We help to strengthen resilience of vulnerable people exposed to hazards and crisis situations and we respond to disasters and conflicts to save lives and alleviate suffering. In the Netherlands with more than thirty thousand volunteers and internationally through technical assistance, supplies and money. Together we act before, during and after disasters to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people.
We do this without regards to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinion. Our seven principles guide our humanitarian work: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.
The International Assistance department is responsible for all Netherlands Red Cross (NLRC) international support for victims of disasters and conflicts and for vulnerable people exposed to hazards.
The International Assistance department has opened a vacancy for a Humanitarian Diplomacy Advisory Delegate for the CAS islands (Curacao, Aruba and Sint Maarten).
Position title: Humanitarian Diplomacy Advisory Delegate
Duty station: Aruba
Time period: 4 months
Starting Date: 1st of November 2020
End Date: 28th of February 2021
Status: Single posting
Background
The Netherlands Red Cross (NLRC) has branches on 6 Caribbean islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Sint Maarten, Saba, Sint Eustatius). These branches are part of the NLRC and focus on direct emergency aid after disasters and the provision of assistance to vulnerable groups on the island.
The COVID-19 outbreak has had a huge impact on the lives and livelihoods of the people on the islands. A Red Cross relief operation was officially launched in May 2020 with the aim to support vulnerable households, impacted by the consequences of COVID-19 living in Aruba, Curacao and Sint-Maarten. The implementation period of the program has been planned until the end of December 2020. NLRC is therefore currently developing a country-by-country transition strategy, through a bottom-up decision-making process and based on the different foreseen scenarios.
For the Red Cross and Red Crescent, humanitarian diplomacy is about persuading decision makers and opinion leaders to act, at all times, in the interests of vulnerable people, and with full respect for fundamental humanitarian principles. The decision to engage in humanitarian diplomacy is not a choice, but a responsibility. It is a responsibility that flows from the privileged access enjoyed by National Societies as auxiliaries to the public authorities in the humanitarian field. It flows from the independence of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, from the breadth of its humanitarian activities across the globe, its community base with tens of millions of volunteers and the observer status at the United Nations General Assembly enjoyed by the International Federation and the ICRC.
Purpose of the position
The Humanitarian Diplomacy (HD) Advisory Delegate is responsible to support the Netherlands Red Cross and its mission in Sint-Maarten and overseas branches in Aruba and Curacao in their humanitarian diplomacy related to the COVID-19 response. This requires strong skills in networking, listening, understanding, positioning and persuading to strengthen the auxiliary role and the perception of the Red Cross as a key and relevant partner of the local governments. Strong analytical skills are also required to ascertain the differences and similarities between the three countries and adapt support based on each context.
Position in the organization
Hierarchically, the Humanitarian Diplomacy (HD) Delegate will fall under the Regional Programme Manager based in Curacao. The HD Delegate will remain in close contact and coordination with the Aruba and Curacao Red Cross Branch Directors and the NLRC Head of Mission in Sint Maarten. The HD Delegate will work closely with the NLRC Partnership & Portfolio Coordinator Caribbean Covid-19 Response and the NLRC Lobby & Advocacy team based in The Hague.
Summary statement and responsibilities
In response to the humanitarian consequences caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, support the Netherlands Red Cross and its mission in Sint-Maarten and overseas branches in Aruba and Curacao in their humanitarian diplomacy.
- he two main goals of the position are to provide support to NLRC, its mission and overseas branches in the COVID-19 operational transition strategy and in ensuring that the perception of the Red Cross as key and relevant humanitarian partner is in accordance with the RCRC mandate, principles and guidelines.
- Support the mission and overseas branches in the formulation of policy objectives and agenda for the humanitarian advocacy, communications and stakeholder management in Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten**;**
- Support the mission and overseas branches to ensure (also in writing) effective cooperation with the key actors (government, NGO’s and CSO’s) in Aruba, Curacao and Sint-Maarten in representation and advocacy work.
- Contribute to the transition strategy of the RC COVID-19 Response Programme.
- Provide assistance to the branches and mission to enhance the understanding of the RC principles and auxiliary role in the humanitarian field and to develop effective humanitarian diplomacy, communications and external relations, and ensure that these build on and promote Red Cross priorities;
- Strength the perception of the Red Cross as a key and relevant humanitarian partner.
- If applicable and upon request, represent the Red Cross at national events taking place in the country – also at meetings which are of regional relevance.
Requirements/Qualifications/Competencies
- University degree in relevant areas such as International Law, International Development, International Relations, Humanitarian Action or equivalent;
- A minimum of five years of work experience in humanitarian diplomacy;
- Strong planning competencies.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills and coaching skills;
- Diplomacy and excellent interpersonal skills;
- Strong analytical skills;
- Ability to remain calm under pressure, prioritize work and ensure a smooth flow of information;
- Fluency in English required, understanding of Dutch/Papiamento is considered a strong asset;
- Working experience with the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement is a strong advantage;
- Knowledge of the Caribbean is required and working experience in the Caribbean is an advantage.
- Experience in training national staff and volunteers is an advantage.
Key competencies
- Able to work in a team
- High degree of integrity, discretion, and personal conduct
- Flexible and adaptable to changing working conditions
- Self-motivated, with good judgment and initiative
- Good interpersonal skills and high degree of cultural sensitivity
- Stress resistant
- Hands-on mentality
- Common sense
- Sense of humor
We offer
- An interesting role in an international working environment with the aim to help the vulnerable people of Aruba, Curacao and Sint-Maarten;
- A full time appointment (based on 40-hour work week) for 4 months, with a possibility of extension depending on the final end-date of the project;
- Well balanced employment conditions with space for initiative and development.
How to apply:
Applications:
Please send your resume and letter of motivation (in English) with reference to Rob Vugs latest by Sunday 1 November via https://werkenbij.rodekruis.nl/en/Vacancy/Apply/169561/humanitarian-diplomacy-advisory-delegate.html
Due to urgency in filling the vacancy, interviews will start as soon as suitable candidates have been identified; a candidate may be selected before the posted end-date.
For more information please contact Cecile de Milliano (cdemilliano@redcross.nl).
Acquisition for this vacancy will not be appreciated.