IFRC Disaster Response Dialogue Internship

In October 2011, Switzerland through its Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA) and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) convened the "International Dialogue on Strengthening Partnership in Disaster Response: Bridging National and International Support". The meeting gathered over 130 representatives from governments and humanitarian organizations to discuss how to improve cooperation in international disaster assistance, identify common challenges, exchange best practices, and develop new ideas for moving forward, with a particular focus on the role of affected states. At this meeting, participants recommended a range of actions, including efforts to share knowledge and foster additional dialogue on the humanitarian system.

The primary focus of the Disaster Response Dialogue is on disaster preparedness and response (including the important aspect of legal preparedness through the Disaster Law programme), recognising that there are other well established platforms for disaster risk reduction, with which the International Dialogue will maintain regular interactions. The dialogue is focusing on situations of natural disasters, yet it is important to acknowledge that disasters sometimes happen in situations of political instability or conflict, making the relation between national authorities and international organisations at times more challenging. The goal of the dialogue is to improve trust and mutual cooperation through an international dialogue between disaster-prone States and international humanitarian organisations, so that affected populations receive timely and effective humanitarian assistance, on the basis of their needs and with respect to human dignity.

The Disaster Response Dialogue is led by the Executive Coordinator, under the guidance and leadership of the 4 Co-conveners (SDC, ICVA, OCHA and the IFRC). A Strategic Plan for 2013-2015 and a related workplan provide the overall framework for the activities implemented as part of the Disaster Response Dialogue.

The intern will support the implementation of the Disaster Response Dialogue annual work plan in the areas of communication, research and administration.

Description of Key Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Develop regular communication to stakeholders, through the website and other relevant communication tools by: a) Ensuring the overall maintenance of the Disaster Response Dialogue website (www.drdinitiative.org) with the posting of regular information on the dialogue and on other relevant platforms/initiatives b) Writing short report summaries of meetings convened by the dialogue, to be shared with stakeholders c) Suggesting and developing communication tools that are complementary to the website, so that stakeholders receive regular information on relevant developments in the sector d) Regularly scan information from other platforms/initiatives, with a particular focus on regional initiatives, so that the dialogue can contribute to the dissemination of existing information
2. Support the research activities of the dialogue by: a) Undertaking literature review and desk-based research on some of the key thematic areas identified by the Disaster Response Dialogue (when there are identified knowledge gaps) b) Mapping out past and current research on issues related to the dialogue, particularly from research institutions in the South c) Documenting some of the current practices and lessons from disaster-prone countries that can be used as case studies for the Disaster Response Dialogue
3. Provide administrative and logistical support to a series of meetings/events by: a) Providing administrative and logistic support to the organisation of events in Geneva and abroad b) Supporting the development and maintenance of a database of key stakeholders
4. Other ad hoc tasks

How to apply:

Applications for this position must be submitted using JobNet, the Federation's online application system. To register and apply please click on the link: http://www.ifrc.org/jobs/geneva.asp