Developing Operational Leadership (DHEOps) Program

Organizational Context

This is not a job vacancy.

This is a call for expressions of interest to join the next cohort of the Developing Operational Leadership (DHEOps) Program. This development program is open to humanitarian staff and volunteers from National Societies, IFRC and ICRC.

The IFRC has long recognized the need to strengthen operational leadership capacity for medium- and large-scale emergency operations. The Developing Operational Leadership program supports experienced operations professionals to further develop the leadership capabilities needed to work with National Societies in complex and rapidly evolving emergency contexts.

Selected candidates join a 12-month, part-time development program combining personalized development planning, mentoring, training, peer learning and practical operational experience. Each participant is paired with an experienced operational leader as a mentor that supports them in developing and implementing a Personal Development Plan aligned with their operational background, development priorities and leadership aspirations.

For Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies, the program provides an opportunity to invest in staff or volunteers who have demonstrated operational experience, leadership potential, motivation and a commitment to continued learning. The program recognizes operational experience gained through both domestic and international emergency responses, with a particular focus on strengthening operational leadership capacity in those regions most affected by emergencies and crises.

Job Purpose

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Through the program, participants will strengthen a range of operational leadership capabilities, including their ability to:

• Provide operational leadership in complex emergency contexts, supporting National Society-led responses and aligning IFRC and wider Movement support with National Society priorities.
• Work with National Society leadership to translate strategic direction into clear operational priorities.
• Analyse rapidly changing contexts and power dynamics to inform strategic and operational decision-making.
• Anticipate and manage risks, making and communicating clear decisions in ambiguous, fluid and high-pressure situations.
• Build trusted relationships and influence decisions without direct authority.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams, empowering others to make decisions and creating an environment of empathy and psychological safety.
• Facilitate effective Membership and Movement Coordination, negotiate alignment and help partners agree on collective action.
• Integrate recovery, community engagement and accountability, and protection, gender and inclusion into operational decision-making.

Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)

Throughout the 12-month DHEOps program, participants are expected to:

• Take responsibility for their learning and development, demonstrating self-awareness and openness to feedback.
• Commit to work on personal development by addressing priority learning areas through a range of learning methods, including reading, formal training, simulations, peer exchange and reflection.
• Agree with their mentor on how they will work together and engage actively in the mentoring relationship.
• Participate actively in the program through monthly activities and engaging with mentor and peers.
• Commit to being released from their regular job or duties for approximately six weeks during the program to undertake operational assignments, deployments or other operational learning opportunities.
• Strengthen their understanding of relevant IFRC and Movement emergency response approaches, systems and procedures.
• Apply their learning in their current role, operational assignments and other relevant contexts.
• Contribute to operational leadership, mentoring, training and surge support across the Movement following completion of the program.

 

Education

Preferred:

Relevant university degree or equivalent knowledge within a relevant field
Training in disaster management or operations management 

Experience

Preferred

• 10 years’ experience in disaster management
• Demonstrated experience of successfully leading and coordinating humanitarian emergency response operations
• Demonstrated experience managing, developing and supporting diverse teams in emergency settings
• Knowledge of and experience working with National Societies
• Experience of working with, or alongside, governmental actors and non-
• Movement humanitarian organisations in emergency situations
• Familiarity with IFRC emergency response tools and systems, including how international support is mobilized and coordinated
• Experience participating in inter-agency coordination mechanisms, clusters/sectors and other external coordination fora
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary and geographically remote teams in insecure and challenging situations

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Preferred

• Proven analytical skills and the ability to think strategically and under pressure, without access to complete information
• Excellent diplomatic, communication, negotiation and influencing skills
• Proven skills in operational planning, budgeting and reporting
• Proven ability to build consensus and trust, facilitating collaboration among diverse stakeholders in complex operational environments
• Proven ability to ensure accountable, inclusive and people-centered approaches in emergency response operations

Competencies, Values and Comments

• Movement context, principles, and values
• Coordination
• Direction Setting and Quality Programme Management
• Resource Management
• Safety and Security
• Transition and Recovery
• Community engagement and accountability
• Protection, Gender, and Inclusion
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Conflict Management
• Interpersonal Communication
• Cultural awareness
• Judgement and decision making
• Integrity

How to apply

Please follow the below instructions closely:

• Review the DHEOps program brochure.
• Download and complete the Application Form.
• Obtain a Nomination Letter from your National Society, IFRC or ICRC line manager confirming:
• support for your participation in the program
• your availability to participate in program activities
• your availability to be released from regular duties for operational assignments and learning opportunities during the 12-month program
• support for your continued contribution to operational leadership initiatives across the Movement following completion of the DHEOps program
• Submit your application through this IFRC portal and attach:

• the completed Application Form
• your CV
• the Nomination Letter from your employer

Please note that the DHEOps Program is a professional development opportunity and that this call for expressions of interest is NOT a vacancy announcement. Any questions about the application process or the program should be sent to chiran.livera@ifrc.org or lotte.ruppert@ifrc.org

PLEASE NOTE APPLICATIONS THAT ARE INCOMPLETE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED