Senior Officer, Migration and Displacement Apply Now
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.
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.

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 delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.
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.
Migration is one of five Strategic Priorities contained in the IFRC Strategy 2030. Between 2016 and 2020, Migration was one of the eight strategic ‘Areas of Focus’ for programmatic support identified in the IFRC’s Plan and Budget. An IFRC Global Migration Strategy was adopted in December 2017 and sets the current direction for National Societies and the IFRC Secretariat. A Movement Policy on Internal Displacement was also adopted in 2009 to define the approach of the Movement in responding to internal displacement. It recognizes the distinction between internal displacement and migration while acknowledging the possible links between the two phenomena in some cases.

The Regional Migration and Displacement Senior Officer will report to the Regional Migration and Displacement Coordinator and is an integral part of IFRC Africa Regional Migration and Displacement team and the Africa, Disasters, Climate, and Crises Unit (HDCC).
The position will support effective implementation of the IFRC strategic goals related to Migration and Displacement, as well as contribute to overall program design and strategy across the Africa region.
The IFRC’s overall vision for Migration and Displacement is that at all stages of their journeys, and irrespective of their legal status, migrants find the IFRC ready to respond to their needs, enhance their resilience, and advocate for their rights, as articulated in the IFRC Global Migration Strategy and set out in IFRC Strategy 2030. In addition, the position will contribute to enhancing cross-sectoral synergies across all IFRC Strategic Priorities and relevant Enabling Approaches.


Job Purpose
The Senior Officer Regional Migration and Displacement provides technical and operational support to IFRC and National Societies in the Africa region in the context of migration and displacement. This support is provided in line with the IFRC Africa Migration and Displacement plan of action and the IFRC Global Migration Strategy, as well as relevant Red Cross and Red Crescent Policies and Guidelines on Migration and Displacement.
Priorities areas of support include community and longer-term programming; emergencies and protracted crises; advocacy and diplomacy; and, capacity strengthening at all levels. This tailored support will be provided through:

• Sensitization and awareness raising on migration and displacement policies and practices.
• Mainstreaming migration and displacement into existing National Society and IFRC programming.
• Developing and enhancing targeted migration and displacement programming, in both emergency and non-emergency contexts.
• Strengthening the capacity of IFRC and National Societies to position ourselves as the partner of choice on migration and displacement across the region.
• Developing strong and effective partnerships both internally within the Movement and with key external stakeholders, in line with the Fundamental Principles

The Senior Officer Regional Migration and Displacement will collaborate closely with colleagues in other departments and units to ensure coherence across IFRC’s related portfolio of activities. The Senior Officer may be requested to represent the IFRC at various levels, including inter-agency, inter-governmental and with external partners.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
Support the Coordination of the Sahel + Migration Network
• Support the work of the Sahel+ Migration Network to strengthen the network as a platform for peer exchange, and ensure access to and engagement with IFRC tools, policies, guidance and initiatives in close coordination with Movement Partners
• Support the development of a strategy and a plan of action with a clear vision for the Sahel + Migration Network, informed by the IFRC Global Strategy on Migration.
• Support the establishment and management of mechanisms for the exchange of information including the newly launched online platform, share experiences and lessons learned, and ensure dissemination of evidence based best practice within the Movement.


Capacity Strengthening and Development of Tools and Guidance
• Design and/or facilitate development of contextualised training on Migration and Displacement for the Africa region, ensuring that content is based on Movement principles on Migration and Displacement and core IFRC standards, including related to community engagement and accountability (CEA) and protection, gender and inclusion (PGI).
• Support development and socialisation of IFRC tools and guidance on Migration and Displacement for IFRC and National Societies’ staff and volunteers.
• Support the design and implementation of national or context-specific assessments on migration and displacement, based on IFRC guidance.

