Vacancy Notice: Political & Policy Advisor

Political & Policy Advisor At The ICRC Mission in Tokyo

 

Job purpose

 
Under the supervision of the Head of Mission and as the principal researcher and analyst, the Political & Policy Advisor helps the ICRC to develop a full understanding of the political and humanitarian environment at national and regional levels, as well as policy debates in Japan on issues of interest to the ICRC.

S-He promotes the understanding and knowledge of international humanitarian law, and of the ICRC’s mandate and activities, in particular by national authorities, Japanese Self-Defense Forces, political and diplomatic circles, general public, think tanks, other humanitarian organizations, private sector, etc.

S-He helps to ensure the diplomatic and financial support of the Government of Japan and other decision-makers to the ICRC, to shape in Japan the debate on key humanitarian issues, and to reinforce the ICRC’s positioning as a leading international humanitarian actor.

We offer a full-time open contract with a three-month probation period.
 

Main responsibilities

 

Humanitarian diplomacy and IHL promotion

• Represent the ICRC and present accurately IHL and other humanitarian issues of particular concern to ICRC to a wide range of audiences.
• Prepare and organize high level meetings with interlocutors of Japanese Government, armed forces, parliamentarians/political circles, and civil society, and accompany these visits as appropriate.
• Inform and advise the Head of Mission on policy issues, taking into account projects or topics of institutional priority.
• Map relevant influential governmental and civil society actors in Japan and contributes to maintaining/developing meaningful working relationship.

Research and analysis

• Research, document and analyze the political and humanitarian environment in Japan and the region, as well as the policies and debates on current and emerging issues that may have an impact on ICRC’s working environment in Japan and worldwide.
• Compile periodic institutional reporting.
• Contribute to the briefing of visitors and newly hired staff on political and humanitarian situation programmes and activities under his/her responsibility.

Planning and implementation of objectives

• Develop and implement objectives, strategies, and plans of actions in his/her areas of responsibility, in accordance with operational priorities of the delegation and the institution.
• Manage the budget for activities in her/his areas of responsibility.

General duties

• Respect the mandate of the ICRC and the principles the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement and adhere to staff regulations and security rules of the ICRC in Japan
• Interpret and translate for Head of Mission with accuracy, when required.
• Other tasks as reasonably required for operational reasons.

 

Selection requirements and experience

 

• University degree or equivalent in International Relations, Political Sciences, Public Policy, International Law; knowledge of International Humanitarian Law and of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement an asset.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in governmental and/or international institution, preferably in humanitarian or aid sector
• Fluent in written and spoken English and native Japanese written and spoken. French and other language an asset
• Capacity and willingness to travel in Japan and to ICRC operational areas
• Japanese nationality or valid permanent working permit

 

Your profile

 

• Strongly motivated by humanitarian work, with capacity to engage, persuade and influence others.
• Enjoying personal credibility and irreproachable/exemplary conduct track records. High ethical values.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to create and maintain partnerships at all levels of the delegation, both with staff and managers. Proven ability to lobby and network with a wide range of individuals and institutions.
• Robust analytical and organizational skills and ability to set and handle multiple priorities, and to deliver in an autonomous and accountable manner under strict deadlines and within short notice.
• Excellent public communication/presentation and written skills.

 

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We offer a rewarding and enriching work in a unique humanitarian Institution and international environment and also:

• Initial training and on-boarding
• Possibilities of participating in a transformation working environment and to share best practice and experiences with other colleagues in your field of expertise within the region and globally
• A competitive salary with benefits

Starting date: December 2018 (negotiable)

 

Qualified applicants are requested to submit CV and letter of motivation in English and in Japanese, as well as salary expectations from following link.
Application Form

For further details, please contact Mr Naoto Shinoda (nshinoda@icrc.org)
phone +81 3 66285450

 

Deadline for applications: 31 October 2018

(Only short-listed candidates will be contacted)