HQ HR Manager for Operations Department

icrc • Geneva (GVA), CH, 32115 • 2w ago

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and, at the same time, promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Purpose of the role

The HR Manager for the Operations Department at Headquarters is an integral part of the PFM_PARTNER_HQ unit, positioned within the PFM_PARTNER Unit. The role provides HR support and services to managers and staff at the ICRC Headquarters (HQ) in Geneva, from within the Department of Operations. The role holds end-to-end accountability for workforce outcomes across the Department of Operations ensuring high-quality, impactful HR services to drive organizational effectiveness and sustainable performance.

Relationships

Internally, interacts with staff and management of the Department of Operations at Headquarters. Partners closely with Directors, Operating Managers, senior leaders, HR Business Partners, HR Managers, and Centers of Expertise.
Externally, engages with HR networks, peer organizations, and relevant external stakeholders for benchmarking and best practices.

Main duties and responsibilities

HR Operations and Service Delivery

Ensure end-to-end HR service delivery across the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, development, rewards, and employee relations.
Guarantee consistency and compliance with internal policies, the Collective Staff Agreement, and applicable labor law.
Coordinate with HR Managers, Shared Services, and Centers of Expertise to ensure coherent and efficient delivery.
Oversee and assist in the recruitment process, ensuring adequate position staffing. Support internal and external new hires, coordinating with the Legitimation Card Specialist and HR
Shared Services in Manila using designated ticketing systems (My request, ECM, etc).
Monitor and continuously improve HR service quality and user experience.

Culture, Leadership and Engagement

Support leaders in fostering a culture of inclusion, accountability, and trust aligned with ICRC values.
Coach managers on leadership, team performance, and conflict management.
Promote employee engagement, wellbeing, and psychological safety.
Ensure effective feedback loops between staff and leadership.

Governance and Compliance

Ensure adherence to HR policies, the Collective Staff Agreement, and applicable labor law.
Handle sensitive HR matters with discretion, including conflict resolution and misconduct prevention.
Promote fairness, consistency, and integrity in all HR practices.

Education and experience required

University degree (HR specialization preferred), Human resource federal diploma in higher education (Brevet Federal) beneficial.
Typically, 8-10 years of overall professional experience, with at least 4 years in HR roles, including HR Manager in the field or other HR-metier-focused roles within the organization.
Comprehensive understanding and experience with ICRC HR practices, sound knowledge of ICRC HR systems, and familiarity with ICT tools used.
In-depth knowledge of employment law (knowledge of Swiss Labor law is a significant advantage), HR administration, compensation and benefits, performance management, learning and development, employee relations, staff health and safety, and employee engagement.
Experience in managing HR operations in complex and challenging field environments.

Desired profile and skills

Experienced and solution-focused HR professional with a proven track record in HR operations.
Sound relationship management and interpersonal skills characterized by empathy, active listening, openness, assertiveness, and curiosity.
Detail-oriented, with the confidence and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, deal with complexity and uncertainty, and maintain focus on long-term strategic goals while being client-oriented.
Strong capacity to adapt, work under pressure, and handle paradoxes within a matrix organizational structure, fostering collaboration and teamwork without relying on traditional hierarchical lines.
Demonstrated ability to connect and work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and nationalities, showing respect for cultural sensitivities.
Willingness and capacity to balance strategic thinking and client-oriented work with the readiness to handle administrative tasks, ensuring diligent follow-up and execution.
Fluent in French and English, both spoken and written.
Computer literacy

Additional information

Location: Geneva
Type of contract: Open-ended
Activity rate: 100%
Start date: July-Aug 2026
Recruiter: Diara NIANG
Application deadline: Wednesday, 6th of May 2026

Important information: For employees and their dependents who are not EU and/or EFTA nationals, settling in Switzerland is now required. Direct settlement in France upon arrival is no longer possible.

Are you interested in shaping how integrity comes to life at the ICRC?

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

Our values

At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.