Support for Operations and Programs
• Support the ongoing Global Migration Route Based Program for Africa in close coordination with the Regional Programme Coordinator based in Addis Abeba.
• Support the development of the Sahel program for returnees.
• Identify and develop opportunities for national, cross-border and regional Movement coordination on migration and displacement including through National Society collaboration, peer support, and knowledge and information exchange.
• Produce and compile case studies including lessons learned and good practices from IFRC operations and African National Societies’ Migration and Displacement activities
• Ensure that IFRC delegations have the tools and support needed to include Migration and Displacement in their programs and operations.
National Society Preparedness, Coordination and Humanitarian Diplomacy
• Support National Society preparedness for effective responses in the context of migration and displacement.
• Support the development of strong and effective partnerships to enhance existing work and ensure funding for future streams of work in migration and displacement.
• Provide background research and contextual analysis to support African National Societies engage in humanitarian diplomacy and advocacy related to migration and displacement.
• Provide technical support to the Regional Migration Coordinator to represent the IFRC as an expert on Migration and Displacement at internal and external fora and events


Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)
Reporting and Communications
• Support the Regional Migration Coordinator to develop annual activity and work plans as well as budgets based on expected year-end outputs, ensuring close monitoring of activities and disbursements.
• Ensure optimum efficiency of donor funds, effective budgeting and financial controls, transfers, and maintenance of compliance.
• Contribute to high quality and regular reporting as required (e.g., regional reports, monthly highlights, and snapshots)
• Liaise with the IFRC regional Communications team and NS focal points to ensure high quality communications on migration and displacement in the region (including quarterly IFRC Africa regional newsletters, and updated regional M&D webpage)
• Promote visibility for NS actions and audio-visual material.

Organization of events/workshops
• Organize meetings, conferences, and roundtables with the participation of all relevant stakeholders to promote and profile RCRC work and policy positions on migration.
• Organize roundtable(s) with Movement Partners aimed at developing an advocacy strategy on migration-related issues at sub-regional level.
• Prepare necessary reports and follow up on recommendations.

Research and analysis
• Analyse migration routes and provide information management to support NS plans.
• Monitor the situation and contribute towards data collection and analysis on migratory movements and related issues in the region.
• Support in the promotion and dissemination of completed research initiatives.

Education
Required:
• Undergraduate university degree in Social Sciences, International Human Rights or Refugee Law, International Relations or related field
Preferred:
• Post graduate university degree in Social Sciences, International Human Rights or Refugee Law, International Relations or related field


Experience
Required:
• Minimum 5-7 years of working experience on migration, displacement, human rights and/or protection issues or relevant experience
• Demonstrated experience in program design and implementation related to migration and displacement
• Relevant experience in project and budget management
• Relevant experience in reporting, monitoring, and evaluation
• Experience in organizing meetings and conferences
• Experience in providing high-quality technical and policy advice to stakeholders at all levels of organizational hierarchy on migration and displacement issues
Preferred:
• Experience in designing, implementing, and managing training courses
• Experience in influencing decision makers and engaging in advocacy with a range of stakeholders on Migration and Displacement issues
• Experience working within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement or another humanitarian organization, and/or working with migrants and displaced people
• Experience working in a team environment, with remote team members


Knowledge, Skills and Languages
Required:
• Understanding of regional migration and displacement issues and dynamics, including relevant legal and policy frameworks
• Excellent oral, written and presentation as well as networking skills
• Time management and organization skills
• Strong research, analytical and report writing skills
• Ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• Ability to create and strengthen effective partnerships and working relationships
• Computer skills and competency in the use of relevant software and other applications, such as word processing, spread sheets, internal databases, etc.
• Strong team leadership and conflict resolution skills; Cultural sensitivity, consensus team building, and adaptability will be considered a strong asset
• Current knowledge of the international humanitarian and/or development sector including institutional donor standards and priorities
• Established capacity to deal with stressful situations, willingness to work in remote and isolated location.
Preferred:
Knowledge of International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement principles and approach



Languages
• Fluently spoken and written English and French is a requirement
• Knowledge of another IFRC official language (Spanish, Arabic or Portuguese) preferred
• Competencies, Values and Comments
• Core Competencies: Communication; Collaboration and Teamwork; Judgement and Decision Making;
• Customer Relations; Creativity and Innovation; Building Trust.
Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability.