Head of Investigations

icrc • Geneva (GVA), CH, 32580 • 3d ago

About the ICRC

Since 1863, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has worked to relieve suffering and preserve human dignity during war and armed violence. Alongside our Red Cross and Red Crescent partners, we deliver life-saving aid across front lines and strive to reconnect families and locate missing people.

Engaging with authorities and armed forces on all sides, often confidentially, we advocate for humane treatment of detainees and urge compliance with international humanitarian law to protect civilians from harm, including online.

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Investigations leads the institutional response to allegations of misconduct across the ICRC. Based within the Ethics, Risk and Compliance Office (ERCO) and reporting to the Chief Ethics, Risk and Compliance Officer, the role oversees all activities of the ERCO Investigation Unit, the sole body mandated to coordinate the organization’s response to misconduct.

The unit’s mandate covers fraud, corruption, sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, harassment, abuse of power, discriminatory conduct, retaliation against whistleblowers, and any other breach of the ICRC Code of Conduct.

The Head of Investigations works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to direct investigations of alleged misconduct and policy violations, and represents the Investigation Unit in discussions with senior management, including Heads of Departments, Regional Directors and Heads of Delegations.

Reports to (role):

Chief Ethics, Risk and Compliance Officer

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Lead the overall response to allegations of misconduct across the organization, overseeing intake and analysis, digital forensics, investigative missions, case management, categorization and prioritization, and reporting on alleged violations of the ICRC Code of Conduct.
Ensure efficient, high-quality investigations of alleged misconduct reported to the ICRC ERCO, in line with best practices, Conference of International Investigators (CII) standards, organizational policies, and a victim/survivor-centered approach.
Provide leadership, vision and guidance to a multidisciplinary global team of approximately 30 investigators, analysts, and legal and case management officers at Headquarters and in the field.
Drive the development of ICRC’s investigative capacity, including proactive investigations, by identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to advance organizational strategic goals in line with the ICRC Institutional Strategy.
Analyze trends, monitor high-risk cases, and report findings to the Chief Ethics, Risk and Compliance Officer.
Participate in briefings to senior management, including the Directorate, Regional Directors and Heads of Delegations, on existing and emerging misconduct issues and trends.
Represent the Investigation Unit in meetings with senior leadership, ICRC Governance bodies, and external stakeholders, including in the absence of the Chief Ethics, Risk and Compliance Officer.

Professional & Education Background

Master’s degree in international law, humanitarian law, business administration, political science or a related field.
15+ years of relevant professional experience, including significant leadership of investigation functions.
Professional certification in investigations, risk or compliance management desirable (e.g. CFE, CIA, CPA, CRMA).
Certification in project management or equivalent practical experience.
Full professional proficiency in English required. French and/or other languages are an asset.

Key Competencies

Demonstrates strong leadership and the ability to guide teams toward achieving organizational goals.
Holds self and others accountable for actions, ensuring decisions and processes are transparent and aligned with ICRC values.
Manages a team effectively, ensuring development, support, and accountability.
Promotes a collaborative team environment, fostering positive relationships and teamwork across ICRC functions.
Represents the ICRC externally and ensures alignment with its mission and values.
Focuses on meeting the needs of ICRC staff and other internal clients, ensuring services align with expectations.

Additional Information

Type of Mobility: Rotation Required
Length of the assignment: 4 years
Working rate: 100%
Start Date: September 2026
Location: Geneva
Recruiter: Alejandra Rodriguez
Application deadline: 30 June 2026

Important information: For future 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.

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.

Are you ready to explore the next chapter of your career? Apply now!