VICE-CHAIR OF GLOBAL INDEPENDENT BOARD OF APPEAL (GIBA)

Requisition ID:  15447Region:  Europe & Central AsiaContract type:  Open-ended contractReports to (role)

Chair of Global Independent Board of Appeal (GIBA)What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and other situations of 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 other situations of violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.Organizational context

The Global Independent Board of Appeal (hereafter “GIBA” or “Board”) is an internal review mechanism offered by the ICRC to employees that allows them to challenge employer decisions affecting them if they believe that such decisions infringe their rights and/or are in breach of internal rules and regulations. It is meant to ensure independent review of specific employment disputes internally. The GIBA is an internal administrative body vested with the power and responsibility to make objective, independent and impartial recommendations on cases brought before it.

In order to fulfil its mandate in a professional and impartial manner, the Board is presided by a Chair, independent from the ICRC management and governance. 

The Chair heads the GIBA Secretariat and manages individual cases with the support of a network of GIBA Members constituted of voluntary ICRC employees (Peer Members). In compliance with the GIBA Rules and Regulations, the Chair is not under any hierarchical supervisor and performs his/her functions independently, and in a way, which allows for effective and collegial decision-making with Peers selected and/or the Vice-Chair to ensure institutional consistency.

The Chair and Vice-Chair of the GIBA are appointed by the ICRC Supervisory and Selection Committee, composed equally of representatives of the ICRC and ICRC staff. 

The ICRC is currently in the process of establishing the GIBA, with a target launch foreseen in Q2 2021.Main responsibilities

The Vice-Chair supports the work of the Board and its Secretariat and reviews individual cases with the support of a network of GIBA Peer Members. He/She is in charge of:

Case Management

• Determining over cases submitted before the GIBA in line with the Board’s scope of review, which includes in particular:
  • Reviewing files submitted by the appellant and the employer;
  • Conducting hearings with the appellant, representatives of the employer and other interested parties (witnesses); 
  • Overseeing the admissibility of the appeal conducted by Case Manager(s) and assessment of evidence submitted by the appellant to support their appeal; 
  • Ensuring that the appellant and other individuals participating in the appeal proceedings can exercise their rights according to the GIBA Rules of Procedures; 
  • Analyzing all aspects of each appeal submitted, in particular by assessing grievances against applicable rules and procedures, considering the evidence presented and listening to testimonies; 
  • Guiding, training and supporting Peer Members in their role by notably explaining applicable rules, regulations and technical terms; 
  • Using sound judgement based on evidence to make the right recommendations, while ensuring to maintain an impartial stance in all circumstance;
  • Ensuring that proceedings are conducted in compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
• Drafting clear and concise decisions and recommendations related to GIBA activities;
• Collaborating, upon request, with the Legal Adviser in the delivery of training activities or related advisory support.
   

Communication and accountability 

• Ensuring consistency in the conclusions and recommendations issued by the Board to ensure a coherent jurisprudence of the Board;
• Coordinating and monitoring the Case Manager(s) in documenting and filling of all information regarding cases, case management system and other administrative processes and in overseeing the selection, compliance and allocation process of cases among “Peer Members”;
• Supporting the Chair in the preparation of the GIBA Annual Report, which presents the work of the Board, and provides recommendations to inform and improve ICRC internal processes. 

People management responsibilities

NoRelationships

• Internally, interacts with the GIBA Chair, other governing bodies such as the GIBA Supervisory & Selection Committee, senior management or functional services (HR, Legal, Global Compliance Office, Office of the General Counsel, etc.), and staff members at all levels when managing cases directly.
• Externally, interacts with peers in other international organizations, auditors or legal professionals when necessary.

Education and experience required

• Typically 12-15 years’ overall professional experience.
• Solid experience in the law of the international civil service or administrative law and/or dispute resolution or the judiciary (court or tribunal). 
• University degree in law or labour law/human resources management degree (M.A. or L.L.M. would be an asset).
• Proven managerial experience supervising a team within a multi-cultural working environment, a plus. 
• Experience in the legal sector with UN/NGO entities or a multinational dimension, a strong asset.
• Certification in employment law would be a strong advantage.
• Excellent command of English in combination with French (B2 minimum), professional knowledge of Arabic, Spanish or Russian would be an advantage.
• Knowledge or experience of the ICRC, a plus.
• Good computer skills.

Desired profile and skills

• Strongly motivated by humanitarian work
• Excellent communication and leadership skills 
• Rigour and precision
• Critical-thinking and decision-making skills
• Outstanding problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills
• Emotional intelligence, active listening and facilitation skills
• Excellent levels of integrity, morality, honesty, and responsibility
• Ability to collaborate in a team, set priorities and work under pressure

What we offer

• An opportunity to work for the world’s oldest and unique humanitarian organisation
• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment
• Exciting professional development and stimulating benefits package
• A full-time resident position based in Brussels, Belgium

Additional information

• Location:Brussels, Belgium
• Working rate: 100%
• Type of role: Resident contract 
• Starting date: January 2021
• Length of assignment: 4 years mandate, renewable
• Type of contract: Open-ended contract
• Application deadline: 30 September 2020

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

Apply now »