Intern, Front Office, Human Resources Management Department

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. The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies 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.

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 the IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.

IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas.  IFRC also has country cluster delegation and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

The Human Resources Management Department (HRMD) is one of four departments that fall under the Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services (MPSCS) Division. The three other departments are: (i) the Financial and Administrative Management Department (FAMD); (ii) the Humanitarian Services and Supply Chain Management Department (HSSCMD); and (iii) the Global Services Centre (GSC) in Budapest (Hungary).

HRMD is responsible for acquiring, assigning, developing, and promoting staff to ensure that the right people occupy the right positions at the right time to enable IFRC to achieve its strategic and operational goals. HRMD also provides advice and support on human resources management matters, including policies and procedures, to other departments/divisions at the Secretariat Headquarters in Geneva and to offices in regions and delegations around the world. It also works with National Societies to build capacity, explore solutions and to respond to needs.

This role is based in the Front Office, HRMD. The intern will report to the Director, HRMD, and receive regular guidance and mentorship from all members of the HRMD Front Office.

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. 

The main purpose of this internship is for the post holder to provide substantive contributions and support to the various workflows, portfolios, relationships, and services managed by the HRMD Front Office.

Under the supervision of the Director, HRMD, the intern will carry out the following duties, as requested:

• Provide general administrative support to colleagues in the HRMD Front Office.
• Help ensure the review and smooth flow of correspondence to and from the HRMD Front Office.
• Participate in and support the successful delivery of work relating to cross-functional as well as intra- and inter-departmental projects.
• Review, as appropriate, standard templates, and communications used by the HRMD Front Office and recommend improvements.
• Ensure proper documentation and archiving of all relevant processes and communications.
• Support, and contribute to, the development and/or review of policies, guidelines, procedures, workflows, and related instruments in a spirit of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Assist in benchmarking and research on best or standard practice on a variety of HRMD topics, including consultations with relevant stakeholders.
• Contribute to HR reporting and data analytics.
• Conduct research on, and propose, Human Resources Key Performance Indicators (HR KPIs).
• Contribute to the completion of job design and rewards tasks.
• Liaise with other HRMD staff and identify opportunities for improving and optimizing HR processes and workflows.
• Provide feedback and inputs to existing or fledgling processes.
• Participate in assorted meetings and draft minutes or notes.
• Liaise with Geneva- and field-based colleagues on a variety of subjects related to the business of the HRMD Front Office.
• Provide back-up support in the absence of other colleagues in the HRMD Front Office, as needed.
• Perform any other duties, as assigned.

Duties applicable to all staff:

• Work actively towards the achievement of the IFRC Secretariat’s goals. 
• Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles.
• Perform any other work-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager.

Required

• Be currently-enrolled in a university or equivalent level, or have graduated recently (normally within 1 year from the date of hiring) in an area that is compatible with the IFRC activities.
• Recent first-level university degree in a social science, including Economics, Development, Human Resources, Finance, Business Administration, Management or Public Policy.

Preferred

• Training or Certification in Project Management or Data Analytics.

Required

• General experience working in a fast-paced environment in the public sector or private sector or in an academic environment. 
• Work experience that demonstrates curiosity, innovativeness, and quick-learning skills. 
• Experience working and interacting with people from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred

• Familiarity with the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement.

Required

• Fluent spoken and written English.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft office software and other IT or digital tools.
• Familiarity with social media.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to work independently. Proven versatility and a thirst for knowledge and development.
• Strong drafting and editing skills.
• Good analytical, research, information management and presentation skills. Relevant experience with research methods.
• Good planning, organizational and relationship management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and capacity to work collaboratively in a team-oriented work environment. 

• Capacity to demonstrate discretion, tact, and professionalism.

Preferred

• Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic).
• Practical knowledge of HR or business management.
• Experience producing reports and reviewing processes.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Business Intelligence, Python or Canva or other visual and graphic tools and software.

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.

Application Instruction

Please submit your application in English only.

IFRC values equal opportunity, diversity and inclusivity. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, irrespective of sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, nationality, class, political opinions, ethnic or social origin, disability, religion, or belief.