Senior Officer, Operational Risk

Overview

Provide strategic and operational leadership for the implementation of IFRC’s operational risk management framework at regional level. Coordinate, facilitate, and embed risk management processes across regional programmes, operations, and functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation and coordination of operational risk management processes at regional level.
• Ensure operational risks are systematically identified, assessed, prioritised, and documented.
• Promote a proactive and anticipatory approach to operational risk management.
• Facilitate regular risk assessments with regional teams.
• Support risk owners in the design, implementation, and monitoring of risk treatment and mitigation measures.
• Monitor changes in operational risk exposure and the effectiveness of mitigation actions.
• Coordinate the timely reporting and escalation of operational risks.
• Contribute to regional and organisational risk reporting.
• Convene and facilitate quarterly meetings with designated risk owners.
• Prepare and submit a quarterly report on the evolution of regional operational risks.
• Act as a trusted advisor to Regional Leadership, Heads of Delegation, and operational managers on risk matters.
• Build risk management capacity across the region by delivering training, guidance, and on-the-job support.
• Promote shared understanding and consistent application of risk concepts.
• Ensure that operational risk management is embedded into regional planning, programme design, project management, and emergency response processes.
• Support the alignment between operational risk management and strategic risk insights.
• Work in close coordination with the Ethics, Risk and Compliance Department.
• Collaborate with functional leads to ensure holistic management of operational risks.
• Support National Societies in strengthening operational risk management capacities.

Required Experience

At least 5 to 7 years of progressively responsible experience in operational risk management, internal controls, or assurance functions within complex, decentralised or humanitarian organisations. Demonstrated experience in building and applying structured risk management frameworks across programmes, projects, emergency operations, and/or organisational functions. Practical experience supporting senior management and leadership teams with risk-informed decision-making, risk escalation, and mitigation planning. Demonstrated experience in managing complex multi-stakeholder processes, ideally in a Movement context. Proven experience in delivering risk management trainings. Experience working at regional or multi-country level, with the ability to balance global frameworks with local operational realities. Proven experience working in humanitarian, development, or mission-driven organisations, including exposure to fragile, high-risk, or rapidly changing operating environments. Experience working in a RC/RC National Society and/or Federation/ICRC.

Qualifications

Advanced university degree (master's level or equivalent) in risk management, business administration, international development, humanitarian affairs, or a related field.; or a first-level university degree combined with extensive relevant experience. Formal training or certification in risk management, internal controls, assurance, or enterprise risk management (e.g. ISO 31000, COSO ERM, PRINCE2 Risk, PMI‑RMP).

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