Head of Policy and Humanitarian Affairs – Job Share (60% FTE)

About us

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a neutral, independent organisation ensuring humanitarian protection and assistance for people affected by armed conflict and other violence. The Regional Delegation for the UK and Ireland engages with the British and Irish Governments on matters of humanitarian concern, builds support for the ICRC’s global operations and furthers understanding of international humanitarian law (IHL). The Delegation also maintains a close relationship with the British and Irish Red Cross Societies.

Our Diversity Commitment

ICRC celebrates diversity and we strive to make inclusion part of what we do every day.  We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination and we are committed to creating a diverse, multicultural environment.

Applicants with protected characteristics are strongly encouraged to apply.

About the role

The Head of Policy and Humanitarian Affairs manages a small dynamic team based in London, who take the lead, as requested, on the delivery of relevant strategies in the UK and Ireland, the main objectives of which are twofold: (i) to contribute towards enabling ICRC action to protect and assist people affected by armed conflict (AC) and other situations of violence; (ii) to influence the debate and secure improved decision-making on issues relevant to conflict, humanitarian action and international humanitarian law.

Reporting to and working as adviser to the ICRC Head of Delegation (advising as well his  deputy), the Head of Policy and Humanitarian Affairs develops and oversees the implementation of the delegation’s policy and humanitarian affairs strategy in the UK and Ireland, ensuring it is in line with the ICRC’s overall strategy. He/she is a member of ICRC’s global network of policy and humanitarian advisors, interacting regularly with the Policy and Humanitarian Diplomacy Divisions/Units at headquarters as well as with delegations around the world, thus contributing to policy formulation and ICRC’s humanitarian diplomacy. 

He/she works closely with the British Red Cross and Irish Red Cross ensuring optimal impact of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement’s policy and humanitarian diplomacy objectives.

This is an outward facing job as he/she represents the ICRC with the authorities and the wider humanitarian sector in the.

Person specification (qualifications, skills & experience required)

Essential

• Master’s degree in a relevant subject or equivalent experience;
• Extensive experience in humanitarian policy advocacy, diplomacy, conflict analysis and/or a relevant policy position (indicative is 10+ years);
• Proven ability to conduct and clearly communicate political and geopolitical analysis to inform UK policy influencing and guide strategy;
• Proven experience engaging with or supporting parliamentary activity, including select committees, the legislative process and broader cross-party stakeholder engagement;
• Knowledge and experience of working with government departments, as well as humanitarian/development organizations and think tanks;
• Proven experience of developing strong and extensive stakeholder networks and delivering high-impact influencing strategies;
• Excellent written and spoken English. French or other second language a plus;
• People management and leadership experience;
• Confirmed analytical, negotiation and presentation skills;

Desirable:

• Prior field experience with the ICRC or another humanitarian/development organization;
• Experience relating to emerging and new technologies used in modern warfare. For example: AI, autonomous systems, cyber capabilities, drones data systems and digital surveillance technologies and their impact on civilians;
• Experience of working with or within the UK security, defence, intelligence or national security sector;
• Understanding of IHL and centrality of protection to humanitarian action.

Further Details

This post is part of a job share and will be offered as part-time (21 hours/ 3 days per week) resident appointment based in our London office. The appointment will be offered on an open-ended contract from the beginning of September 2026 (or as soon as a start date is feasible).

The Head of Policy post receives a salary at C2 ICRC London grade and it will be pro-rata for this 3 day part time role (60% FTE); the salary below is indicative for the full time equivalent (100%)

(the final salary upon offer will be dependent on previous experience and relevant qualifications of the successful candidate):

ANNUAL BASE SALARY £ (GBP)

Humanitarian Affairs Coordinator C2

Tier 1               Tier 2                Tier 3

Min      Max      Min      Max       Min         Max

84,213 96,010 96,010 112,541 112,541 131,431

We currently operate on a hybrid office/homework basis, and there is an option to work from home for part of the week.

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Application Process

This is a call for expression of interest and the closing date for applications will be midnight on Sunday the 14th of June 2026.

Interviews will take place on Monday the 29th and Tuesday the 30th of June 2026. Successful applicants will be invited to attend a panel interview.

To apply please follow this link to complete the application form.

Please note that we will not be able to assess speculative CVs, unless accompanied by a completed application form as per the guidance in the link above.

Please address any questions to the delegation’s HR Manager, Aris Magkoutis (see details in the application form).

ICRC has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to work in the UK.