Title: Senior Advisor, Humanitarian Diplomacy, Policy and Movement Relations
Employee Working Location: Partially Virtual / Hybrid (Ottawa, ON)
Employment Status: Temporary Full-time (13 months)
The Canadian Red Cross (Red Cross) – an inspirational not for profit organization, helps people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and supports them in strengthening their resilience. As a Canada’s Best Employers 2026, we are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free work environment.
In this role, you will:
- Provide expertise strategic advice and guidance to senior leadership and operational teams on humanitarian diplomacy, principled assistance, Movement engagement, and external policy positioning.
- Lead the development of institutional positions, advocacy strategies, and engagement frameworks aligned with humanitarian principles and organizational priorities.
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners (ICRC, IFRC, and National Societies), fostering collaboration and coordinated approaches.
- Represent the organization in high-level Movement coordination platforms, diplomatic engagements, and relevant external policy fora including with the humanitarian sector and government stakeholders.
- Conduct timely research, contextual analysis, and rapid assessments on key humanitarian and geopolitical developments to inform strategic decision-making and advocacy.
- Develop high-quality briefing notes, position papers, talking points, and other communication tools for internal and external stakeholders.
- Track emerging trends, political dynamics, and policy developments related to humanitarian diplomacy, protection of humanitarian space, and Movement relations.
- Support the organization in navigating complex coordination issues within the Movement, offering political analysis and technical advice on principled humanitarian action and on Movement governance.
- Contribute to internal capacity strengthening by designing and delivering training, tools, and guidance related to humanitarian diplomacy and Movement engagement.
- Organize and manage the flow of information, ensuring that strategic documents, decisions, and resources are systematically maintained and accessible.
- Lead the planning and coordination of events including Movement visits, including setting project plans and coordinating others to achieve timelines and deliverables.
- Provide operational support as required in relation to humanitarian diplomacy and other relevant areas.
What we are looking for:
- Qualifications include a minimum of 6-9 years experience and a university degree in international relations, public policy, humanitarian studies, political science, law, or a related field and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- May require a graduate diploma/degree in a related field and/or a professional degree, certification, or designation.
- Requires expertise in a specialized discipline or broad experience across fields, along with an understanding of interconnections between processes and business units.
- Demonstrated experience working within or closely with components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (e.g., ICRC, IFRC, or a National Society).
- Proven track record in developing policy positions, advocacy strategies, and high-level briefing materials for internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience representing an organization in strategic, diplomatic, or policy forums at the national, regional, or international level.
- Experience conducting political and humanitarian analysis in complex, dynamic contexts.
- Experience developing project plans and coordinating the work of others to deliver on shared objectives.
- Deep understanding of humanitarian diplomacy, principled humanitarian action, and the global humanitarian policy environment.
- Strong knowledge of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement structure, mandates, and coordination mechanisms.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and SharePoint.
- Ability to identify complex problems, analyze interrelated factors, assess and mitigate risks, and develop solutions using specialized skills.
- Communication and influence skills to gather perspectives, understand needs, and present information to reach consensus, often in somewhat sensitive situations.
Working Conditions:
- The majority of work will be conducted from an office-like setting.
- May require travel to safe locations; limited exposure to adverse conditions.
- Work requires the ability to work to deadlines.
- Work requires interactions with dissatisfied clients and the resolution of complex client issues.
- As we work with and support people (managers, colleagues, beneficiaries/customers, volunteers, donors and external partners) and communities in Canada and around the world, applicants whose first language is not English may be required to perform the responsibilities of the role in English.
- Eligibility to work in Canada: At this time, we welcome applications from candidates eligible to work in Canada. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, we encourage you to carefully review your visa to find out whether you are eligible to work in the job you are considering applying for. Refer to our FAQ for more information.
- If you are selected for this role, you will be required to complete a successful pre-employment screening process which includes a satisfactory Enhanced Police Information Check (E-PIC).
