Head of Policy, Research and Legal – Geneva (Switzerland) At Geneva Call

Mission

In situations of armed conflict, Geneva Call, as a neutral, impartial and independent international humanitarian organization, endeavors to strengthen the respect of humanitarian norms and principles by Armed Groups and De facto Authorities (AGDA), in order to improve the protection of civilians, while supporting local communities in their efforts to enhance their own protection. Appel de Genève/Geneva Call is a private, not-for-profit, humanitarian organization foundation under Swiss law, founded in 1998.
Geneva Call consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. Geneva Call is an inclusive working environment for all its staff. Applications are particularly encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on the grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

Role

The role of the Head of Policy, Research, and Legal is to lead and manage the Policy, Research, and Legal unit, including by ensuring effective coordination and implementation of thematic projects; effective coordination and collaboration with other relevant units (MEAL, Global Engagement, Donor Relations, Programme, Regional Desks and Country missions). The Head of the unit will also lead Geneva Call’s promotion of International Humanitarian Law in global and regional forums and build cohesive relationships with key stakeholders.

Core responsibility

Strategy and unit development

Ensure coordination and implementation of the overall strategic objectives of the organization in the unit, including through the thematic projects.
Lead the development of Geneva Call’s positioning for the promotion of International Humanitarian Law, including through the engagement of armed groups and de facto authorities. This includes to lead the development of Geneva Call internal policy and position papers.
Lead the consolidation and development of International Humanitarian Law as a tool to foster AGDA compliance as well as the thematic approach of Geneva Call (existing and new thematics), incorporating other relevant frameworks and approaches, as appropriate.
Ensure that the Policy, Research, and Legal unit provides quality support and advise to Geneva Call management, operational and support units on international humanitarian law and humanitarian policy issues as well as technical guidance to the country missions on field-based research activities, including in coordination with MEAL.
Ensure the continued operational relevance and applicability of Geneva Call’s Engagement guidelines, based on the organization’s strategy and operational needs.
Oversees the effective tracking, monitoring, and analysis of compliance with Geneva Call’s Deed of Commitments as well as general AGDA compliance with International Humanitarian Law, in coordination and collaboration with MEAL, Programme, and regional desks and country missions.

Management

Line management of the Policy, Research, and Legal team.
Administrative and financial oversight of the projects of the Policy, Research, and Legal unit, ensuring quality implementation and reporting, in coordination with Donor Relations unit, MEAL, and Finance.

Fundraising

Develop high quality concept notes and project proposals for the Unit and in support of the country teams.
Engages and builds relations with donors in coordination with Donor Relations Units.

Representation

Develop relationships with international organisations and NGOs to support Geneva Call’s humanitarian engagement.
Represent Geneva Call at adocacy and coordination events/meetings with the international community and donors in coordination with Director of Operations, Donor Relations unit, and Global Engagement unit.

Main qualifications

Education

Completed master’s degree in International Law or International Humanitarian Law, or Human Rights Law.
PhD or equivalent professional experience preferred.

Languages

Fluency in English and French.

Main qualifications, experiences, and skills

Demonstrating integrity: upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to GC’s values.
Experience in external representation and development of donor relations in competitive environments.
Knowledge and understanding of the humanitarian challenges in relation to AGDA engagement from an operational and legal perspective.
Strong gender and conflict analysis skills, with the ability to articulate and design programs.
Demonstrated ability to set up learning and development processes for diverse teams at field and HQ.
Demonstrated experience in problem analysis and, program design.
Project cycle management (5 years).
Demonstrated ability to thrive in a matrix management environment.
Developed interpersonal and communication skills including influencing, negotiation, and coaching.
Strong communications skills (both written and verbal) at a level appropriate for high level external representation and ability to tailor communications to different audiences.
Interpersonal skills with experience of negotiation with weapon bearers and other stakeholders.
Willingness and ability to travel at short notice.

Years of Experience

Minimum of ten years of experience, combining rigorous legal research with a policy impact and operational experience.

Performance management

The employee will be accountable for the responsibilities and the competencies, in accordance with the GC Performance Management p. The following documents will be used for performance reviews:

The Job Description
The individual Work- and Professional Development Plan
The Competency Framework

Conflict of interest

Any candidate affiliated to, or openly supporting, one or more interest groups opposed to the Foundation’s principles and values, or whose previous position could engender safety issues for co-workers at Appel de Genève / Geneva Call, will be excluded from this selection process.