Engineer, Data Platform

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies. The overall aim of 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.

Background to the position

In virtually all countries, people increasingly rely on and expect a diverse range of data and digital services (e.g., through their mobile devices) to interact with local governments, companies, and community organizations and services. This disruption is already happening to humanitarian assistance. Yet, the Digital Divide remains a persistent and significant challenge at both national and local levels.

The need for a successful and large-scale digital transformation is urgent. Furthermore, digitally Transforming the IFRC and its 191 members is a complex process which requires collaborative action and support across the membership. Therefore, IFRC recently developed a Digital Transformation Strategy which was approved by the IFRC Governing Board in May 2021.

The Digital Transformation Department (DTD) has full leadership responsibility for the implementation of the digital transformation strategy and the positive impact it will have on the 191 National Society members of the IFRC. The DTD provides strategic leadership and guides the IFRC Secretariat as well as the members network to adapt and innovate humanitarian services, drawing on digital services, data-enabled decision-making, and other opportunities for digital transformation in support of the IFRC’s Strategy 2030.

Job Purpose

The Data Platform Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the global IFRC data platform solutions. This role involves engineering scalable and reliable data solutions to enable data ingestion, storage, processing, and analysis, ultimately leading to reliable data-enabled decision making.

The Data Platform Engineer will collaborate with multiple cross-functional teams at a global level, on a variety of projects that support the internal and external-facing activities of the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Work in close consultation and develop partnerships with colleagues with data roles across the secretariat in Geneva and in the regions.

Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)

Duties applicable to all staff:

• Work actively towards the achievement of the IFRC Secretariat’s goals.

• Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles.

• Perform any other work-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by

the line manager

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.

Experience

A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible postgraduate experience in data platforms engineering.

Core Expertise in the Microsoft Data Stack, in particular proficiency with Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Data Lake, and Azure SQL Database

Strong knowledge of Azure Cloud architecture and networking principles.

Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines for data workflows (e.g., using Azure DevOps).

Proficiency in Python, PowerShell, or similar scripting languages.

Strong knowledge of data platform technologies, including data ingestion, storage, processing, and analytics.

Strong experience with ETL tools like SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) and Azure Data Factory.

Familiarity with Microsoft Azure services such as Azure Data Lake, Azure Synapse Analytics, and Azure Databricks.

Proficiency in database design, data warehousing, and data integration concepts

Proficiency in cloud platforms and technologies, such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.

Experience with big data technologies, such as Hadoop, Spark, and distributed storage systems

Familiarity with data governance, data security, and data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).

Experience within the RC/RC Movement and/ or international humanitarian or development organizations will be preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Strong strategic and conceptual thinking; setting meaningful, long-term vision and strategy, consider long-term potential, propose challenging strategic goals.

Propensity for embracing change and ambiguity: anticipate emerging conditions and demands, embrace widespread organisational change, navigate complex dynamics, view uncertainty and disruption as an opportunity.

Ability to drive results, and create culture that fosters proactive action, actively prioritize, set high standards.

Developing others: Push autonomy and empowerment, view people development as imperative, create culture of accountability

Data products development, business value development, data product deployment, and resource mobilization.

Knowledge on applying artificial intelligence techniques, such as NLP and machine learning will be preferred

Data modelling, statistics. will be preferred

Strong presentation, written and oral communication skills.

Able to network effectively and influence and inspire others including peers, the membership and other stakeholders.

Focused on quality and standards, results, and accountability

Excellent interpersonal skills; proven people’s management skills (staff and consultants), including conflict resolution

Preferred Certifications:
Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate.

Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert.

Proactive approach to finding creative and constructive solutions to difficult issues.

Proven teamwork and trust-building skills, including development of effective and efficient networks and partnerships within and outside of the organisation

Proven training, knowledge transfer and supervisory skills as part of the people’s management.

Competencies, Values and Comments

Competencies, Values and Comments

Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability

Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust

Functional competencies: Strategic orientation; Building alliances; Leadership; Empowering others