Head of Operations 1 (800621)

What we do

Since 1863, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has worked to preserve human dignity and relieve suffering caused by war and armed violence.

In collaboration with our Red Cross and Red Crescent partners around the world, we do everything we can to deliver life-saving aid, reconnect families and locate missing people – helping those who need it most, regardless of who they are and what side of the front line they are on.

We engage with authorities and armed forces on all sides, often confidentially, pressing for access to detainees to improve their living conditions and urging compliance with international humanitarian law to protect non-combatants, including from digital threats.

Brussels is home to the main institutions of the European Union (EU) – the Council of the EU, the European External Action Service (EEAS), the European Commission, the European Parliament – and to the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). The ICRC delegation in Brussels aims to make the ICRC’s mandate better known, to mobilise political, diplomatic and financial support for its activities and to ensure that relevant political and military decisionmakers in Western Europe view the ICRC as the main reference point for neutral and independent humanitarian action, as well as for International Humanitarian Law.

Purpose

Head of Operations(HoOps) / The Deputy Head of Delegation (DHoD)/ supports and assists the Head of Delegation (HoD) in the management of the delegation, the implementation of ICRC objectives and humanitarian diplomacy via à vis the EU, NATO and Belgium. They oversee a series of humanitarian policy matters and make sure that operational priorities and programmes are aligned with the strategic orientations of the delegation. In collaboration with the HoD the HoOps /DHoD manages the yearly planning and budgeting process of the delegation.

Accountabilities & functional responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Head of Delegation:
• Actively participates and advises the Head of Delegation in analysing the national and regional political and humanitarian environment.

• Contributes to identifying the humanitarian (diplomacy) needs and establishing the delegation's overall strategies, operational priorities, plans of action and related budget, and ensures timely and accurate internal reporting.
• Facilitates, coordinates and/or supervises and monitors the implementation of specific policy and protection related objectives, liaising with other delegations as required, in alignment with the ICRC's human resources and financial management procedures and policies.

• Actively maintains and develops a network of contacts within the authorities, International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, diplomatic and donor community at the operational level, and any other influential stakeholders.
• Contributes to public communication and the promotion of international humanitarian law, raising awareness about the ICRC's mandate and mission in order to increase acceptance of and access for the organisation and support for its operations.
• May be involved in complex policy or operational negotiations with high-level contacts that may impact the ICRC's reputation and operations beyond the area directly covered by the delegation.
• Represents the ICRC towards external stakeholders and in key fora.
• Manages directly teams dealing with policy, diplomacy & other programmes. and provides clear direction and priorities and ensures close coordination with the Resource Mobilisation (REM) team in Brussels.
• Coaches, facilitates and fosters individual growth to enable stimulating development of the team
• Addresses HR issues in accordance with the ICRC rules and procedures, and in coordination with the HR Manager; identifies needs in terms of human resources: recruitment, training or coaching.
• Coordinates the delegation’s relations with Movement components in Brussels’.
• Supports and advises colleagues on broader movement-related developments and their impact on the delegation’s approach.
• Promotes a conducive participative and inclusive working environment, ensuring a fluid and transparent flow of information within the delegation
• Is responsible for all safety and security aspects related to the functioning of the delegation
• Acts as Head of Delegation during the latter’s absence.

What we offer

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment
• Attractive salary and benefits: annual salary around EUR 120 K , depending on experience, medical insurance, group insurance, meal vouchers
• Length of assignment: open ended contract under Belgian legislation

Additional information

• Type of role: Management
• Working rate: 100%
• Starting date: as soon as possible
• Location: Brussels
• Application deadline: 14 Aug 2026

Our values

• At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.

People management responsibilities

Yes

Certifications / Education required

• University degree or equivalent.
• Fluency in English and French ( both oral and written)
• Computer proficiency.

Professional experience required

• 12–15 years’ of relevant professional experience, ideally including at least 3 years of experience with the ICRC (preferably field coordination/management experience ) or the Movement.

• Confirmed experience in humanitarian diplomacy and policy, ideally in multilateral settings.
• Confirmed experience in leading and managing multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
• Conceptual and strategic analytical capacity and strong negotiation skills
• Excellent knowledge of the ICRC's mandate, policies and operational procedures.

• Excellent knowledge of institutional rules and regulations.
• Recognised capacity to achieve results and effectively manage resources.
• Proven successful record in building and developing networks and partnerships.
• Experience in coordinating action with partners (Movement or others).
• Excellent knowledge of the EU institutions, knowledge of NATO, of Belgium humanitarian environment is an asset.
• Authorisation to work in Belgium is required