Project officer, food security, nutrition and livelihood

Background

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Strategy 2020 builds on the achievements under Strategy 2010 which demonstrated the comparative advantage of the International Federation to undertake direct action at community level while giving voice to the concerns and interests of vulnerable people.

Strategy 2020 recognizes the changing demography of the world, the increasing impact of climate change, unplanned urbanization, high levels of violence in society, involuntary migration pressures, new and emerging diseases, environmental degradation and the insecurity of access to water, food and natural resources as underlying causes of vulnerability. These trends are likely to result in different patterns of vulnerability as they interact in the future. Furthermore an already emerging pattern of increased small to medium scale disasters will require realignment of preparedness, response and recovery capacities of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

In order to meet these new challenges strategy 2020 has three strategic aims. These are to:
1. Save lives and help people prepare for and recover from disasters and crises.
2. Enable safer and healthy living, and make better provision for marginalised people
3. Promote social inclusion and contribute towards peace.

In order to achieve these ambitious aims the International Federation has agreed the need to build strong National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, pursue Humanitarian diplomacy to prevent and reduce vulnerability and function effectively as the International Federation.

The Disaster Response and Early Recovery (DRER) Division of the International Federation Secretariat has the responsibility to deliver on Aim 1 of Strategy 2020 and through its work contributes substantially to the achievement of Aims 2 and 3.

As a result of an increasing number of disasters triggered by natural and man-made hazards, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is in the process of scaling-up its actions in disaster risk reduction as a contribution to safety and resilience. Of particular concern is the increasing incidence of smaller scale disasters, with cumulative repetitive impacts that lead to substantial loss of life and livelihoods. This is often accompanied with damage to infrastructure, the economy and the environment.

The Community Preparedness and Disaster Risk Reduction Department works to support National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to work with communities at risk to be better prepared for and build resilience to disasters. The Department has a particular focus on three areas of concern, climate change adaptation, livelihood support and food security. This post will support departmental work in food security and Livelihoods.

Purpose of position

To support, the Community Preparedness and Disaster Risk Reduction Department, in implementing global food security and livelihood initiatives with a focus on capacity building.

Description of duties

1. Technical support and backup to the Senior Food Security and the Senior Livelihood officers in their technical areas of work.
2. Assist in the preparation of technical papers on food security, nutrition and livelihood, in cooperation with other technical departments.
3. Compile and prepare FS and livelihood applications & proposals to donors (eg EU etc), in close coordination with the Zones.
4. Support, the Senior FS and Livelihood Officers and the Zones to implement capacity building activities as agreed within respective Zonal and global strategies.
5. Support the organization of food security/livelihood learning, dissemination of tools, information and best practices.
6. Inform the Senior Officers and the Head of the Department on ongoing RC/RC research on food security, nutrition, climate change and livelihoods, and linking that up to relevant research of other agencies and research institutions.
7. Conduct any other duties, in a multi-functions team setup, as directed by the Head of department.

Required qualifications

Education:

- Degree in a subject related to food security, including public health.

Experience:

- Minimum of 5 years relevant international experience working in humanitarian and development programmes, particularly in relation to food security and/or livelihoods.
- Experience of working with the RCRC movement.
- Both field and headquarters experience would be an asset.

Skills:

- Ability to work in a multicultural environment.
- Sound analytical and synthesis skills linked to pragmatic approach, adapted to Red Cross and Red Crescent realities.
- Excellent oral, written and other communication skills.
- Good computer skills as a user.

Languages:

- Fluent written and spoken English.
- A good knowledge of one of the additional major languages of the Federation (French, Spanish and/or Arabic) would be an asset.

Competencies:

- Professionalism
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Accountability