Traineeship in The Office of Economic Adviser

**Requisition ID**: 20632

**Region**: Europe (HQ)

**Contract type**: Traineeship
What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and at the same time promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Purpose of the position

The mission of the Economic Adviser consists of developing constructive engagement with business actors on their responsibility to carefully manage the impact of their operations, in particular in areas of armed conflict or in challenging security environments. This mission is carried out through: direct engagement with business actors; indirect engagement through industry associations or multi-stakeholder initiatives; the development of mentorship tools for business actors and other partners involved in ‘business and human rights’ and ‘business and conflict’ issues; support to field activities encouraging responsible business practices; and support to ICRC field operations in their own dialogue with business actors; among other means.

Accountabilities & Functional responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Economic Adviser, the post holder will be responsible for:
Assisting with the day-to-day management of various work streams such as: provision of support, advices and incentives for ICRC teams in the field to engage with business actors; the ICRC’s engagement with Chinese business actors; a joint project with the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF); the development of guidance documents on responsible business practice in high-risk environments; and the development and nurturing of constructive relationships with organizations such as the World Economic Forum, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), industry associations and various other partners in the business and human rights field;
Encouraging internal and external communication on the mission and activities of the Economic Adviser and consolidating the unit’s communication and engagement strategy;
Keeping close watch on trends, issues and policy developments in the fields of ‘business and human rights’ and ‘business and conflict’; and regularly producing synthetic oral and written analysis;
Carrying out ad hoc research work on ongoing work streams as they emerge (this could touch issues such as heightened human rights due diligence, sustainable finance, new technologies, etc.) and supporting the development of new projects;
Collaborating closely with a wide-range of internal and external partners to ensure smooth running of the various work streams and accurate positioning of the ICRC;
Preparing and coordinating participation by ICRC partners in conferences, seminars or workshops involving business actors, including compiling briefing materials and talking points. This may also include occasional participation in support of the Economic Adviser or on behalf of the ICRC in such events;
Supporting the organisation of events (conferences, workshops, webinars), both content-wise as well as with administration and logistics;
Developing an overview of the ICRC’s relationship with the private sector, and the capacity to participate constructively in a range of related work streams;
Carrying out a small number of administrative and reporting tasks and ensuring business continuity in absence of the Economic Adviser.

Education and experience required

A Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g. international relations/affairs, international economics, international law, humanitarian action, development, peace/conflict, business, communication, etc.). Applicants need to be enrolled in higher education or have recently (within 12-24 months) completed their studies.
A minimum of six months prior experience with an international organisation, a company, an industry association, a government, an NGO or a Red Cross or Red Crescent Society. Applicants cannot have more than one year of professional experience after their most recent university degree; this one year could be extended to two years if at least one of these two years was an internship or traineeship.

Desired profile and skills

Demonstrated interest in ‘business and human rights’ or ‘business and conflict’ issues (absolutely vital);
Demonstrated interest in international affairs and diplomacy, humanitarian issues