The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an impartial, neutral, and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and to provide them with assistance. The ICRC also endeavors to prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles.
The ICRC’s Regional Delegation in New Delhi carries out activities in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives, and supports humanitarian initiatives in other parts of the region based on its specific areas of expertise. The Regional Delegation works primarily with and through local partners, in particular, the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS), Maldivian Red Crescent (MRC) and the Bhutan Red Cross Society (BRCS). Other partners include government agencies, security forces, health institutions, universities, and think tanks.
Vacancy Announcement
The ICRC Regional Delegation in New Delhi is seeking a qualified candidate for the following position
Deputy Head of Delegation
for Humanitarian Affairs
The Deputy Head of Delegation for Humanitarian Affairs (Humanitarian Affairs Adviser 3) provides support to the delegation in the understanding of the wider humanitarian environment in India. S/He designs and delivers effective diplomatic and policy strategies/outcomes, shapes the delegation's engagement with governmental bodies and authorities, with humanitarian, multilateral and regional organizations, supporting the design and positioning of ICRC programmes. S/He contributes to the strategic thinking and strategies of other policy/diplomacy hubs.
RELATIONSHIPS
Internally, reports and coordinates with the Head of the Regional Delegation (HoRD, direct supervisor), rest of the management team and relevant coordinators, as well as the Policy and Humanitarian Diplomacy Division at headquarters and peers in the region. S/He will be the Reginal Delegation focal point with the Humanitarian Adviser network of London, Moscow, Paris, Washington, Beijing, Brussels, African Union (Addis Abeba) and New York delegations, interacting with other sub-regional diplomatic hubs accordingly (eg, Brazil, Pretoria, Cairo, Jakarta, Tokyo, Manila, etc.).
ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide strategic advice to the HoRD on overall engagement with governmental authorities, diplomatic missions, multilateral actors, UN agencies and humanitarian organizations, contributing to position the delegation at national, regional and international levels on key humanitarian issues.
- Lead and contextualize the delegation’s humanitarian diplomacy and multilateral strategy in India, strengthening the ICRC’s institutional positioning, building and maintaining a high-level network of stakeholders, and creating the foundations for sustained policy dialogue with selected stakeholders.
- Deliver forward-looking political and humanitarian analysis, including targeted research on and conceptualization of priority themes, to inform operational decision-making, prevention and protection objectives, and alignment with regional and global ICRC strategies.
- Serve as principal focal point on selected policy domains, ensuring coherent engagement with Geneva and with the wider network of ICRC diplomatic delegations to maximize impact.
- Represent the ICRC in high-level fora and official events, overseeing preparation of strategic messaging, briefings and reporting, and contributing to enhanced access, influence and operational space through consistent and effective external engagement.
GENERAL DUTIES
- Understands and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
- Understands and adheres to the ICRC Code of Conduct
- Understands the roles of the components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
- Respects and observes staff regulations and security rules at all times
- Develops and maintains a conducive working environment with colleagues and line managers
REQUIRED QUALIFITION & EXPERIENCE
- University degree in relevant subjects (e.g., international relations, social/political sciences, law, public policy or any other relevant field)
- Master’s degree or specialization in a related subject /experience.
- Minimum of 14 years’ overall professional experience with at least 10 years’ experience in humanitarian action or political affairs.
- Proven knowledge of the political and policy dynamics at national level and in relation with regional and international multilateral organizations/fora/platforms.
- Proven direct working experience within (or at least, with) national government or government-related stakeholders.
- Strategic understanding of national/regional/global relations and their interplay with humanitarian affairs.
- Proven direct working experience within (or at least, with) regional or international multilateral bodies on policy issues, an asset.
- Experience of working in coordination with/or knowledge of other components of the International RC/RC Movement, an asset.
- Fluency in the working languages in India - Hindi and English. Knowledge of additional Indian regional languages and/or French will be considered an added advantage.
ICRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. We recognise that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our organisation. We offer rewarding and enriching work in a humanitarian and international environment, to all job applicants, regardless of gender, race, and disability.
Qualified applicants are requested to submit their motivation letter, comprehensive CV, work certificates and salary expectations all in a single PDF document on del_hr_services@icrc.org.
The position opened to Indian and Nepalese Nationals Only
Last Date of sending application: 25 February 2026
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.