Radio Operator

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.

Purpose

The incumbent will be responsible for operating the ICRC telecommunication equipment to monitor the movement of the ICRC vehicles, to and from the field trip. She/he facilitates telecommunication contacts between the ICRC sites, and people through radio, telephone, and other monitoring tools.

Relationships

• Mainly interacts with ICRC employees, but may have some external contacts.

ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Radio Communication

• Maintain HF/Iridium continuous communication with ICRC mobile stations and personnel in the field for locations, status, and security reports;
• Assist other mobile stations in relaying of information in case of propagation problems;
• Ensure that the laid down Radio communication procedures is strictly adhered to;
• VHF/Iridium radio contacts with mobiles stations and ICRC personnel within range for regular communication pertaining to their operations;
• Assist in training of Radio Communication operations to users in the Delegation;

Data Services

• Broadcasting of information concerning Security Alert locally, using relevant means, i.e. VHF, SMS, or phones;

Monitoring

• Monitor Mobile Stations and Information Technology Local Area Network using the recommended monitoring tools;
• Take necessary actions or escalate incidents to the relevant offices to address issues;
• Conduct periodic equipment inspections and routine tests to ensure that operations standards are met;

Switchboard and Logging

• Attending to telephone calls during the Night times, public holidays, and other times in the absence of the Switchboard operators.
• Testing telephone lines and reporting any faults to the IT Helpdesk.
• Maintain station logs of messages transmitted and received for operations.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Follows up on all work-related messages and correspondence with the relevant contacts and departments
• Is aware of the delegation’s objectives and has a good knowledge of the Movement and other contacts relevant to the position
• Collects and shares information to improve the ICRC’s understanding of the environment and humanitarian trends and responses
• Represents the ICRC in an appropriate way during activities, in meetings and in the field, and avoids any activity that may reflect negatively on the ICRC’s image
• Takes responsibility for their own professional learning and development

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• High School graduate or above.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a similar job.
• Good command (spoken and written) of English and Amharic.
• Good computer knowledge.
• Available for weekend duty and, in case of need, to conduct tasks not listed in the job description.

Additional information

• Type of role: National / Resident (Opened to Ethiopian Nationals ONLY)
• Working rate: 100%
• Location: Addis Ababa
• Job level: B1
• Length of assignment: 4 (Four) month Fixed term contract.
• Hardship : H1
• Application deadline: 20/11/2026

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.