Senior Humanitarian Affairs Advisor (Geneva)

Center for Civilians in Conflict•Geneva, NM

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Humanitarian Affairs Advisor will serve as a primary representative between CIVIC and the Geneva-based diplomatic and humanitarian community. Operating within the organization's global humanitarian diplomacy hub architecture, the Advisor will drive influence strategies targeting multilateral forums and missions to ensure protection of civilians remains a core priority in humanitarian, human rights, and security discourses.

Requirements

Advanced degree in international relations, political science, humanitarian affairs, law, or related fields.
Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in diplomacy, humanitarian policy, or multilateral engagement.
Demonstrated track record influencing multilateral institutions (e.g., UNSC, UNHRC) on humanitarian or protection issues.
Strong familiarity with civilian protection, IHL, humanitarian access, and conflict dynamics.
Valid authorization to work in the Switzerland without the need for current or future visa sponsorship.
Deep understanding of Geneva’s policy and diplomatic architecture.
Exceptional interpersonal, negotiation, and representational skills.
Strong strategic thinking and ability to convert analysis into actionable influence plans.
Excellent written and verbal communication in English; proficiency in French is highly desirable.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively across remote, global teams.
Commitment to CIVIC’s values and mission.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with or in field-based humanitarian operations is a strong asset.

Responsibilities

Cultivate and manage high-level relationships with Permanent Missions, UN agencies, ICRC, OHCHR, and other multilateral actors.
Serve as focal point for CIVIC’s relationship with Swiss MoFA counterparts (FDFA/PHRD, Mediation Unit, SDC), and support preparation and follow-up of Swiss-funded initiatives (e.g., Geneva PoC Dialogue 2026).
Strengthen engagement with DFAT, the Australian Mission in Geneva, and relevant Canberra-based stakeholders; and coordinate with Development colleagues on proposal preparation as opportunities arise.
Position CIVIC as a trusted advisor on PoC issues by leveraging field data, thematic expertise, and policy analysis.
Map and monitor the Geneva influence ecosystem to identify strategic entry points for advocacy and coalition-building.
Lead the design and implementation of tailored advocacy strategies aligned with CIVIC’s global priorities and Geneva’s multilateral agenda.
Develop and deliver persuasive policy messages, briefings, and statements targeting key actors (e.g., UNHRC, ECOSOC, IASC).
Advance thematic initiatives (e.g., humanitarian access, misinformation, weapons) in partnership with HQ and other HD hubs.
Track global and regional policy trends, resolutions, and negotiations relevant to civilian protection.
Co-develop high-quality policy outputs—briefs, submissions, talking points—grounded in field evidence and aligned with Geneva discussions.
Advise CIVIC leadership and field teams on multilateral developments and influence opportunities.
Represent CIVIC in formal multilateral processes (e.g., HRC sessions, policy roundtables) and informal diplomatic convenings.
Strengthen alliances with like-minded NGOs, think tanks, and humanitarian partners to amplify CIVIC’s voice.
Identify opportunities for joint initiatives and shared advocacy campaigns.
Act as a Geneva focal point for integrating field-level priorities with global advocacy efforts.
Contribute to cross-hub learning, harmonized messaging, and joint campaigns coordinated by the Director, UN and Humanitarian Diplomacy.
Support internal alignment by liaising with program, research, and policy colleagues to ensure coherence.
Track and report on engagement outcomes, influence metrics, and lessons learned.
Provide input into donor proposals, grant reports, and fundraising strategies for Geneva-based advocacy work.