Background information
Founded in 1983, the Red Cross EU Office is a partnership between 29 National Red Cross Societies of the EU/EEA and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
The Red Cross EU Office helps to coordinate relations between its member organisations and EU decision-makers and stakeholders, sharing their expertise in supporting vulnerable people and communities within and outside the EU. Based on our members’ practical insights and technical experience, we promote the dignity and wellbeing of vulnerable people by facilitating and voicing common positions and recommendations towards the EU and Member States. We also monitor European developments that could impact the implementation of our members’ work, as well as supporting them to prepare joint proposals to access EU funding.
For more information please visit www.redcross.eu.
You can also connect with us via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Job purpose
Working as part of the Red Cross EU Office team, the Head of Disaster Management and Development leads strategic and operational engagement with EU institutions and partners in the area of International Development cooperation, including neighbouring countries, and in the area of European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid. The overall aim of the Disaster Management and Development Unit is to strengthen Red Cross’ influence on EU policy, legislation and practice, as well as to mobilise EU resources for our members.
Key responsibilities
- Increase Red Cross’ influence on EU policy, legislation and practices in line with the fundamental principles of the Red Cross
- Develop strong working relationships with key EU institutions and other relevant stakeholders and partners
- Ensure regular and effective consultation and dialogue with and among EU National Societies and IFRC Secretariat
- Explore opportunities for scaling up Red Cross programming and facilitate a collaborative and coordinated approach to EU funding opportunities
- Contribute to increasing the visibility of members’ programmes and practices through public communications
- Lead the production of internal briefings and guidance notes, as well as external position papers and policy recommendations
- Advise National Red Cross Societies on EU issues that require advocacy at national level
- Ensure the coordination between internal expert working groups among RCEU members
- Coordinate with key European networks, ensuring appropriate Red Cross representation in relevant forums, meetings and events
- Contribute to Red Cross EU Office reports, newsletters and other publications
- Supervise and manage staff of the Disaster Management and Development Unit, assess their performance and encourage their professional and personal development
- Develop a strategic workplan for the Disaster Management and Development Unit fully aligned with the overall strategic aims and objectives of the Red Cross EU Office, in close consultation with RCEU members
- Liaise and coordinate with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on issues of common concern and interest.
Candidate profile
Education
- Advanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent)
Experience
- At least 10 years’ professional experience in development cooperation and disaster management context
- Experience with the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, including time in the field and/or with a National Society
- Experience/knowledge of EU processes and working mechanisms
- Pertinent experience/knowledge in building and maintaining relationships with external partners
- Demonstrable experience of successfully leading and managing a team
Knowledge and Skills
- Familiarity with EU overall framework for humanitarian and development cooperation
- Solid understanding of current development cooperation context and trends
- Excellent skills in analytical and strategic thinking; policy development
- Self-organized, with ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Excellent communication skills and computer literate
Languages
- Fluently spoken and written English
- Good command of at least another EU language (particularly French, German, or Spanish)
Terms and Conditions
- Permanent contract, subject to Belgian Social Legislation.
- Based in Brussels, Belgium, with occasional travel within Europe.
- Full time position of 38 hours per week.
- The monthly gross salary ranges between 4000 EUR and 4900 EUR, depending on experience. In addition, we offer an attractive compensation and benefits package.
Application procedure
Please send your CV (max two pages) and a cover letter (max one page) in English to HR@redcross.eu by midnight CET, 27 September 2020.
Please mention “Head of Disaster Management and Development” in the email subject and include your full name in the file names.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
The starting date will be discussed with the selected candidate.
this job offer is not open for applications
