International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 192-member National Societies. The overall aim of the IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises. IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services. IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. IFRC also has country cluster delegation and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat. This position sits in the Asia-Pacific Regional Office. Most of the National Societies in Asia Pacific (AP) Region are engaged into pre-hospital care, community-based health and WASH interventions, in both emergency and developmental contexts. Strategy 2020 introduced the concept of resilience and inclusiveness and is based on domestic programming of National Societies. Strategy 2030 is further positioning National Societies within the Universal Health Coverage agenda, with a strong focus on community health and epidemic pandemic preparedness and response. As well, health, including WASH, is a top crucial contribution from National Societies towards strengthening resilience in the face of changing climate, urbanization (coastal cities), localization, migration challenges, chronic poverty etc. As such, the Regional Office will enhance its support to the National Societies in a balanced way and in full alignment with global health directions and strategies.