confirmed experience in humanitarian diplomacy and policy, ideally in multilateral settings.
• Confirmed experience in leading and managing multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
• Conceptual and strategic analytical capacity and strong negotiation skills.
• Excellent knowledge of the ICRC's mandate, policies and operational procedures.
• Excellent knowledge of institutional rules and regulations.
• Recognised capacity to achieve results and effectively manage resources.
• Proven successful record in building and developing networks and partnerships.
• Experience in coordinating action with partners (Movement or others).
• Excellent knowledge of the EU institutions, knowledge of NATO, of Belgium humanitarian environment is an asset.
• Authorisation to work in Belgium is required

Skills

• Humanitarian Diplomacy
• Policy Development
• Field Coordination
• Team Leadership
• Multicultural Team Leadership
• Strategic Analysis
• Negotiation Skills
• ICRC Mandate Knowledge
• Institutional Rules Knowledge
• Resource Management
• Network Building
• Partnership Coordination
• EU Institutions Knowledge
• Humanitarian Operations Management
• Computer Proficiency

Languages

English, French