Policy Adviser

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.

The ICRC’s Policy and Research Unit

The Policy and Research Unit is part of the Department of International Law, Movement and Partnerships at HQ, and plays a central role in developing and delivering institutional policy and research objectives. The Unit works closely with the ICRC’s Presidency, Office of the Director General, Department of Operations and across the institution to shape strategic policy objectives, design and deliver policy and research outputs, and to influence key stakeholders. The Unit also works closely with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and National Societies on areas of mutual policy interest.

Purpose of the position

The Policy Advisor supports, coordinates and contributes to the Unit's policy and research work at HQ, and takes the lead on defined policy products and processes as assigned.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Develops policy briefs and analytical products on the Unit’s priority thematics, consulting relevant internal and external stakeholders, and disseminates them to internal networks to support their influencing work.
• Contributes to longer-term research projects, including literature review, background research, materials for external events and the identification of potential research partners.
• Supports the coordination of the Unit’s editorial outputs, including reviewing submissions, coordinating internal review and revisions.
• Supports the planning and coordination of the Humanitarian Affairs Adviser (HAA) network, including the thematic monthly calls and annual meetings, in collaboration with the OPS EE team.
• Supports coordination of the annual external policy overview.
• Organizes policy and diplomatic outreach events for the Unit, including the NGO policy dialogue.
• Supports preparations for major multilateral conferences (e.g. COP), including the development of key messages, briefing packs and diplomatic strategies, in coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
• Drafts and compiles speaking and briefing materials for high-level engagements by senior leaders.

Works with others

• Plays an active role within the team by contributing ideas and other support to the Unit’s overall objectives;
• Works closely and collaboratively with colleagues across the various Departments and Delegations on specific policy objectives;
• Engages outside the ICRC when relevant with policy advisers of governmental and non-governmental entities (e.g. permanent missions, think-tanks, the UN, NGOs) to develop an effective external network to the benefit of the ICRC.

Experience and Education background

The successful candidate will bring a proven ability to think critically, conduct research, write clearly, coordinate effectively and represent the ICRC, supported by the following experience and expertise:

• A master’s level qualification in International Relations, Public Policy, Development Studies or another relevant subject, or evidence of high-level research.
• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience which include at least 2-3 years’ experience in the humanitarian or policy sector.
• Experience communicating complicated issues in a simple and compelling way, orally and in writing.
• Experience in researching and developing policy positions and recommendations.
• Experience of advocacy or policy initiatives.
• A good understanding of international relations, global trends and their interplay with humanitarian affairs.
• Knowledge of multilateral organisations, fora and platforms, and of academic institutions and policy think-tanks engaged in subjects related to conflict and humanitarian action.
• Command of spoken and written English; knowledge of French and other languages a plus.
• A good knowledge of and proven ability with IT programmes and digital engagement.

Desired profile

The successful candidate will be a positive communicator, attuned to different cultures and equally effective working independently and as part of a team, with the following skills and attributes:

• Analytical thinking and strong report writing.
• The ability to work fast and slow, that is, to produce quality content quickly in response to changing circumstances as well as to delve into topics in greater detail in longer-term projects.
• Communication, pitching and influencing skills.
• Team player with a capacity to work respectfully with a wide range of different stakeholders, internally and externally, with strong diplomatic and stakeholder management skills.
• Empathy for the people ICRC serves as well as for frontline staff, and a drive to make a positive difference for both.
• Curiosity and tenacity.

Additional Information

• Location: Geneva
• Type of contract: Open-ended
• Mobility Type: Long Term Assignment
• Activity rate: 80%
• Start date: December 2026
• Recruiter: Diara NIANG
• Application deadline: Sunday, 15th of November 2026

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome application from all qualifies candidates.

Are you ready to explore the next chapter of your career? Apply now!

For more information about working at the ICRC HQ please click here

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.