Regional Micro Economic Initiatives Advisor

**Requisition ID**: 19451

**Region**:
**Contract type**:
Reports to (role)
Head of Cash & Market (including MEI) focal point in Geneva
Who we are

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an independent, neutral organization providing humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. It takes action in response to emergencies, works in protracted conflicts and other situations of violence and at the same time promotes respect for international humanitarian law (IHL) and its implementation in national law. The ICRC has over 18 000 staff across 90 countries and is funded by voluntary contributions from the States party to the Geneva Conventions; national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies; supranational organizations and public and private
sources.

Your Role at the ICRC

Micro Economic Initiative (MEI) is a term used by the ICRC to refer to an income-generating programme that is implemented through a bottom-up approach, whereby each participant (or small group of participants in case of a collective MEI) is involved in identifying and designing the assistance to be received, usually consisting of one or a combination of three interventions: productive (cash) grants, vocational/business skills training and microcredit support.

As an integral part of a diverse and multi-disciplinary team, the Regional Micro Economic Initiatives (MEI) Adviser provides support and guidance within their field of expertise either remotely or in person, during short assignments to other ICRC operating countries. They develop relevant global policies, guidelines and training modules for the ICRC’s Economic Security (EcoSec) program.

Follow this link to read more about how the ICRC uses microeconomic initiatives to help people affected by armed conflict and other violence return to their occupations or find new ways to make money.

Accountabilities & Functional responsibilities

Operational Support

**As a Regional MEI Adviser with us, you will**:
Support ICRC teams in the Asia Region define feasibility and design of MEI programs, including appropriate monitoring and evaluation systems for MEIs as well as the dissemination of MEI tools.
Ensure quality and coherence in the design and implementation of MEIs in the Asia Region.
Support ICRC teams to work in a more integrated and transversal manner by supporting strategic reflections around the devising of MEI responses for specific vulnerable groups
As necessary, support the identification and recruitment of MEI responsible staff as well as the necessary training and coaching.
Disseminate relevant learning between ICRC teams in the field, and to the Geneva focal point for broader audiences, and ensure follow-up of recommendations.
Support concerned ICRC teams in strategic planning of MEIs through economic analysis and market assessments, promoting profitable and quality MEIs.

Thematic Support

**As a Regional MEI Adviser with us, you will**:
Support the focal point in Geneva in the operationalization of the EcoSec MEI strategy.
Conduct MEI trainings (2-3 times annually) with support of Geneva EcoSec Unit staff.
Upgrade the MEI training in collaboration with the Geneva focal point.
As part of the Asia Pacific regional hub, contribute to the implementation of Regional Strategic Framework (RSF) particularly in the Climate Change working group.

Scope & Impact

**Geographical remit**: Based in Bangkok with up to 70% field trips in other countries

Relationships
Internally, interacts with staff in their assigned delegation and EcoSec teams at delegations where s/he carries out support assignments. Also interacts with other members of the Asia pacific regional hub and technical reference persons at headquarters.
Externally, takes part in forums, regional meetings and workshops, and represents the ICRC to authorities and organizations working in the same field of expertise.

Required - What you Need to Bring
Master’s degree in Humanitarian Action or Development Economics or Food Security and Livelihoods or other relevant degree;
Degree/Certificate or proven experience in “Income-generating activities” and/or “Micro and Small Enterprise support” and/or “Market analysis” and/or “Adult education/Adult learning”;
Minimum 5 years' experience in humanitarian and/or development contexts;
At least 2 years of MEI implementation/working with micro entrepreneurs/micro-business support;
Very good command of English;
Computer proficiency.

Your Assets - Desirable Skills and Experience
ICRC experience an asset;
Capacity to communicate orally and in writing in French (B2 level) is a very strong asset;
Demonstrated experience as a trainer or a teacher.

Our Operational Context and Field Constraints
In line with the principle of neutrality, the ICRC does not assign personnel to a country of which they are nationals.
What we offer
Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment
Competitive employment pack